Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has run into opposition from some Gardiner-area hunters and outfitters over a proposal to reduce the number of elk tags to only 75 next year. The idea behind the proposal is to rebuild what FWP sees as dwindling bull elk numbers. But opponents to the proposal say the constriction is too much and will significantly impact the economy of the region. The Montana Outfitters and Guides Association has drawn up its own proposal of limiting bull hunting to 6-point or bigger bulls. MOGA also contends the herd, which migrates out of Yellowstone National Park, is not in as dire shape as FWP contends. The issue will come before the Fish and Wildlife Commission at next week’s meeting. If advanced, the public will have opportunity to comment on the proposal.
(Written by Brett French – Outdoors Editor of the Billings Gazette)
