FWP seeks public input on elk hunting shoulder seasons

MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE AND PARKS

BOZEMAN – Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public comment on proposed guidelines to establish elk hunting seasons before, or after, the existing archery and general rifle seasons.

The additional seasons, called elk shoulder seasons, would be used where needed to reduce elk populations. The primary intent of a shoulder season is to help reduce the population in a hunting district or group of hunting districts.

An elk shoulder season could occur between Aug. 15 and Feb. 15 outside the five-week general rifle season and six-week archery season. In 2015, the general elk rifle season is Oct. 24 to Nov. 29 and the archery season is Sept. 5 to Oct. 18.

Comments will be taken until 5 p.m., Aug. 10. To see the proposal and comment, visit the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov and click “Submit Public Comments,” then click “Hunting & Trapping.” Written comments also will be accepted at:

FWP – Wildlife Division
Attn: Public Comment
P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701

Visit fwp.mt.gov or call (406) 444-2612 for more information.