Public Information/Education: There was widespread support for these efforts as 

 described in the plan, and FWP will continue to implement them and look at new 

 partnerships and programs to make this aspect of the program even more effective. 



Hunting: Comments were received that supported hunting as part of the management 

 program, opposed hunting or a hunt, and suggested that any possibility of hunting be 

 delayed until some future date. FWP recognizes that many people hold strong personal 

 values on either side of the issue of hunting this species. Those who support a hunt view 

 the bears as a valuable wildlife species and game animal. Those who oppose hunting also 

 view bears as a valuable wildlife species, but feel it is inappropriate to hunt predators or 

 wildlife in general. Many who suggested that any hunt be delayed until a future date felt 

 that this population needed to be more secure in both numbers and distribution before any 

 hunt was proposed. 



It is important that the public understand this plan only recommends that hunting be a 

 part of the long-term management program. It does not recommend a hunt at this time. 

 If a hunt were to be proposed, it would be through the processes discussed in the plan. 

 The rationale for a hunt would be justified and open to public scrutiny. As discussed in 

 the plan. FWP believes the option of using hunting, as a management tool in the future is 

 important. Hunting has been successfully used as a management tool for many species in 

 Montana (including grizzlies) and for grizzlies in other areas. In addition, Montana 

 consistently has one of the highest levels of participation in hunting of any state in the 

 nation. This constituency has also demonstrated significant long-term support for grizzly 

 bears and their habitat. Some commentors also pointed out that a hunt could help build 

 the political support needed to create statutory changes and/or to obtain funding to 

 maintain ongoing expansion of the bear population. 



There were suggestions specific to how to conduct a hunt (spring or fall), and how to sell 

 licenses. These will be more appropriately discussed if and when a specific hunt is 

 proposed. 



FWP recognizes a need for ongoing education to reduce the potential for mistaken 

 identification mortality and for enforcement to minimize any illegal mortalities. Any 

 mortality due to a hunt would be considered in total mortality management programs and 

 coordinated with Idaho and Wyoming. 



Finally, there was a recommendation that all black bear hunting be closed in grizzly bear 

 areas. FWP believes this approach would eliminate or alienate a group of people who 

 support bear programs and would limit opportunities for future expansion of the grizzly 

 bear population. 



Some opposed to any hunt stated that females with cubs would be killed, that there will 

 be bear baiting, and that there will be various other abuses. These types of situations are 

 illegal and will be enforced with existing and any fiiture statutory authority. It also 

 should be noted that there are portions of southwestern Montana that will never be hunted 

 both within and outside the PCA. However, to promote a broader recovery and 



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