Hunters: Be aware of SB 245

Senate Bill 245 is supposedly a bill to enable Fish, Wildlife & Parks to control elk numbers when their numbers become larger than the objective population numbers determined by the FWP for that area.  This bill supposedly “allows” FWP to harvest cow elk after the regular season to adjust those numbers downward if needed. 

What Senate Bill 245 actually does is save the bulls for the landowners and the outfitters.  The public is not allowed to harvest bulls.  Bulls are worth big money.  The public can only harvest cows in order to lower the total numbers to the population objectives.  In other words public hunters are to come in and clean up the mess paying an additional license fee.  In addition landowners get 20% of the excess cows for friends and relatives free. This is a scam.  FWP already has authority to conduct special seasons to control wildlife numbers and they can do so as needed.  They could have half a dozen additional hunts if necessary.

Listening to the recording of the hearing was alarming.   This bill, supposedly only to enable FWP to manage elk, was supported by an array of interesting people.  For example the Farm Bureau was there, a Wilkes brother’s representative was there (they are interested in “game management hunts” and incredibly The Elk Foundation supported HB245.  The public might remember when it comes time to write checks.  Even more incredible was the Director of FWP, Jeff Hagener testifying that “We have worked with the sponsor (Senator Doug Kary) on the wording of this bill and are satisfied with it as written.  The department supports the bill as it represents one more option to potentially help elk population management.” 

At a time when FWP is desperately in need of increased funding for the department thus needing sportsmen’s support, it is unbelievable that Director Hagener and the FWP Commission would design and support a bill that is a slap in the face of sportsmen. 

If sportsmen stand by and let this bill pass it will become another step toward taking wildlife away from the public.  If enough such steps are allowed hunters will eventually have to “ poach from the King’s table.” as in old England.  It is sad that those who are able to exploit the public usually do.  Call Jeff Hagener, call your representative, leave messages for the House Fish & Game committee, call FWP commissioners, leave messages for GovernorBullock.  Also use email for all.

Harold Johns Butte