Public hearings set to explore dog-training legislation

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has worked for more than a year on rule changes to address confusion with a statute that requires its director’s permission to train dogs within a mile of nesting habitat. However, because the Environmental Quality Council wants to address the statute itself, Fish, Wildlife and Parks will work with the council on a legislative proposal for the 2019 session.

The issue has received attention in the past few years as upland gamebird hunters have complained about large commercial dog-training operations scattering birds on public land. These operations often work with up to 60 dogs with trainers on horseback — intense activity that can impact local bird populations, displace gamebirds and decrease hunting opportunities. The proposed rule was developed to address problems with large-scale commercial dog training operations while also allowing dog training efforts with small numbers of dogs.

The scheduled public hearings will continue, but rather than taking comment on the proposed rule, Fish, Wildlife and Parks staff will take public comment on what potential legislation might look like.

A nearby public hearing will be held Oct. 10, 6 p.m. at Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 1 headquarters at 490 N. Meridian Rd. in Kalispell.

Concerned persons must submit their data, views or arguments in writing by Oct. 13 to Enforcement Division, Attn: Mike Lee, Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, Montana, 59620-0701; or via email to FWPDogTraining@mt.gov.