House advances anti-bison measure

HELENA (AP) — The House is advancing a bill that would let landowners haze or shoot wild bison that come onto their property.

The measure was endorsed Thursday in a 62-38 vote. The state estimates it could lead to the destruction of more than 100 bison a year.

Supporters said it is necessary to give landowners a way of removing wild bison that can injure people and damage property. They said destruction of the bison would be a last resort.

Bison management has long been the focus of conflict, particularly around Yellowstone National Park.

Opponents of the bill argued that landowners are not allowed to shoot other game animals. And some Native American lawmakers worried the measure could lead to the destruction of tribal bison that trespass on neighboring land.