Results of all coordinated monitoring of habitat, population, conflicts, etc., will be 

 reported annually and made available to the public. In addition, any meeting will be 

 open to the public as specified in Montana's statues. 



Population status/estimation: FWP received comments questioning the status of the 

 population. Some noted significant increases and others noted population declines. 

 The current status of the population is discussed in the plan. The best available data 

 indicates a population increasing in both numbers and distribution at the present time. 

 This creates some misunderstanding among those who believe the population is in 

 decline and therefore seek additional "protections," while others who note grizzly bear 

 increases seek more management flexibility. Population estimation is, and always will 

 be, an area of controversy in grizzly bear management. The plan uses a variety of 

 widely accepted approaches used in other areas, with other species, and with grizzlies 

 in other parts of the world. The plan recognizes that using a variety of information from 

 many sources is the best approach to ensure reasonable estimates. Any estimates 

 used will be explained in full and will be open to public scrutiny and discussion. 



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 in appropriate 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 commenters 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. 



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