Register for game-damage hunts

Hunters interested in participating in game-damage hunts on private land or possible management seasons this year may register online with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks beginning June 15. 

Prospective hunters must register for the hunt rosters online at fwp.mt.gov . On the Hunting page, click Game Damage Roster beginning June 15. Internet-based registration can be completed on personal computers, at most public libraries, and at any FWP office. To register, hunters will need their ALS number. 

Game damage occurs when animals such as elk, deer, and antelope concentrate on private farms and ranches and consume crops. FWP’s game damage hunt rules are designed to respond to the needs of landowners who provide free public hunting during the general hunting season, yet who could nevertheless suffer losses due to wildlife damage without this additional management tool.  Management seasons typically occur on a larger scale than game damage hunts.

A final game damage roster, randomly generated from all the online registrations, will be posted by Aug. 1 on the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov. 

The hunts, if they occur, could take place anytime from Aug. 15 through Feb. 15, 2013.