HELENA – The bill to allow a small group of enthusiasts to hunt with spears has been stopped in the House.
The measure targeted at a subgroup of hunters who hunt like prehistoric man for sport was tabled in the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks committee Friday.
The bill, which had already passed through the Senate, drew a large amount of public interest because of its unusual topic. Gov. Brian Schweitzer singled out the spear hunting measure as a “kooky” proposal from tea party conservatives that hold sway in the Legislature.
Hunters supporting the bill say it’s an exciting sport that connects them with the outdoors.
Critics of the proposal say there is no need for the legislation and that spear hunting could be used for poaching.