FWP Region 7 to host season-setting scoping meetings in Miles City, Glendive

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is kicking off the biennial hunting season-setting process earlier to allow for more public engagement and greater transparency. Public involvement will begin in June and end in November. In the past, public involvement happened primarily in December and January.

Scoping meetings will take place around the state from June 15 to July 15. FWP Region 7 has scheduled two public meetings: Thursday, July 6 from 6-8 p.m. at FWP's Miles City headquarters, and Tuesday, July 11 from 6-8 p.m. at Glendive's Dawson Community College, Ullman Center Room 102. The Miles City meeting also will have an online option for viewing. Visit FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov.

At these meetings FWP is looking to hunters to provide broad input on regulation changes they'd like to see. Staff will also look for feedback on a few specific proposals.

Region 7 has just one proposal: To create a new general hunting season, license, and hunting district for moose in Region 7. FWP proposes the creation of two, either-sex licenses valid from Sept. 15 and closing concurrent to the general season, which would be valid throughout all Region 7.

Several statewide proposals seek input on mule deer management and hunter crowding.

FWP will hold additional public meetings in early November to answer questions about the draft regulation proposals. Comment on the draft regulation proposals will be collected through the FWP website during the fall public commenting period. The final decision on regulations will come at the December Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting.