Comments sought on CSKT regulatory changes
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes recently announced proposed changes to the Hunting, Fishing and Recreation Regulations for CSKT members, effective March 1, 2024-Feb. 28, 2025.
According to a press release, the CSKT Tribal Council welcomes comments from the public on the draft regulations. Comments must be submitted via letter or email, no later than 5:30 p.m. March 1. An in-person public comment period is slated for 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29, at the CSKT Permit office, 406 6th Ave. East in Polson.
Regulation proposals include provisions to minimize the spread of wildlife diseases and the spread of aquatic invasive species. These include a season on American Bullfrogs; restrictions for Lick cave, located on the northeast portion of the reservation, to minimize the potential spread of White-nose syndrome to bats; aquatic invasive species prevention; and Chronic Wasting Disease reporting.
Fisheries proposals include changes to trout harvests for the Jocko and Flathead River, floatation restrictions on Safe Harbor Marsh, and updates to the lake trout fish consumption chart.
Changes to elk hunting in the Ferry Basin Wildlife Management Unit, bighorn sheep hunting in the Little Money (Camas) Wildlife Management Unit, moose hunting, and off-reservation bison hunting will be summarized in the member regulations with specific information available in the annual supplemental booklets handed out with permits. Additional big game clarifications are proposed, as well as hunting season updates for big game, wolves and waterfowl.
Recreation proposals include language on the safe discharge of firearms, pyrotechnics, clarification of Bison Range entrance fees, and proper internment of human remains on Tribal lands.
Written comments may be summited by letter to P.O. Box 278, Pablo, MT 59855 or via email to Amanda Bourdon at recpermits@cskt.org or Amanda.bourdon@cskt.org or to Stephanie Gillin, at Stephanie.gillin@cskt.org.
Fish & Wildlife Board meets Feb. 21
The Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife Board will meet from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21 at the Fish, Wildlife and Parks office at 3201 Spurgin Road in Missoula.
The meeting, which is open to the public, will cover enforcement reports, updates to bird hunting regulations and a presentation on the MyFWP app.
For more information, contact Stephanie Gillin at Stephanie.gillin@cskt.org or Whisper Camel-Means at Whisper.means@cskt.org or by phone at 406-883-2888.