FWP Seeks Comments on Proposed Hunting Seasons and Rules

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will hold four public meetings in northeast Montana in January to gather comments on proposed hunting seasons and rules for the next two years.The tentative rules and regulations, available for review and comment online now at fwp.mt.gov, were approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission at their December meeting, and include statewide and local hunting regulations for antelope, black bear, bighorn sheep, bison, deer, elk, moose, mountain goat, mountain lion, and upland game birds.

Every two years FWP considers changes to all hunting seasons, proposes changes from the previous biennium, and encourages public comment before the FWP Commission makes its final decisions in February. Meetings are held across the state to present the proposed seasons and accept public comments. FWP and its commissioners will also accept written, online or emailed comments through Jan. 22.

Some of the proposed hunting season and rules, relevant to Region 6, include the establishment of late elk shoulder seasons and antlerless elk permits in the Missouri River Breaks and Bears Paw Mountains, establishment of mule deer and white-tailed deer antlerless hunting opportunities in the region, an increase in antelope quotas in the Glasgow area, and expanding quota ranges for bighorn sheep in the Breaks hunting district 622.

The public is encouraged to visit the FWP website for the full proposals or attend a public meeting. In northeast Montana, all public meetings are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the following dates and locations:

Glasgow - Wed., Jan. 6, at the Cottonwood Inn;

Plentywood  - Thurs., Jan. 7, at the Jubilee Room in the Sheridan Co. Courthouse

Havre - Tue., Jan. 12, at Hill County Electric;

Malta - Wed., Jan. 20, upstairs at First State Bank.

Comments may be submitted at these public meetings, online at fwp.mt.gov or by mail to: FWP Wildlife Division, “attn: hunting season proposals,” PO Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620. Comments are due by 5 p.m. on Jan. 22, 2016.