Libby to host elk management meeting on Aug. 22

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public input on revisions to the statewide Elk Management Plan last adopted in 2005.

FWP began work on the revised plan in 2020, when a citizen’s group was convened to develop guiding principles for the new plan.

FWP is seeking input on the existing elk population objectives and local elk management challenges that should be considered in the revision. The scoping period started several weeks ago, but meetings have been sparsely attended and FWP has received few comments to date.

“We’ve been hearing concerns and interest from hunters and landowners about the current Elk Management Plan for a while now,” said FWP Director Hank Worsech. “This is a great opportunity to participate in revising that plan. We can’t have a good plan without knowing what people want elk management and elk objectives to look like in Montana.”

Information on current elk population objectives being considered for revision can be viewed at https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/elk-plan-scoping/hd-info.

In addition, FWP is hosting a series of public meetings this summer and fall to gather ideas and input. In Region 1, there are four meetings scheduled, including two in Lincoln County.

Libby

6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 22, Maki Theatre, 6 p.m.

Hunter Districts: 100, 101, 103, 104

Eureka

6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, Timbers Lodge, 6 p.m.

HDs: 100, 101, 103, 110

Kalispell

6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 23, Flathead Valley Community College, Arts and Technology Building (downstairs)

HDs: 103, 120, 122, 130, 140, 141, 150, 170

Thompson Falls

6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 25, Thompson Falls Elementary School gym, 6 p.m.

HDs: 121, 122, 123, 124

“If you’re interested in elk management in Montana, we need to hear from you on this,” Worsech said. “Please attend a meeting in your area, go online, read through the information and make comments.”

There will also be a statewide virtual meeting on Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. More information and additional locations for public meetings across Montana can be found online at

https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/elk-plan-scoping.

The deadline for public comment is Oct. 15. Comments can be submitted online, emailed to FWPWLD@mt.gov or mailed to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Attn: Wildlife, P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701.

Once the draft Elk Management Plan has been developed and released, there will be additional public comment opportunities.