Proposed Rules Would Allow Aerial Herding Of Wildlife To Prevent Damage on Private Lands

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment by August 1 on proposed rules that would allow landowners to herd or haze game animals with aircraft in order to prevent crop or other damage to private property.

The 2005 Montana State Legislature directed the FWP Commission to establish the rules to reduce landowner losses that occur when game animals congregate on private lands.

The permits described in the proposed rules would not be available during designated hunting seasons or in spring when deer and elk are birthing their young.

The proposed rules also set criteria that applicants must meet to qualify for the aerial herding permits. Neighboring landowners must be notified and written permission obtained if the herding activity will move game animals onto, across, or off any lands other than those owned by the permit holder.

The full text of the proposed rules is available on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov under Public Notices. Comments may be sent through August 1 to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Attn: FWP Enforcement, 1420 East Sixth Ave., Helena, MT, 59620-0701 or by email to:gpayne@mt.gov . 

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