Category — General

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking applicants for volunteer positions on the Region 2 Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC). The CAC meets quarterly in Missoula. Travel expenses and meals are provided.

Anyone who has an interest in having a voice in the future of Montana outdoor policy is welcome to apply.

For an application or further information go to URL: FWP Seeks Applicants for Region 2 Citizen Advisory Committee

A landowner in the East Fork of the Bitterroot near Sula shot and killed a wolf early Tuesday, July 1 that was threatening his cattle. No livestock were killed or hurt in the incident.

The wolf—a gray adult male—was one of four wolves encountered in the act of chasing cattle. The landowner shot the animal on the spot and then reported it to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

After an investigation by a state game warden, FWP confirmed it was a legal shooting.

FWP wolf management specialist, Liz Bradley, said the wolf was likely a member of the Trail Creek pack.

“Because this is the first confirmed case of these wolves threatening livestock, FWP will monitor for wolf activity in the area but will take no lethal control action at this time,” Bradley said.

The Northern Rocky Mountain gray wolf population was removed from the federal Endangered Species list in late March. FWP is now the lead agency for wolf conservation and management in Montana on non-tribal lands.

Under Montana law and depredation guidelines adopted by the FWP Commission, wolves can only be killed if seen actively killing or threatening to kill livestock or animals used to guard or herd livestock. Also, a wolf may be killed if it is seen killing or threatening to kill pets, or to protect human life. All incidents must be reported to FWP within 72 hours.

To learn more about Montana’s recovered wolf population, visit FWP online, where visitors can also tell FWP when they see wolves or wolf sign. The information helps to verify the activity, distribution, and pack size of Montana’s recovered wolf population.
reprinted from FWP

Only in Montana is a phrase I hear (and say) often. I got an email that stated, “So my friend tells me about a gut shot muley buck and where I can find it. I see it as a good opportunity for a “carcass cam.” Get some shots of some coyotes, weasels, maybe even a wolf. Never did I think I would get these this time of year.”

These photos were shot with a trail camera mounted aimed at the mule deer carcass. The photos were taken in the Flathead.

As commodity prices soar along with farm incomes, Congress has passed a veto-proof farm bill that pays subsidies to millionaire landowners. The House passed the bill 318-106. The Senate passed the bill 81-15. All three of Montana’s lawmakers voted to pass the bill.

So, a person making $1.4 million per year would still be eligible for direct payments from the government.

President Bush, as promised, vetoed the bill today. Considering the margin of the vote the president’s veto is unlikely to stand. [Read more →]

Bitterroot National Forest Travel Plan

January 7, 2008

The proposed plan is controversial, pitting several groups on opposing sides. The new map drawn up by the Forest Service has closure to motorized travel on a large portion of the Bitterroot National Forest. For some the closure proposal goes too far, for others not far enough. Considering the last travel plan was done in 1978 and the expected growth in the Bitterroot Valley over the next decade, this is an extremely important issue for outdoor lovers. Make your voice heard.

The Bitterroot National Forest is hosting three public meetings this week. They begin at 6 p.m. and end at 8:30. The meetings will be held in Darby on Wednesday, Jan. 9, at the Darby Clubhouse; Stevensville on Thursday, Jan. 10, at the Stevensville United Methodist Church; and Hamilton on Tuesday, Jan. 15, at the Bitterroot River Inn. Public comments will be taken until January 31, 2008.

Bitterroot National Forest, 1801 North First Street, Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 363-7100