The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks unveiled its new elk management plan on Dec. 1 after three years of development. Once conservation and landowner groups had a look at the final edition, they both praised and criticized the guiding document. The board of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers’ analysis of the document said it gives the Fish and Wildlife Commission, a board appointed by the governor, too much power because elk quota ranges have been removed. The United Property Owners of Montana, which has sued FWP over its elk management, said the new plan still doesn’t reduce elk populations, calling it a “continuation of the failed policies that created this problem in the first place.” The Montana Wildlife Federation praised the fact that the new plan can be reviewed and altered every five years, allowing the document to be changed as conditions are altered. For more on the story, as well as a comparison of two elk hunting districts in central Montana, check out my stories at https://billingsgazette.com/outdoors/groups-weigh-in-on-new-montana-elk-management-plan-backcountry-hunters-and-anglers-montana-wildlife-federation-united-property-owners-of-montana/article_935889a8-9557-11ee-883e-23ddfda51bda.html and https://billingsgazette.com/outdoors/montana-elk-hunting-snowies-missouri-breaks-fish-wildlife-and-parks-upom-martin-nie-public-trust-doctrine/article_ccdf1784-9541-11ee-9cb0-231d5eb5a757.html.
Brett French | Outdoors editor | Billings Gazette Communications
What not to do when you see a bear
By angelamontana
Teen’s Heroic Push Saves Dogs from Bear Encounter
Fresno and Nelson Reservoirs Fishing Report 7.25.24
FWP News: Additional counties in Montana placed under fire restrictions
“Whitefish Bite Is On!” -Zimmer Tackle
Brett French reports: Grizzly close encounter
30-acre wildfire reported in Glacier National Park
By Moosetrack Megan
Harbor Havoc: Bald Eagles Cause Stir at Kodiak Docks
Upper Salmon River Chinook update by IDFG 7.25.24
Avoid floating Bitterroot River from Lolo downstream to Buckhouse Bridge due to power lines across river
Sneak Peek: MT Outdoor Podcast Discovers NW MT Chain of Lakes with Brian Stephens
Statewide MT Fishing Report Compilation 7.24.24
Riley's Meats - Butte Wild Game Processing