Marcus Strange

An amendment and associated motion have been submitted by Vice Chairman Tabor for the December 20th FWP Commission meeting to change elk hunting in Hunting District 313, in Region 3, specifically hunt 313-45. The justification for this motion has been stated as helping outfitters impacted by the summer floods of 2022. Regarding the proposed amendment by Vice Chairman Tabor on behalf of the outfitting community in Region 3, we respectfully submit the following formal comments in opposition for consideration:

This amendment goes against sound biological principles. 

• The intent of the former “late Gardiner hunt” was to protect the bull age class and the bull numbers that were vulnerable to overharvest in late December. If this amendment is adopted and HD 313 is converted to a general hunt as proposed, it would extend pressure on bull elk during their most vulnerable parts of December via the new “Heritage Muzzleloader Season.”

• Using the survey data provided by FWP biologist, HD 313 was below objective in 2014 and was at objective in 2015, 2016, and 2017. HD 313 was slightly above objective in 2018. And while the Department did not survey HD 313 in 2019 and 2020, it was then at objective in 2021 and only slightly above objective in 2022. This means that HD 313 has only been above slightly objective in two of the last nine years and does not demonstrate the need to increase the hunting pressure in this area; instead, it indicates that the collaborative compromise that was struck in 2017 is working. 

• We recommend that if there is a biological need to adjust herd numbers, the Department focus on cow hunting as they are the vehicle to increase or decrease numbers. There is no biological need to harvest more bulls during the dead of winter, which would negatively impact the number and age class of bulls in HD 313. While the Department’s comment on the proposal only states that this amendment would influence the age class, it is clear that more opportunities for bulls mean fewer bulls in a given hunting district.

This amendment breaks trust with the public and relitigates an already addressed issue. 

• This proposal was brought in at the eleventh out, buried on the Commission website, and was pushed by a small minority of the outfitting community. Dropping amendments such as this and in this manner communicate to the public that the Commission and the Department aren’t following through in good faith collaboration with all Montanans. MWF, our affiliates, and the public have made every effort to communicate openly, honestly, and early. We feel blindsided by this change, unfortunately. 

• The current structure resulted from a season some years ago when heavy snow pushed a disproportionate number of elk out of Yellowstone National Park and into HD 313. Word got out, and the convergence of hunters killed an extraordinary number of bulls. The Commission was called upon to end the hunt on an emergency basis to stop the slaughter. To not repeat the mistakes of the past, the current structure was reached after much debate and compromise. This issue was settled at that time, and as we have seen from the hunting seasons’ results, this structure has generally worked well for most Montanans and the wildlife we care about. Therefore, there is no need, other than to line the pockets of a few, to change the current management strategy. 

This amendment deviates from the intent of the “Heritage Muzzleloader Season.”  

• Given the growing popularity of the “Heritage Muzzleloader Season” and the coming push from the legislature to unilaterally insert more effective modern inline muzzleloaders, this proposal deviants once again from what was promised to the public. If this amendment were to pass, the thousands of hunters that used to apply for the late Gardiner rifle hunt that was discontinued would now be able to line up with their highly effective, modern muzzleloader as these bulls try to make it to the wintering grounds around Daily Lake and Dome Mountain. In a year such as the one we are experiencing in 2022, the impact on the bulls of that herd would be devastating with rifles and compounded during the “Heritage Muzzleloader Season.” The current season structure is the only thing that protects the age class and number of bulls in this herd for the winter of 2022-23.

We understand the complexity of issues that influence the Commission and Department’s decisions and efforts to carry out its mandate to manage wildlife and public hunting opportunities. MWF appreciates the Commission’s work on this and other issues; it is challenging. The hunting public, commission, and others put years of work into this most recent round of season setting, the appropriate venue for such a drastic change. MWF has heard from many Montanans who said such moves continue to erode their trust and faith in FWP and the FWP Commission. MWF believes that a good faith effort is to withdraw this amendment and address this issue in the upcoming elk plan or in future season setting where the public can provide comprehensive, fulling informed comments and feedback.

We need people to participate in the commission meeting and voice their opposition to this misguided amendment. Sign up to participate by Zoom HERE. As always, the Commission will take public comments on agenda items both in person and via Zoom. If you wish to make a comment via Zoom, you must register by noon on December 19. If you have any questions, please contact MWF Director of State Policy and Government Relations, Marcus Strange, at mstrange@mtwf.org. As always, we appreciate all you do for Montana’s wildlife.

By Montana Wildlife Federation Director of State Policy and Government Relations Marcus Strange

 

On a tight-vote, the Montana Land Board gave conditional approval this morning for the state to acquire a small private parcel to be managed as part of the Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area.

Acquisition of the 829-acre Willow Creek parcel was a priority for hunters and anglers who were worried private development would spoil critical big game winter range.   They say today’s vote will protect wildlife habitat, increase public access, and provide new hunting and other outdoor opportunities for Montanans.

“This was the only responsible outcome for Montana and for our wildlife,” said Gary Ouldhouse, president of Anaconda Sportsman’s Club. “We thank Governor Gianforte for his leadership and are encouraged that the majority of our Land Board members agreed to create new public access and protect high-quality habitat that would have otherwise been developed and closed off to future generations.” 

The Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area straddles the Continental Divide and is the largest Wildlife Management Areas in the state.  The new addition is located four miles south of Anaconda and shares a 2.5 mile border with the existing management area.

The acquisition was supported by the Anaconda Deerlodge County Commission, Montana Union Sportsman’s Alliance, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Jefferson Valley Sportsmen, the Anaconda Sportsman’s Club, Montana Trout Unlimited as well local hunters and landowners.

“We’re incredibly thankful this addition was finally approved. FWP, RMEF and the landowners deserve all the thanks and praise we can muster, yet today’s narrow and conditional approval for a project overwhelmingly supported by the public and paid for with sportsmen’s dollars reminds us we need to continue to show up and engage when it matters most,” said Scott DeSena, a board member of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. “We’d like to thank Governor Gianforte who showed leadership today in repeatedly expressing his support for this project with sound and reasonable justifications.” 

According to Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, the Willow Creek property was likely to be subdivided and developed had the state not stepped in. 

“Given current interest in Montana real estate, the recreational value of the property due to bordering the WMA, the easy access from Interstate 90 and MT Highways 1 and 569, and the proximity to the amenities of Anaconda, this property is prime for subdivision. The current landowners have recently been approached by developers showing interest in acquiring their property for this purpose,” reads the State’s environmental analysis. 

Funding for the $2.7 million purchase will come from Montana’s Habitat Montana program with in-kind support from Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks conservation trust.

For over three decades, the Habitat Montana program has helped landowners create new public access and protect habitat-rich lands from development.  The program raises money through hunting license sales and state taxes on recreational marijuana. 

Hunting and conservation advocates say they are hopeful today’s majority vote signals continued interest in additional fee title acquisitions later this year.  At the top of that list is the creation of a new 5,677-acre Wildlife Management Area in the Big Snowy Mountains. 

The Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Commission is expected to vote on the Big Snowy proposed acquisition next Thursday.  That vote would clear the path for approval by the Montana Land Board. 

“We are hopeful the majority of our Montana Land Board will continue to support strong proposals like the Big Snowy Mountains WMA, which are fiscally responsible and have overwhelming support from hunters and landowners,” said Marcus Strange, Director of State Policy and Government Relations for Montana Wildlife Federation.

 

CONTACT

Gary Ouldhouse, President of Anaconda Sportsman’s Club, 406.559.0422

Marcus Strange, Director of State Policy Montana Wildlife Federation, 406.916.2585

Scott Desena, Board member of MT Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, 406.498.8811

At the Fish and Wildlife Commission August 20, 2021 the commission charged with stewarding our fish and wildlife went on to vote against the will of the people and enacted extended elk shoulder seasons on public land along with measures meant to exterminate wolves. Commissioner Byorth was the only one to stand up for Montana’s hunting ethic. Byorth said, “I just want the commission to recognize how the preponderance of comments, both in the elk shoulder seasons and wolf seasons, is clearly opposed to the decision we’re making, and I just want to caution us to remember that these are the owners of the wildlife and we gotta be cautious about listening. It’s just propagating, I think, the perspective that this administration has a war on wildlife and they’re not interested in the voice of the many and they’re just interested in the voice of the few. It’s a dark road we’re going down.” 

The following is a memo prepared by MWF staffers Eric Clewis and Marcus Strange that details the actions taken by the commission, the changes implemented, and the concerns MWF has with these actions.

Wolf and Furbearer Trapping Setbacks

1. No Setbacks – Designate the following new areas as No Setbacks Required for any species. 
   1. Region 1 
      1. All of Sanders County (unless designated as a no trapping area or maintaining current setbacks) and southern portions of Lincoln County south of Highway 2 to Big Cherry Creek, then west following Big Cherry Creek to the intersection of Lincoln and Sanders County lines. 
      2. Exceptions – Maintain current setbacks of 50 ft for furbearers and 150 ft for wolf at: 
         1. Trout Creek-Hope Valley Road from the Forest Service boundary to East Fork Trout Creek and Granite Creek junction. Maintained road for public access in the winter. West of Trout Creek.
         2. Prospect Creek Road from the end of snow maintenance to the junction of Prospect Creek and Demont Creek, west of Thompson Falls. High use public use-ski area. 
         3. Forest Service Roads #7507 and #340 in the Baldy Lake area north of Plains. Snowmobile and ski area. 
2. No Trapping – Designate the following new areas as No Trapping allowed.
   1. Region 1 – all sites are small in size and feature high-use winter public recreation. 
      1. Mule Pasture recreation area, Thompson Falls. 
      2. Finely Flats recreation area, between Thompson Falls and Trout Creek.
      3. Trout Creek recreation area near Trout Creek.
      4. Trout Creek administrative and recreation site, Trout Creek.
      5. Bend Ranger Station- forest service rental cabin and recreation area in the Thompson River Drainage.
      6. Sheldon Flats recreation area, Libby.
      7. Flower Creek recreation area, south of Libby.
      8. Bear Creek Ski Area, south of Libby.
      9. Round Meadow Ski Area- North of Kalispell on Star Meadow Road. (Consolidate current expanded setbacks area).
      10. Blacktail Ski Area, in Lakeside (Consolidate currently expanded setbacks).
      11. Schnaus Rental Cabin-Sonderson Meadow – North Fork of the Flathead.
      12. Cedar Flats Recreation Area, north of Columbia Falls.

Primary concerns:

1. Setbacks are in place for the good of all public land users. Removing setbacks will further damage the trapping image.
2. Removing setbacks presents a significant danger to pets when viewed in concert with the addition of wolf snares.
3. The provision for expanded setbacks was wholly removed from the proposal.

 

2021 Wolf Season Quotas, Regulations, and Season Dates

1. Bag limit of 10 wolves.
2. Up to 10 wolves per hunting license.
3. Trapping and snaring season dates of 1st Monday after Thanksgiving – March 15th for the entire state
   1. There will be a floating open season for trapping within districts located within grizzly bear recovery zones. The department may pick a start date based on conditions. If the department does not select a date by December 15th, then the season will open on December 15th and run through March 15th.
4. Snaring is allowed on public lands, with the following restrictions:
   1. Snares must be equipped with a loop stop that will close to a loop no smaller than 2.5 inches in diameter (stop placed at no less than 8 inches from the end of the loop).
   2. Snares must have a breakaway device rated at 1,000 lbs. or less installed on the loop end.
   3. Snares must be placed such that the bottom of the snare loop is at least 18 inches above the ground’s surface.
   4. If snares are allowed on public lands, power-assisted (e.g., spring-loaded) snare locks are prohibited on wolf snares on public lands.
   5. A relaxing snare lock is required on snares in lynx protection zones (LPZ’s).
   6. Snaring is not allowed within areas designated as grizzly bear recovery zones.
5. Night hunting is allowed on private lands statewide.
6. No hunting over bait is allowed except on private lands statewide:
   1. Bait is defined as the meat or viscera of a mammal, bird, or fish, or any part thereof more than one pound in weight. Bleached bones are excluded.
7. Quotas around YNP and GNP are eliminated.
8. A harvest of 450 wolves shall initiate a commission review with the potential for rapid in-season adjustments to hunting and trapping regulations. After that, the commission shall be similarly re-engaged at intervals of each additional 50 wolves harvested, if season adjustments allow for additional wolf harvest.
   1. The following regional quotas will also be instituted to allow for rapid review as the season progresses.
      1. Region 1: 195
      2. Region 2: 116
      3. Region 3: 82
      4. Region 4: 39
      5. Region 5: 11
      6. Region 6: 3
      7. Region 7: 4
9. A non-target capture of one lynx or grizzly bear shall initiate a commission review with the potential for rapid in-season adjustments to trapping regulations. After that, the commission shall be similarly re-engaged for any additional non-target capture of lynx or grizzly bear.
10. All non-target captures shall be reported to the department within 24 hours, including captures from foothold traps and snares. 
11. All other aspects of regulations adopted for the most recent past season remain unchanged, except for those influenced by routine calendar rotations or other proposals pending before the commission.

Primary concerns:

1. Running trapping through March 15th will mean traps will be out when grizzly bears emerge from their dens.
2. The 2020 wolf harvest and population data have not been released.
3. There is no sound mechanism by which the F&W Commission can meet quickly if and when the quota is reached.
4. Quotas in the areas around Yellowstone National park and Glacier National park have been removed.
5. Night hunting and the use of bait are not consistent with ethical fair-chase hunting.
6. Snares will lead to non-target capture of grizzlies and lynx.

2021-22 Elk Shoulder Season Adjustments

1. Should Season Expansion and Continuation
   1. Added a shoulder season in HD 314 (LPT 314-00).
   2. Extend the late season to Feb. 15, 2022, for all relevant license-permit types for antlerless elk shoulder seasons in Hunting Districts 262, 290, 298, 314, 390, 391, 393, 411, 417, 502, 510, 511, 520, 530, 540, 560, 575, 580, and 590.
2. Shoulder Season Public Lands
   1. The department recommended not expanding shoulder seasons to public land as part of the 2021 shoulder season structure but considering it later as part of the biennial season setting process.
   2. Expanded shoulder seasons onto public land in the east half of HD 411 and potentially other hunting districts.

Primary Concerns

1. The results of the 2020 shoulder seasons have not been shared with the public. 
2. The shoulder seasons were not meeting the agreed-upon criteria before 2020, and it is still unknown if they met the requirements in 2020.
3. Shoulder seasons on public lands run counter to the purpose of a shoulder season: to move elk off private property and back onto public land.
4. Hunting pregnant cow elk in the dead of winter is poor wildlife management and a detriment to the image of hunting.
5. These hunting districts are in areas where there is heaving trophy elk outfitting. The department is catering to the interests of outfitters.
6. These shoulder seasons lay the groundwork for a move to a ranching for wildlife model, as seen in other states.
7. The voice of the people is being ignored. The majority of comments opposed these changes.
8. The department is blatantly ignoring its standards and the best available science. 

The Fish and Wildlife Commission made it abundantly clear that they will continue to push the rhetoric and legislative agenda that came out of the 2021 Legislative Session. As Commissioner Byorth pointed out, public testimony overwhelmingly opposed these measures, and yet every proposal moved forward. Both elected and appointed officials continue to ignore the will of the many in favor of special interests. Now is the time for wildlife advocates to raise their unified voices in support of our hunting heritage and fairchase hunting principles.

 

By Montana Wildlife Federation Programs and Partnership Director Marcus Strange and Montana Wildlife Federation Western Montana Field Coordinator Eric Clewis.

I am a passionate bowhunter and love talking gear. While discussing gear is fun, I also recognize that budgets are tight, and articles like this can be overwhelming.  My approach to acquiring equipment is a gradual process that has taken years to execute. I shop sales and look for deals. My favorite gift is gift cards (hint, hint). I borrow items I’m missing from friends and use that time to determine whether I need that item. No matter what your budget, the most important thing is that you can have incredible experiences in the field. Make that your priority, and let the acquisition of gear follow.

The Hierarchy of Gear

Everyone has a “hierarchy of gear.” This hierarchy is the list of things that you need when you go hunting in order of necessity. Everyone’s list looks a little different, but we all have one. Knowing your hierarchy of gear will help you decide what equipment you need to add to your system and when to add it. My top five items that I need, in order of importance, are:

1. Weapon
2. Boots
3. Pack
4. Optics
5. Clothes

Boots

In my hierarchy of essential gear, boots are second only to my weapon. My boots of choice are the Crispi Idaho II GTX. They are reliable, do it all boot that performs whether you’re chasing elk through the mountains or hiking to a tree stand along a river bottom. If your feet are wet, blistered, and hurting, you will have a hard time enjoying your hunt. If you’re tight on funds, I recommend looking for an uninsulated boot that you can wear during the archery season and add an extra sock to during the rifle season. You should also be aware that you don’t need to buy “hunting” boots. Most hiking and mountaineering boots will work equally well for a hunt and can then be multi-purposed for your other adventures.

Back Pack

The third item in my gear hierarchy is my pack. For me, the ideal pack is one that can be used as a daypack or as a multi-day pack. Whatever backpack you choose, make sure that it can handle the weight of a pack out. I look for packs with an internal frame and an external load shelf to handle packing out harvested meat. I use the Sky 5900 from Stone Glacier, an expedition pack that can convert down into a daypack. Stone Glacier is a Montana company who’s products are made in the USA. They also give back to conservation and have supported MWF. If you’re looking for a less expensive option, check out ALPS Outdoorz or the King’s Camo Mountain Top 2200. You can also use a regular backpacking pack, but bring something to line the inside or be prepared to wash it should you need to pack out meat.

Optics

If you can’t find game, it’s hard to hunt. Optics give the hunter an advantage when it comes to spotting wildlife. I spend a TON of time glassing, but I still like to keep my optics simple. Because of the light, run, and gun style of hunting that I practice, I don’t use a spotting scope. I also don’t care about seeing the animal in great detail. I just need to know is it an elk and is it a cow or bull. For me, 10×42 binoculars do everything I need in the field. I use the Maven Optics 10×42 due to their combination of sleek design and superior glass.

Clothes

My first season hunting, I had roofing boots, double knee Carhartts, and cotton shirts. My clothing options have come a long way since those days. Whether one believes that camouflage is needed or not, having comfortable clothes while hunting makes a big difference. I use synthetics that are breathable and durable. I have been adding in some merino wool products in strategic situations. 

I’ve tried most major hunting lines, and there are pros and cons to each. If you have the funds, I would recommend Sitka Gear. They are a Montana company that gives back to conservation and makes fantastic products. If your budget is tighter, you can pick up some very usable Realtree, synthetic camo from your local Walmart or sporting goods store. Between those two options, there is a spectrum of options that will also work. DON’T let your clothes hold you back. There are many options out there that won’t break the bank, and most outdoor clothing is good enough with which to start hunting. My one rule is to avoid cotton due to its tendency to absorb moisture and cause chafing.

You can download my full gear list HERE. I use an excel form that Brady Miller from goHunt.com developed. This sheet is a good starting point and checklist for you to use as you plan your next adventure. Download the file and adjust it to fit your needs. If you have any questions about hunting gear, contact MWF Program and Partnership Director Marcus Strange at mstrange@mtwf.org. 

• Only use lead-free ammunition, such as steel or copper, when hunting.

• Where possible, practice at established ranges so lead on the landscape is confined to specific, manageable areas.

• Help to educate others on the benefits of hunting with lead-free ammunition by sharing your knowledge and experience.

While these steps may seem simple, the positive effects they will have can not be understated. It is our role to stand up for the wildlife that can’t stand up for itself. Stand up for Montana’s wildlife today by taking the MWF Non-Lead Pledge HERE. Together we can support our wildlife and each other by creating a lead-free Montana.