MISSOULA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & 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.
At this point of the process, 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 earlier this summer and continues through Oct. 15.
“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 online at https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/elk-plan-scoping/hd-info. In addition, FWP has been hosting public meetings to share more information and answer questions. FWP is hosting nine public meetings in the area over the next month.
Local meetings include:
• Oct. 4: Ovando, Ovando School gym (108 Birch St.), 6 p.m.
• Oct. 5: Seeley Lake, Community Hall (3248 Hwy 83), 6 p.m.
• Oct. 6: Missoula, FWP office (3201 Spurgin Road), 6 p.m.
There will also be a statewide virtual meeting on Sept. 26 at 6 p.m. that will look at hunting districts around the state. To participate in the online session, you must register at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/elk-plan-scoping by 12 p.m. Sept. 25.
More information and additional locations for public meetings across Montana can be found online at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/elk-plan-scoping.
“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.”
The deadline for public comment is Oct. 15. For a full list of meetings or to make comments visit https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/elk-plan-scoping/hd-info. Comments can also be made by emailing to FWPWLD@mt.gov or mail them 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.
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