Rep. Paul Fielder

Maddy summaryHB 259 revises Montana's gray wolf management rules to give the Fish and Wildlife Commission more flexibility in controlling wolf populations. It allows landowners to kill wolves threatening livestock or safety without a hunting license (subject to reporting and annual quotas), expands hunting/trapping on private land at night using thermal/infrared scopes, and permits unlimited wolf harvest in high-population areas. The bill directly affects landowners, hunters, and the Fish and Wildlife Commission, which must implement these changes. Key provisions include new landowner take rules, modified hunting seasons based on regional wolf numbers, and immediate implementation upon enactment.

Maddy summaryHB 57 would amend Montana law to officially include California quail and Gambel's quail in the state's definition of "upland game birds" under Section 87-2-101, MCA. This change would directly affect hunters and wildlife managers by adding these quail species to the list of birds subject to regulated hunting seasons, bag limits, and conservation practices already applied to birds like pheasants and grouse. The bill specifically updates the legal definition without altering hunting seasons or regulations, ensuring these quail would be managed under existing upland game bird frameworks. The bill was introduced by request of the Environmental Quality Council but died in process on May 22, 2025.

Maddy summaryHouse Bill 258 (HB 258) aimed to revise laws concerning wolf hunting in Montana. The bill would have required the Fish and Wildlife Commission to authorize an annual wolf hunting season. Its main provision was to extend this wolf hunting season to conclude concurrently with the spring bear hunting season, allowing for specific regional adjustments by the commission. This legislation would have directly impacted wolf hunters and the state's wildlife management policies for wolves.

Maddy summaryHB 295, titled "Revise laws related to judicial transparency and elections," sought to change rules for judicial candidates in elections. The bill would have allowed candidates for judicial office to indicate a political party affiliation on their declaration for nomination. This affiliation would then be permitted to appear on the election ballot alongside the candidate's name. Additionally, the bill would have allowed judicial candidates to publicly announce their political party affiliations and any campaign endorsements they received.

Maddy summaryHB 817 revises hunting license laws to allow youth under 18 with a life-threatening illness to receive a free special permit license for elk, deer, or antelope. To qualify, these youth must be recommended by a Montana charity or nonprofit organization. The Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks can also waive hunter safety requirements for these youth. The department has the authority to limit the number of these special permits issued annually to 25.

Maddy summaryHB 96 creates a trapper apprentice program in Montana, allowing individuals aged 10 and older to learn trapping under a mentor's supervision. The bill revises the existing apprentice hunting certificate to include trapping, enabling apprentices to obtain a Class C or Class C-2 trapping license. Apprentices must complete a trapper education course within two license years (or before age 12 if completed early) and be accompanied by a mentor during trapping activities. This program aims to provide structured training while ensuring safety and conservation through education.

Maddy summaryHB 95 amends Montana law to allow landowners or employees to trap muskrats or beavers causing severe damage to rural or urban developed structures without a permit during the closed season (outside June 1-August 31), expanding the existing exception for irrigation projects and stock ponds. It directly affects property owners and managers of residential, commercial, or municipal structures facing damage from these animals. The key provision adds "rural or urban developed structures" to the list of protected properties eligible for damage-based trapping, while maintaining the June 1-August 31 permit-free period. The bill takes effect September 1, 2025.