Hunters must register by July 15 for game damage hunt roster

Hunters interested in taking part in any game-damage hunting opportunities on private land this year must register between Monday, June 15 and July 15 with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP).

Game damage occurs when animals such as elk, deer or antelope concentrate on private farms and ranches and damage crops and property. 

FWP’s game damage hunt rules are designed to respond to the needs of landowners who provide public hunting during the general hunting season, yet who could nevertheless suffer losses due to wildlife damage without this additional management tool.  

In addition to game damage hunts, those who register will also be eligible for special management season hunts. Special management seasons are called for in response to concentrations of big game due to seasonal migrations, extreme weather conditions, restrictive public hunting on adjacent or nearby properties, and other factors.

Hunts could take place anytime from Aug. 15 through Feb.15, 2010.   Officials stress however, that game-damage hunts are only offered when needed and the need for such hunts may or may not develop.

A final game damage roster, randomly generated from all the online registrations, will be posted by Aug. 1. FWP will contact hunters on the rosters if hunting opportunities arise.

Prospective hunters must register for the hunt rosters online at fwp.mt.gov. Beginning June 15, a link to register will be available on the FWP Web site home page. The Internet-based registration can be completed on personal computers, at most public libraries, and at any FWP office.

To register, hunters will need their ALS number. They will be prompted to enter a preferred hunting district for potential deer, elk, and antelope game damage hunts. Prospective hunters may choose to participate in all three species lists. Hunters are urged to print the confirmation page after completing the registration process.

The effort to create hunter rosters is specifically intended to decrease game damage response time and to streamline the game damage process.