New Wolf Law Takes Effect Immediately – MFWP

NEW WOLF LAWS TAKE EFFECT IMMEDIATELY

A wolf management bill that won swift and overwhelming bipartisan support in the Montana Legislature was signed into law today by the state’s new governor.
Gov. Steve Bullock said the law, sponsored by Rep. Kelly Flynn, will allow hunters to purchase up to three wolf licenses and lowers the price of a nonresident wolf license from $350 to $50. The measure will also fortify state wildlife officials’ science-based efforts to manage Montana’s recovered and growing wolf population, the Governor said.
“This legislation leaves management of the gray wolf where it belongs, in the hands of scientists, not politicians,” Gov. Bullock said.
The legislation was amended by law makers to allow hunting and trapping of wolves near national parks and allows wildlife officials to close such areas after established wolf harvest quotas are met.
In signing the legislation, Gov. Bullock asked FWP to ramp up education programs aimed at averting the harvest of collared wolves near national parks.
Gov. Bullock also directed his staff to determine the best way to reengage the wolf advisory council. The council was originally formed to lead the state’s productive wolf conservation and management plan discussions more than 12 years ago.
The new law also allows for wolf hunters to use their license after 24-hours of purchase, instead of a five-day wait; authorizes the use of electronic calls ; and removes the requirement for wolf hunters to wear hunter-orange clothing after the general deer and elk hunting seasons have ended.
The recovery of the wolf in the northern Rockies—an area generally comprised of wolf populations in Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming—remains one of the fastest endangered species comebacks on record. The recovery goal for wolves in the three states was set at a minimum of 30 breeding pairs—successfully reproducing wolf packs—and a minimum of 300 individual wolves for at least three consecutive years. In the mid 1990s, to hasten the overall pace of wolf recovery, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released wolves into Yellowstone National Park and central Idaho. By 2002 the recovery goal was reached and the wolf population has increased every year since.
Today, at least 1,774 wolves in 287 packs and about 109 breeding pairs, live in the region. The minimum Montana wolf population estimates at the end of 2011 include 653 wolves, in 130 verified packs, and 39 breeding pairs. New official population estimates are expected in March.
Montana’s wolf hunting and trapping seasons are open through Feb. 28. So far, hunters have taken 115 wolves and trappers have reported taking 84 wolves. For more information, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov. Click “Montana Wolf Hunt”.

Gov. Bullock signs HB 73

February 13, 2013

We would like to thank Governor Steve Bullock, the Montana Legislature and Montana FWP for their support and enactment of HB 73. We were informed that Governor Steve Bullock signed the bill in a 9:30 am ceremony this morning. A special thank you to Kelley Flynn and Ted Washburn for sponsoring HB 73, Senator John Brendon for carrying the bill on the Senate floor and Senate President Jeff Essman for signing the bill without hesitation. This is a step in the right direction to facilitate recovery of impacted moose, elk and deer populations in the state of Montana.

Citizens for Balanced Use, Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife Montana, Montana Guides and Outfitters and Big Game Forever would especially like to thank Montana’s Sportsmen and Livestock producers for your efforts in support of HB 73. The emails and phone calls to the Governor’s office and Legislature provided vital support for passage of the bill. We are encouraged by the strong support for HB 73. The bill passed with significant bi-partisan support; 96-3 in the Montana House and 45-4 in the Montana Senate.

We encourage Montana Sportsmen and Livestock producers to take a few minutes and send a thank you message to Governor Bullock, the Montana Legislature and Montana FWP for their support of HB 73.

Here are email addresses and phone numbers to convey a message directly:

Governor Steve Bullock
Phone: (406) 444-3111
email: governor@mt.gov

Montana Legislature
Phone: (406) 444-4819
Contact Form: online message form

Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks
Phone: (406) 444-2535
Email: fwpgen@mt.gov

Thank you for your ongoing support of wildlife conservation in Montana.

Warm Regards,

Ryan Benson
Big Game Forever

News From Western Montana Chapter Safari Club International

Montana Senators Need to Hear from Sportsmen Now!!

Our friend, Senator Scott Boulanger, has introduced a bill that will help preserve Montana’s hunting heritage for generations to come. Senate Bill 197 creates an apprentice hunting license, which permits an experienced mentor to take a newcomer hunting under restricted circumstances prior to the completion of hunter education.

This approach, called “Try Before You Buy,” has been implemented in 34 other states so far, including Idaho and Wyoming, and the new apprentice licenses are doing a great job recruiting young people and women! In fact, more than 782,000 since 2006.

The safety record has been incredible, actually four times safer than regular hunting because of the watchful eye of the mentor. That is why so many great organizations are behind this effort including Montana chapters of Safari Club International, Ducks Unlimited and the National Wild Turkey Federation. Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife are supporters too, along with the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association and the Mule Deer Foundation. Nationally, the program is supported by the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, National Shooting Sports Foundation, National Wild Turkey Federation, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and the National Rifle Association.

Please contact the members of the Senate Fish and Game committee listed here. Ask them to support Senate Bill 197. Tell them it’s good for the future of hunting, and safe!

To email the Senate Fish and Game Committee, go to: http://leg.mt.gov/css/Sessions/63rd/legwebmessage.asp

Fill in your contact information.

Select the Senate Fish and Game Committee.

Fill in SB 197 for the bill number, and select that you are “For” the bill.

Leave a short message in the box below that.

Finally, hit send, and your message will be sent to the members of the committee.

Remember: your email will make a difference. Please take the time to send it today!

Other News….

Mark Your Calendars! – The 2013 Annual Western Montana SCI Banquet will be held Saturday, March 16th at the Holiday Inn Downtown in Missoula. Join us for this fun filled evening of drinks, dinner, silent auction, live auction, raffles, and much more! You can purchase your tickets online or call us to reserve your spot at 866-633-8110. Sponsor information can be found by clicking here!

Share your Hunting Story – We want to hear about your hunting season! Send us your story (with pictures, please) no later than March 15th. If we publish your story, you will receive a free SCI knife ($35 value). Articles can be submitted via email to editor@westernmtsci.org.
Have you “liked” us on Facebook? – We’d love to see your hunt pictures this fall. Take a moment, “like” us and participate on our Facebook page!