Bill No.: HB0213                  Drafter:  LGC

LSO No.:  07LSO-0333              Effective Date:  7/1/2007

Enrolled Act No.:       HEA0123

Chapter No.:            <chptnum>

Prime Sponsor:          Representative Childers

Catch Title:            Game and fish-wolf management.

Subject:                Management of wolves as trophy game animals.

Summary/Major Elements:

· The act does not go into effect until wolves are removed from the endangered species list and all claims and appeals in the state's lawsuit regarding wolves have been decided or settled.

· After February 29, 2008, the act will also not be effective unless the federal government modifies existing 10(j) rules or enters into an agreement with the state to provide adequate protection of wild ungulate populations.

· The governor is to certify the occurrence of contingencies regarding whether the act is effective and file that certification with the secretary of state.

· The act sets a boundary in the northwest part of the state largely including federal lands where wolves are designated and will be managed as trophy game animals.

o This boundary may be diminished by the commission if it determines that diminution would not impede the delisting of gray wolves from the endangered species list; and

o The boundary may be expanded by the governor and the commission up to the boundaries requested by the fish and wildlife service if necessary to achieve delisting.

· The act gives the commission authority to classify wolves as trophy game animals in other areas of the state if the commission determines that it is necessary to ensure seven breeding pairs of gray wolves are located in the state and outside Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks and John D. Rockefeller, Jr. memorial parkway.

· The act changes from minimum number of packs to minimum number of breeding pairs and defines a breeding pair as an adult male and an adult female gray wolf raising at least two pups of the year until December 31.

· The act requires aggressive management of wolves including:

o Population monitoring using global positioning systems, radio collars and aerial tracking;

o Aerial hunting and hazing and issuance of lethal take permits;

o Notification to the department within 48 hours when a wolf is killed in a trophy game area;

o Protection of big and trophy game populations when there are at least seven breeding pairs outside the parks;

o Lethal control and issuance of annual permits to landowners for lethal control of wolves harassing, injuring, maiming or killing livestock or other domesticated animals or occupying areas where chronic wolf predation occurs; and

o Development of a compensation program for reimbursement for livestock lost to wolf predation.

· The act gives the game and fish commission rulemaking authority for various aspects of wolf management.

Comments:

· Contains delayed effective/repeal date – contains a provision that prevents the act from going into effect unless specified actions occur, and repeals the act if specified actions do not occur by February 29, 2008.

· Requires a report – The director of the department shall report to the joint travel committee and the joint agriculture committee by October 1, 2007.