I have noticed that the F.S. seems to be gating roads lower on 

 the road. I am for this. Also, I would like to see more done to 

 discourage ATV and 4WD use and violation. Also, I would like to 

 see more done in the way of controlling Indian hunting in the 

 off-season which I see (along with poaching) as the single most 

 detrimental practice currently done in respect to all game 

 species put more so in regards to elk and moose. I would also 

 like to see something done in response to the harassment of game, 

 already stressed by winter and pregnance, by snowmobilers . I 

 enjoy "snowcats" myself but something may need to be done. In 

 the future, a proficiency exam for all hunters may need to be 

 undertaken. We have a good FWP Department which I support 

 entirely. (No extra charge). 



I would like to see our district made walk in only for a couple 

 years to increase out elk herd and eliminate poaching from tribal 

 members. Also people are strictly road hunting and not following 

 up on shots. I found 5 kills left in woods. Three were within 

 200 yards of road. 



The biggest threat to big bulls in areas I hunt has been poaching 

 from roads which should be closed. Poachers bugle up elk and 

 shoot with a rifle. Closure of roads normally closed Oct. 15 

 should be extended to year around or at min. closed by Sept. 1. 



I would like to say that logging practice and particular road 

 building (permanent roads) by the Forest Service has been 

 exceptional in area #120 in recent years. As close to Kalispell 

 and its population center as Blacktail Mtn. in and with roads the 

 access is far too high. Also with Beetle Kill as an excuse so 

 more selective clear cutting, this too is a problem. More roads, 

 trucking, and hauling helps distribute the insect for miles via 

 road then they could spread on their own. Also I would like to 

 point out as a tax payer that, I do not feel that I should be 

 locked out of my own roads for "walk-in" purposes. Once the road 

 is built I feel I should have access at all times as I do in my 

 own home. I feel that private corporations do a much better job 

 of forest management and wildlife management as well as putting 

 old roads back inot production of forests and game. 



I feel south western Montana needs more strict management on the 

 roads, especially in the Beaverhead National Forest. This will 

 have a large effect on mule deer and elk herds. 



Increasing numbers of 4 wheelers or all terrain vehicles in areas 

 during hunting season which I don't care for. 



I think ATV's are a big problem. I don't think spike bull elk 

 should be legal for bows or rifles. I don't like to idea of 

 choosing bow or rifle. It would be nice to have more game 

 wardens to cover the country better. They do an excellent job 



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