FWP Seeks Comment On Upland Game Bird Release And Habitat Enhancement Rules

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The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on proposed rules that would regulate Montana’s upland game bird release and habitat-enhancement programs. The proposed rules define how FWP will authorize participation in release projects for upland game birds, including turkeys and ring-necked pheasants. The rules define the requirements for new upland game bird releases, emergency supplemental feeding, and acres of habitat needed to support releases. In addition, the rules set a minimum age of birds to be released at 10 weeks, and sets FWP payment for released pheasants at a rate equal to the average cost of 10-14 week old pheasants raised by certified hatcheries or game bird growers in Montana. The rules also define requirements for participation in FWP’s upland game bird habitat enhancement program, including placing a $200,000 cap on any individual habitat enhancement projects and requiring projects in excess of $100,000 to be authorized by the FWP Commission. The rules further define specific criteria for FWP to use to evaluate proposed habitat enhancement projects. Participation in either the upland game bird release program or the upland game bird habitat enhancement program would require free public hunting access. The proposed rules are available on-line as a Legal Notice in the Public Notices section on FWP’s website: fwp.state.mt.us; or by writing to: FWP, Wildlife Division; Attn: Upland Game Bird Rules, PO Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701. Comments will be accepted through Aug. 17. A public hearing will be held in Lewistown on Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. at FWP’s Lewistown Area Resource Office, 2358 Airport Rd. For information call 406-444-2612.