Fish, Wildlife and Parks at full staffing

Troy’s newest game warden, Taylor Rockafellow, has been on the job for just a few days, and colleague Tamie Laverdure, Libby’s warden, is thrilled to welcome him.

‘I’m so happy we have a full staff again” says Laverdure, introducing Rockafellow as “a native Montanan and avid outdoorsman who loves to fish, hunt and trap.”

Rockafellow grew up in Livingston and has recently graduated from the University of Montana law enforcement college.

In the midst of turkey season, and with upcoming spring bear season, Laverdure and Rockafellow would like to encourage anyone who has questions or concerns about hunting or wildlife to contact them at Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

“We anticipate a slow bear season,” says Laverdure “because of high snow load and a later spring this year, access for hunters will be an issue.”

Laverdure would also like to remind citizens that deer feeding is illegal. “There are several main reasons: it creates congregations of deer and brings in predators, the habituation of animals can ultimately harm the animal if it is billed a ‘problem’ animal, and feeding corn can cause corn toxicity. Also known as corn acidosis, it causes bloating and can kill a healthy animal very rapidly.”

Call Fish, Wildlife and Parks enforcement at 291-6539 in Troy or 291-1954 in Libby with any questions.