Spring Creek Letter

January 29, 2005 

To: Citizens of the Teton Spring Creek Bird Preserve and Adjoining Community Members, 

The Montana Bowhunters Association’s (MBA) mission since 1973 is to unite the state's bowhunting sportsmen to work toward a common goal of preserving and promoting ethical bowhunting in Montana. Fundamental to our endeavors are promoting ethical bowhunting through education, improving landowner-bowhunter relationships, securing increased bowhunter opportunities, working to maintain sportsmen’s access to public wildlife, and providing a voice in the management and preservation of Montana's big game and wildlife habitat. 

The MBA first became aware of an over population of deer in the Teton Spring Creek Bird Preserve in December 2002. During the ensuing year, we discussed the issue with Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MDFWP) officials in Helena and Great Falls, the FWP Commission, and local residents and bowhunters familiar with the situation. 

Based on the information we acquired, the MBA submitted a tentative proposal to the FWP Commission in 2003, that would simplify and liberalize the season structure in Hunting District 404. An improved season structure, with increased opportunity to harvest deer, would reduce deer numbers, improve vehicle safety, limit game damage, and improve agricultural production. 

The FWP Commission made some improvements to the season structure in 2004, but the MBA feels there is still room to enhance the opportunity to harvest deer in the Preserve and the adjoining area. The MBA remains committed to the reduction of deer within the Preserve and the adjoining area through the means of ethical and safe bowhunting practices. To that end, the Montana Bowhunters Association will submit to the Department a tentative proposal which will extend the hunting season in HD 404 and parts of HD 450 until January 15, for the 2006 hunting season. 

Sincerely, 

Charlie Johnson, President 
Montana Bowhunters Association