Proposed hunting regulations out for public comment

Hunting regulation proposals for the 2022/2023 seasons were approved for public comment by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission last week and are now out for review and comment online through Jan.14. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold public meetings throughout the state to provide information and answer questions.

Montana hunting season regulations are adopted biennially for most game species. This is a second opportunity for the public to provide input on 2022/2023 draft hunting regulation proposals.

Earlier this fall in an effort to simplify the regulations, FWP biologists offered regulations proposals that combine some hunting districts, reduce some license and permit types and eliminate hunting district portions. FWP staff held informational meetings around the state and the public was invited to submit comments on those initial proposals. FWP adjusted proposals based on public comment and presented them to the commission. The commission approved the draft regulations for public comment at their Dec. 14 meeting.  

Review of the proposals and comments can be submitted online at fwp.mt.gov/regproposals or by email to fwpwld@mt.gov. 

During December and early January, FWP will hold season-setting meetings around the state to discuss the draft hunting regulations with interested members of the public. At the meetings, biologists will present information on the draft hunting regulations approved by the commission. Following the presentations, there will be time for questions and answers.  

Meetings scheduled in the area include: Jan. 10, Ovando, Ovando School gym, 108 Birch St., 6 p.m. 

Each of FWP’s regions will hold a virtual season-setting meeting as well as part of their January Citizen Advisory Committee meetings.  For Region 1 this will be held Jan. 3 at 6 p.m. Region 2 will be held Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. Login information will be available the week of the meeting at: fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/reg-proposals/meetings.

The commission will make a final decision on the 2022/2023 hunting regulations at its meeting in February.