A proposal that would allow using licensed hunters to lethally remove bison outside of defined tolerance areas north of Yellowstone National Park is being discussed today by the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission.
According to the proposal’s cover sheet, “The proposal focuses on formally identified tolerance areas and times in the Greater Yellowstone area and defined areas where bison have been translocated. This may include authorizing hunters for significant bison removal during or outside the bison hunting season. Bison removed by hunters in this way would be identified as “bison management harvests.” This additional tool is intended to complement existing management efforts that include hazing and lethal removal. While some situations may not easily accommodate hunters, other situations may not require lethal removal of bison. As such, this proposal does not require hunters for every situation where bison are or may be outside tolerance areas and times.”
To read the full cover sheet, CLICK HERE.
The FWP Commission Meeting began at 8:30 this morning. LISTEN TO IT LIVE.
The agenda is as follows…
08:30 AM ~ ~ Call to Order and Administrative Items
§ Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
§ Approval of Minutes of December 8-9, 2011 Commission Meeting
§ Approval of Commission Expenses through December, 2011
§ Commission Reports
§ Directors Report
08:45 AM ~ ~ Director’s Office
§ Repeal Outdated FWP Commission Policies – Proposed
09:15 AM ~ ~ Parks Division
§ Smith River State Park Biennial Rule – Final
§ First People’s Buffalo Jump Grazing Lease – Final
09:45 AM ~ ~ Finance Division
§ Budget and Legislative Priorities – Proposed
§ Financial Status of FWP – Informational
10:15 AM ~ ~ Fish and Wildlife Division
10:30 AM ~ ~ Enforcement Bureau
§ No Wake Areas at All Commercial Boat Marinas Statewide – Proposed
10:45 AM ~ ~ Fisheries Bureau
§ Canyon Ferry Reservoir and Lake Helena Commercial Fishing Regulations – Proposed
11:00 AM ~ ~ Wildlife Bureau
§ 2012 Peregrine Falconry Take – Proposed
§ Turkey Augmentation in Chouteau County – Endorsement
§ 2012 Bighorn Sheep Transplant Lewis & Clark Caverns – Informational
§ Wolf Management Harvest – Proposed
§ Bison Management Harvest -Proposed
§ Update on Season Settings Informational
12:30 PM ~ ~ Open Microphone – Public Opportunity to Address Issues Not on Agenda
VISIT THE FWP WEBSITE for more details on any of these agenda items.
© Northern Ag Network 2012
Haylie Shipp
