Montana
Montana Senate debates wolf management bills
HELENA — The Montana Senate debated several House Bills Friday that could have a big impact on wolf management in the Treasure State.
The first bill heard was House Bill 176, sponsored by Rep. Shannon Maness, R-Dillon, which would require unlimited wolf hunting if the wolf population was over 550 animals statewide. The bill does provide for an exemption to the quota in the area around Yellowstone National Park.
(Watch to see legislators debate wolf management at the Montana Capitol)
Montana Senate debates wolf management bills
A 2023 Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks report estimated the state’s wolf population at around 1,100 animals.
Proponents of the legislation say it is needed because they don’t believe the current wolf management in the state is working.
“The supporters of wolves, nor the [Montana] Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks have offered any alternatives,” said Sen. Vince Ricci, R-Billings. “And so I think these bills are kind of forced on us because of the lack of support from FWP or the people that are supporters of the wolves not bringing any alternatives.”
Opponents of HB 176 say it’s applying methodology too broadly when the majority of the wolf population is located in northwestern Montana.
“I think it’s kind of misdirected a little bit and maybe too broad,” said Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade. “And I think there’s a different way to approach this. I know the sponsors have been frustrated by the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission not being responsive. That’s a different story. But I think that’s where the solution could lie on this still.”
HB 176 narrowly passed second reading 26 to 24.
The next bill debated was HB 258, which requires the wolf hunting season extended through the current spring bear hunting season.
Proponents say it is needed to better manage the populations, while opponents say it would have a much larger impact than intended because the spring is when wolves den and raise their young.
HB 258 passed 30 to 20
The last wolf bill on the agenda, HB 259, would require the Fish and Wildlife Commission to adjust management techniques based on the conditions of the region. It also allows the commission to authorize the use of infrared scopes or thermal imagery scopes on private land.
HB 259 passed 32 to 18.
HB 176, HB 258 and HB 259 still need to pass a third reading before clearing the Senate chamber. Since the bills were amended in the Senate, they will be transmitted back to the House if they pass third reading.
MISSOULA — We are looking at an active weather pattern this week with scattered valley rain/snow and mountain snow each day through Thursday.
A strong system will bring widespread mountain snow to both mountains and valleys especially along and east of the Divide tonight into Tuesday.
Those with travel plans along I-90 east to Butte and Bozeman, MacDonald Pass to Helena and Rogers Pass to Great Falls should prepare for winter driving conditions tonight into Tuesday.
The valleys of Western Montana such as the Flathead, Mission, Missoula and Bitterroot will see mostly rain or a rain-snow mix each day through Thursday.
High pressure builds to end the week as we transition into a warmer and drier weather pattern for the weekend.
Highs will be in the low to mid 50s Friday and Saturday then warm back into the mid and upper 60s Sunday into Monday of next week.
Watch the 24/7 StormTracker Weather stream below:
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at March 30, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from March 30 drawing
19-20-27-36-39, Lucky Ball: 06
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from March 30 drawing
08-14-20-29, Bonus: 01
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
- Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
- Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.
Where can you buy lottery tickets?
Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.
You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.
Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form. Our News Automation and AI team would love to hear from you. Take this survey and share your thoughts with us.
Gophers forward, Kadyn Betts, entered the transfer portal on March 19, and it took him less than two weeks to find a new home and commit to Montana.
Let’s go!!!@MontanaGrizBB pic.twitter.com/bF04G91SDQ
— Kadyn Betts (@BettsKadyn) March 30, 2025
Betts joins Frank Mitchell (St. Bonaventure) and Brennan Rigsby (Radford) as the third former Gophers player to find a new home in the transfer portal this offseason. Tyler Cochran is the only other Gophers scholarship player currently in the portal.
Betts was a former three-star recruit in the class of 2022, and he chose Minnesota over top offers from Nebraska, Colorado State and Wyoming. He was never able to find his footing with the Gophers, but he will now bring two years of eligibility and some intriguing potential to the Big Sky Conference.
The Grizzlies are coming off a 25-10 season with a Big Sky Conference tournament title and a NCAA Tournament appearence. Betts will look to find his full potential in Missoula, Monatana next season.
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