Briefs for April 12, 2017
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Clairmont takes first in FFA livestock judging
News from Montana Future Farmers of America
GREAT FALLS – Over 1,600 members and guests attended Montana FFA’s 87th Annual State Convention March 22–25. The Montana FFA State Convention hosted 12 career development events, general sessions and workshops during the fourday event.
Mission Valley’s Courtnee Clairmont earned first place honors in the livestock judging Career Development Event and received a $1,000 scholarship sponsored by Westfeeds for her efforts.
The Montana FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more information please contact the Montana FFA Association for upcoming events and ways to get involved at: montanaffa.org.
House approves licenses for traditional tribal bison hunts
HELENA — The Montana House on Monday gave final approval to a bill to provide two licenses to each of seven Montana tribal groups for the traditional hunting of wild bison.
House Bill 108, sponsored by Rep. Bridget Smith, D-Wolf Point, specifies that such hunts must be done under traditional hunting and harvesting practices.
“Montana Indians have an ancient, spiritual connection with the bison and these hunts should be a part of the state’s management of this majestic animal,” Smith said.
“Tribal communities want to experience the age-old tradition of these hunts, harvesting the animal according to the teachings of their ancestors. These licenses will be a great step to help bring this experience back to the people and help the tribe renew and protect this age-old practice.”
Under the legislation, if Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks issues 40 or more licenses to hunt wild bison, it must also issue licenses to two tribal members named by each of seven tribal governments in Montana: the Blackfeet Tribe; the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation; the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes of the Fort Peck reservation; the Chippewa Cree Indians of the Rocky Boy reservation; the Fort Belknap Reservation; the Northern Cheyenne Reservation; and the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe.
The House gave final approval to the bill Monday with an 87-12 vote. It goes next to the governor for his signature.
