State seeks comment to further reduce mountain lion numbers
Permits for hunting mountain lions still controversial
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on several proposals slated to go to the Fish and Wildlife Commission in June. Comment is open through May 11.
After public comment, commissioners can offer amendments to the proposals as they see fit. The proposals and supporting documents, commissioner amendments and collected public comment are available on the commission webpage.
The commission will make a final decision on these proposals at its meeting on June 8.
Mountain lion quotas and license descriptions for fall 2023–winter 2024
FWP is presenting four alternatives for commission consideration pertaining to mountain lion quotas and licenses.
The first alternative is the status quo, which includes the 12.5 percent reduction of mountain lion numbers in the Northwest Ecoregion. This was adopted by the commission in 2022.
The second alternative would achieve a 10 percent reduction in mountain lion numbers statewide within six years if the quota were achieved, although all quotas are not met currently. The third alternative would achieve a 20 percent reduction in mountain lion numbers statewide within six years.
The fourth alternative would achieve a 40 percent reduction in mountain lion numbers statewide within six years.
None of the alternatives would change the proportion of the harvest that would occur in the fall seasons and the number of special limited mountain lion licenses. All alternatives include a specific addition to regulation that clarifies that a nonresident hound license allows nonresidents to chase mountain lions in any open LMU as intended by the commission in June 2022.
2023 Elk Hunting Access Agreements
FWP is looking for commission approval for the 2023 Elk Hunting Access (EHA) agreements. Like last year, applicants in districts exceeding the 10 percent cap be sent to a random draw for determination. The EHA access agreement deadline is May 15. The final applications will be available online about two weeks prior to the June 8 commission meeting.
The EHA agreement program has increased public access to elk for wildlife management purposes. No significant adverse impacts to the elk resource are anticipated with the proposed agreements based upon elk population status and management objectives.
To comment and for more information on these proposals, go online to https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/june-2023-meeting.