Lawmakers considers spear hunting bill

HELENA — A Thompson Falls lawmaker wants Montanans to have the option of hunting with a hand-thrown spear.

The Independent Record reports the Senate Fish and Game Committee discussed Republican Sen. Greg Hinkle's bill on Tuesday, and nearly voted to approve it. However, they decided the bill needed to clarify the hunting season in which the practice would be allowed. The committee is expected to consider the bill again on Thursday.

Hinkle says about a dozen other states have legalized the use of spears in hunting. Senate bill 112 would also allow the use of an atlatl, a spear thrown with a separate device to increase power.

Spear hunters often await their game from up in trees or track the game with dogs.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is taking no position on the bill.

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HELENA — A Thompson Falls lawmaker wants Montanans to have the option of hunting with a hand-thrown spear.

The Independent Record reports the Senate Fish and Game Committee discussed Republican Sen. Greg Hinkle's bill on Tuesday, and nearly voted to approve it. However, they decided the bill needed to clarify the hunting season in which the practice would be allowed. The committee is expected to consider the bill again on Thursday.

Hinkle says about a dozen other states have legalized the use of spears in hunting. Senate bill 112 would also allow the use of an atlatl, a spear thrown with a separate device to increase power.

Spear hunters often await their game from up in trees or track the game with dogs.

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is taking no position on the bill.

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