grizzlies, when and where appropriate. By managing grizzly bears as a game species they are provided 

 recognition as a valuable wildlife species, protected from illegal harvest, afforded population monitoring 

 and research, and all of the other benefits managed species receive. 



In summary, FWP recommends that upon delisting, a regulated hunting season be a part of the overall 

 program for the following reasons: 



1. Legal harvest can be managed so as to have minimal impact on the population as a whole. 



2. Human-bear conflicts could be reduced through harvest if such hunting is concentrated in conflict 

 areas. 



3. Hunting promotes better acceptance of this large and potentially life threatening animal by the local 

 public who are asked to live with grizzlies, and this acceptance is a key to long-term survival of the 

 bear. If the local publics feel threatened by grizzlies, or the management program, they will defend 

 themselves as necessary. This in turn can have detrimental effects on existing grizzly populations 

 and clearly limits opportunities for expanded recovery efforts due to local resistance. 



4. Hunting grizzlies may alter cub survival and recruitment providing for population increase. While 

 there is currently some scientific disagreement on this possibility, there is no question that initial 

 harvest levels in western Montana will be so low that any effect of regulated take on increasing cub 

 survival and recruitment would be impossible to measure. 



5. Hunters have been, and continue to be, one of the strongest supporters of long-term conservation 

 efforts. Hunters have purchased significant habitat in western Montana and returned it to wildlife 

 use including grizzly bears. This strong connection between hunters and habitat is critical to 

 continued successes at restoring wildlife including grizzly bears. Hunting gives direct ownership for 

 the welfare of this species by some of the most ardent supporters of wildlife in Montana. 



6. Hunting allows the grizzly to be a social asset instead of being considered by some groups as a 

 liability. Hunting provides revenues from license fees on hunted species and excise taxes on 

 equipment to governmental entities for enforcement of wildlife management regulations. In 

 addition, there is an economic value to local, niral communities from regulated hunting programs. 

 Without a regulated hunt, costs are borne by hunters who can't pursue grizzlies (because our 

 programs still use license dollars) and the public at large. 



7. The presence of licensed hunters can reduce illegal activities. Every year ethical hunters in Montana 

 report people who have violated laws protecting wildlife. More "eyes and ears" in the field can deter 

 illegal activities. 



Harvest Management Guidelines 



There are many statutes and regulations in Montana that would affect any proposed hunt. In addition, 

 the State of Montana can anticipate specific management constraints on any hunt as summarized below: 



1. Hunting will not be proposed immediately if, and when, delisting occurs. It is clear that the 

 public will want some assurance that the other components of the grizzly bear management 

 program are being adequately implemented prior to a regulated hunt. 



2. There are areas that won't be hunted. There are currently areas outside the PCA and within that 

 are closed to hunting and will continue to be. 



3. The justification for any proposed hunt will be available to public scrutiny and comment prior to 

 any decision or possible implementation. 



4. Regulations have been and will be established to protect the female segment of the population as 

 much as possible. For example, if a hunt were to occur, FWP Commission regulations make it 



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