87-2-730. Special wild buffalo license -- regulation. - Montana Statutes

     87-2-730. Special wild buffalo license -- regulation. (1) The public hunting of wild buffalo or bison that have been designated as a species in need of disease control under 81-2-120 is permitted only when authorized by the department of livestock under the provisions set forth in 81-2-120.
     (2) The department may issue special licenses to hunt wild buffalo or bison designated as a species in need of disease control when authorized by the department of livestock.
     (3) The department shall adopt rules in cooperation with the department of livestock. The rules must provide for:
     (a) license drawing procedures;
     (b) drawing and application fees consistent with 87-2-113;
     (c) notification of license recipients as to when and where they may hunt, but notification may not include information regarding the actual physical location of a wild buffalo or bison other than the prescribed hunting district where the animal may be taken;
     (d) fair chase hunting of wild buffalo or bison, including requirements that hunting be conducted on foot and away from public roads and that there be no designation of specific wild buffalo or bison to be hunted;
     (e) means of taking and handling of carcasses in the field, which must include provisions for public safety because of the potential for the spread of infectious disease;
     (f) tagging requirements for carcasses, skulls, and hides;
     (g) possession limits;
     (h) requirements for transportation and exportation; and
     (i) requirements and criteria for authorization by the state veterinarian and the department of livestock of any public hunting.

     History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 604, L. 2003.