elk

Elk populations across much of the state are growing, and above ideal thresholds set by wildlife managers. In recent years landowners, hunters and outfitters have disagreed about how to update policy to match the trend. But that could change during the current session of the Montana Legislature.

This week, we talk about what the Republican supermajority's spending plan means. Plus, a slate of bills could impact elk hunting in the state.

Straightening the quilt on one of the cots, I glimpsed movement through a window and rushed - barefoot - to the narrow deck to see what it was: a herd of 200 elk galloping along each rise and dip of the valley below the treehouse.

Where initially the herd was scattered throughout the sage along the forest edge, they had now moved toward the road and were gathered together in a tight cluster. They were nervous, gazing toward the trees, ears cocked forward. They paced anxiously, some spinning in circles. I could hear a lot of mewing and a few barked alarms. These are clear signs a predator was near, probably the grizzly bear and cubs I had spotted in the area the day before.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said they are “seeking input on the existing elk population objectives and local elk management challenges that should be considered” in the revised management plan.

Montana's Blackfeet Nation is experimenting with a new way to detect chronic wasting disease in animals and toxic substances in plants used by tribal members for food and cultural practices.

United Property Owners of Montana has argued that elk are overgrazing on ranch lands, leading to grass shortages for cattle. The group wants private landowners to have more say in how Montana FWP manages elk herds. The "Keep Elk Public" coalition says this would give landowners too much power.

The easement would protect public access and recreation on private timberlands around the Thompson Chain of Lakes in Flathead, Lincoln and Sanders counties.

State wildlife officials with the help of a Flathead Valley conservation group have acquired nearly 800 acres along the Flathead River near Columbia Falls. The Bad Rock Wildlife Management Area is one of the last undeveloped tracts of land along the Flathead River. The acquisition will protect winter range for wildlife.

Missoula District Court Judge Donald Molloy ruled that the forest service improperly exempted the Stonewall project from management rules aimed at maintaining elk herds in the area.