Elk Management And Brucellosis Risk Guidelines Available For Comment
By Matt Schauer

Posted: December 14, 2012

Montana wildlife officials wants to hear your input on elk management objectives, for herds near Yellowstone National Park, focused on reducing the risk of transmitting brucellosis between elk and livestock.

The comment deadline will last one more week until 5:00 p.m. on December 20, 2012.

Landowners, stock growers and hunters will meet on December 18, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Bozeman office, 1400 S. 19th Street, to review comments received so far and take additional public comment from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Brucellosis is a contagious bacterial infection that results in miscarriages. In Montana, it has been found in elk, bison and cattle.

The objectives include:

  • minimize disease transmission
  • maximize acceptability of elk management tools and populations in the area
  • maximize cost effectiveness

Here is what Ken McDonald, chief of the wildlife bureau for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena had to say:

“These guidelines are aimed directly at keeping elk on the move and away from high risk areas. Test and slaughter is not going to be considered now or in the future.”

To comment and find more details, visit FWP’s website. Or for information, call: 496-444-2612.

Send written comments to: FWP–Wildlife Bureau, Attn: Public Comment; P.O. Box 200701; Helena, MT 59620-0701.

New Podcast!

Riley's Meats - Butte Wild Game Processing