Applications for special hunting permits due early

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission moved the due date for special hunting permit applications to March 15. The decision was made after a series of 40 public meetings in January throughout the state with favorable response to the changed date from June 1.

“There were lots of requests from the public for more time to plan hunts and to get in contact with land owners,” FWP Chief of Communications Ron Aasheim said.

The proposal was vetted for public comment over 60 days with additional public comment after it was tentatively approved. The commission decided to change the date at their October 2011 meeting.

“Certainly people appreciate the additional time,” Aasheim said.

These permits are required in various part of Montana such as the Rocky Mountain Front and Missouri Breaks. Special permits for buck deer and bull elk are needed in certain areas throughout the state, but not all of it.

Special hunting permit applicants will know by mid-April if their application is approved.

According to Aasheim, public reception is mixed for the new date. Most of the negative response is out of confusion about applying for cow licenses or concern that some people might not know about the changed deadline.

Applications for all other permits and licenses are still at their usual time. Moose, sheep, goat, and bison licenses are due May 1. Deer, antelope, and antlerless elk licenses are due June 1.

The due date for special hunting permits is currently anticipated to remain March 15 indefinitely.

For more information and to find out if a special hunting permit is needed for hunting trips this upcoming season, go to fwp.mt.gov or visit a FWP office.