Proposal for Change in the Teton Spring Creek Area

Don Childress
Wildlife Division
Montana Department Fish, Wildlife and Parks
PO Box 200701
Helena, MT 50620-0701
October 31, 2003

Re: Tentative Proposal for Hunting Districts 404 and 450

Dear Don,

The potential exists to harvest a significant number of deer within the Teton Spring Creek Bird Preserve (TSCBP) if the season is restructured in a way that provides for positive incentive to bowhunters.

The Montana Bowhunters Association (MBA) respectively requests the Department offer to the FWP Commission the following tentative proposal to the 2004 hunting season. This proposal would change the regulations for Hunting Districts 404 and 450 within the boundaries of the TSCBP as described in the 2003 hunting regulations:

1. Unlimited, Archery Only

2. Up to five (5) over-the-counter, antlerless B licenses for either deer species

3. Extend the season to January 15

Increasing the number of B licenses should reduce deer numbers and consequently improve vehicle safety, limit game damage, improve agricultural production, and benefit all the property owners within the Preserve.

Extending the season until January 15, should also benefit the landowners as having hunters in the field will help to keep deer from the haystacks. There is no other season open at that time in the area and this opportunity will draw plenty of interest from bowhunters.

Thank you for the opportunity to comment.

Sincerely,

Charlie Johnson, President
Montana Bowhunters Association