Chapter V - Block Management Efficiency 



Terminology 



► A BMA in one region was to be included on the map in another 

 region and the information was not included on the map. 



Terminology for basically the same things is not consistent within 

 tabloids and between tabloids and maps. For example, in five 

 regions we found nine different terms for roster box. The wording 

 for the type of permission required is also not consistent even within 

 a region. Written permission is not defined in most tabloids. A 

 hunter new to the program might not know written permission 

 consists of a fairly simple permission slip. 



Summary 



These inconsistencies and problems noted happened for a number of 

 reasons. Prior to House Bill 195 each region had some sort of Block 

 Management Program in place. Each region created a program that 

 fit the needs of individual landowners. There were no regional 

 tabloids or maps showing where management areas were. 



When House Bill 195 was passed in 1996 each region was told to 

 develop a hunter enhancement program. In most cases the regions 

 just took what they had and enlarged it within the laws and rules of 

 the new program. As a result there are seven different methods to 

 communicate the program to the hunters. After the 1997 hunting 

 season, Helena staff developed a standard table format for the 

 individual BMA information in the tabloids and produced the 

 tabloids on newsprint paper. That made finding the BMA 

 information in the tabloid much easier. Now the regional and 

 Helena staff can work on other areas of the tabloids and maps to 

 enhance the ways they present the same basic information. 



To correct some of the problems found, the department/regions 

 should have an independent review of the tabloids and maps to 

 ensure wording is consistent and at a comprehensible level. The 

 Block Management Coordinators should agree to present some of the 

 "common" information in the tabloids and on the maps in a 

 consistent/standard manner. 



The department indicated that the Block Management Working 

 Group is reviewing program materials and developing 

 recommendations regarding information dissemination. 



Page 56 



