Input on draft hunting regulation changes sought
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News from CSKT and Fish & Wildlife Board
FLATHEAD INDIAN RESERVATION – The Flathead Reservation Fish & Wildlife Board and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council are looking for public input on proposed changes to the 2019-2020 Fishing, Bird Hunting and Recreation regulations.
The proposed change for non-member regulations includes a $6 increase for all conservation permits. The other proposed fee change is to approve the state fishing license Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass add-on to all reservation fishing stamps.
An additional proposed change to the fishing regulation is lifting the daily creel limit for brook trout and northern pike so that there is no limit.
Bird hunting proposed changes include the use of drones or any other remotely operated device to move, flush or cause migratory waterfowl and other game birds to move; using these devices as an aid in hunting of the species is prohibited
Officials may schedule special Youth Pheasant and Waterfowl Hunting Days annually for a two-day weekend period prior to the opening day of pheasant and waterfowl hunting and conservation. Legally licensed youth hunters ages 12 to 15 may hunt pheasants and legally hunted species of migratory waterfowl on these dates if accompanied in the field by a non-hunting adult at least 21 years of age. Youth hunters and accompanying adults must possess a valid Tribal Conservation Permit and Bird Hunting Stamp.
Ten- to 11-year-old youth can also be certified as apprentice hunters under Montana Fish, Wildlife and Park’s Apprentice Hunter Program. Youth must have a mentor who meets all criteria on the program, and mentors may also hunt during the Special Youth Pheasant and Migratory Waterfowl Days, as well as during the general hunting season. Mentors must possess a valid Tribal Conservation Permit and Bird Hunting Stamp.
All youth hunting must comply with current bag and possession limits, shooting hours, hunters’ education and all other applicable regulations that apply during the regular hunting season.
“The fee increases for permits and all licenses is an increase to help keep up with inflation and program management costs,” said Tom McDonald, FWRC division manager. “It is time to update these fees; there hasn’t been a significant cost increase in license fees for many years.”
The Division of Fish, Wildlife Recreation and Conservation will hold a public hearing on Thursday, Nov. 29 at 4:30 p.m. at the division office at 406 6th Avenue East in Polson. People can send written comments on the proposed changes, and they must be postmarked on or before Nov. 30 at 5:30 p.m. Any person who desires to present oral comment may do so at the public hearing.
