I guess I’m in the minority that thought setting up a state managed hunt of grizzlies after delisting was the right call. Not having a season calls into question whether their intent is to ever have a season. Is Montana helping fight this again? Or are they hoping Wyoming and Idaho fight for them?
I think Big Fin can attest to the fact a state regulated hunting season in Montana was the goal through the entire delisting process. The fight is on the part of the USFWS, not the states. The USFWS will recommend delisting and then be the litigants in court when they get sued. The only way the states end up sued is if the delisting is successful, and the state(s) try to implement a hunt that could impact the bears' ESA status.