(C) Daily Montanan This story was originally published by Daily Montanan and is unaltered. . . . . . . . . . . FWP seeking public comment on proposed fishing regulation changes ahead of October meeting – Daily Montanan [1] ['Daily Montanan Staff', 'More From Author', '- August'] Date: 2022-08 Fisheries around Montana will be hosting open houses to discuss Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks proposed fishing regulations before their Oct. 20 meeting, according to a FWP press release. FWP has a total of 42 regulation proposals out for public comment through Sept. 22, which can be found on FWP’s website. Proposed regulations include a mandatory catch-and-keep for northern pike on Lake Mary Ronan near Polson. According to the release, northern pike were illegally introduced into Lake Mary Ronan, leading to concerns they could adversely impact the other sport fish in the lake as well as the state’s broodstock for kokanee salmon. Another proposal adds a bowfishing season for chinook salmon on Fort Peck Reservoir, with FWP saying this change would increase diversity of opportunity on Fort Peck. There are proposals addressing both the transfer and use of crayfish as bait, including one proposal that would limit the transport of live crayfish within the Western Fishing District. For the Beaverhead River and the Big Hole River there are proposals to protect the sport fish in these waters with the proposed changes being part of a plan for adaptive management. FWP switched from a four-year fishing regulation cycle to a two-year cycle, with printing of the updated booklets happening every other year. A photo and art contest continues for the front and back covers of the 2023/2024 booklets. Submissions can be emailed to [email protected]; the deadline is Oct. 15. The schedule for the fishery open house is the following: Statewide Zoom: Sept. 13, 6 p.m., details to be announced Region 1: Sept. 14, 4 p.m., Region 1 Headquarters in Kalispell, 490 North Meridian Road Region 2: Sept. 15, 6 p.m., Region 2 Headquarters in Missoula, 3201 Spurgin Road Region 3: Sept. 8, 7 p.m., DNRC Building in Dillon, 840 North Montana St. Region 3: Sept. 19, 6 p.m., Region 3 Headquarters in Bozeman, 1400 South 19th St. Region 4: Sept. 7, 7 p.m., Region 4 Headquarters in Great Falls, 4600 Giant Springs Road Region 5: Sept. 14, 4:30 p.m., Region 5 Headquarters, 2300 Lake Elmo Dr. Region 6: Sept. 20, 5 p.m., Region 6 Headquarters Quonset Building, 2165 Hwy 2 East Region 7: Sept. 7, 7 p.m., Miles Community College in Miles City, 2715 Dickinson St., Room 106 Other FWP proposals that are out for public comment and will be decided on during their Oct. 20 meeting include: Danford Pond Wildlife Viewing Area Easement Acquisition and Construction FWP is proposing an easement for public wildlife viewing at the Danford Pond Conservation Easement. The easement would be a no cost easement and FWP would construct a parking area and wildlife-viewing area using funds from the Nongame Tax Check-off account. Fleecer Mountain WMA Grazing Lease Renewals, Region 3 FWP is proposing the Fleecer Mountain WMA leases for a nine-year term beginning in May 2023 to include the EOU, cash grazing, and EOS leases as presented. This comprehensive approach would help achieve habitat objectives for the WMA while benefitting local livestock producers. Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management Area (WMA) Hunting Regulations FWP is proposing hunting regulations for the Bad Rock Canyon WMA that include hunting by limited access permit only. Archery season is open Thursday through Sunday (or Monday if it is a holiday) to archery equipment for all legal species, limited to two individuals/week awarded by lottery. General hunting and spring turkey seasons are open to youth ages 10–15 and hunters with a PTHFV for all legal species, limited to one party/day awarded by lottery. Closed to spring black bear hunting. Area rules, maps, and the access permit application process are available at FWP’s Region 1 Headquarters, 406-752-5501. 2023 Annual Work Plan for Elk Management in Areas with Brucellosis FWP is proposing substantiative recommendations from the brucellosis working group that differ from the 2022 plan, including: Allow the use of elk management tools within the DSA and in other specific areas where brucellosis-exposed elk have been confirmed. Add the exploration of new hazing techniques based on the efficacy of past efforts and new research findings. New hazing techniques could include the use of drones, dogs, remote cameras that alert landowners to elk presence, hazing even when elk are not present, or hazing at night. The work group recommends implementing at least one new technique in 2023 followed by an analysis of efficacy. Add the expanded opportunity to use fencing that reduces the ability for elk to cross into or use high-risk areas, such as calving pastures. This fencing was previously authorized for use only in the Paradise Valley. Add the target of implementing at least one habitat manipulation project that encourages elk to stay away from high-risk areas in 2023 followed by an analysis of efficacy. Remove the annual cap of $2,500 per landowner for fencing material. City of Havre Urban Deer Management Plan FWP is proposing the commission approve the City of Havre Deer Management Action Plan. The plan contains strategies that can effectively remove urban deer. To comment and for more information on these proposals, go online to https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/october-2022-meeting. 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