By The Archery Wire

The battle lines have been drawn in the debate over the use of light nocks for hunting arrows, as members of the Montana House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee heard from both sides of the issue last week.

Under House Bill 26, sponsored by Rep. Ted Washburn (R-Bozeman), the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission would be prohibited from barring lighted nocks, as it does under current hunting regulations.

According to the Ravalli Republic newspaper, Rep. Washburn told committee members during the Jan. 15 hearing that most states permit the use of lighted nocks and they help in the successful tracking and retrieval of game animals.

"The purpose of this bill is to cut down on the wanton waste of animals" that can't be found after they're shot with an arrow, Washburn said.

Jean Johnson, executive director of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, also spoke in support of HB26.

Speaking in opposition to the measure were representatives of the Montana Bow Hunters Association and the Montana Wildlife Federation, as well as several individual bowhunters.

"The concern is that this is the beginning of (allowing) electronics," said the MBHA's Jerry Davis, according to the newspaper report. "The majority of our membership is opposed to any electronics to being added to bows or arrows."

Following testimony, the Fish, Wildlife and Parks committee passed the bill by a vote of 16-5. The full House passed Washburn's bill 77-21 on Monday, Jan. 21.

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department has not taken a position on the bill.