HELENA, Mont. (July 23, 2021) – This week, the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA), Montana Public Lands Council (MPLC), and the Montana Association of State Grazing Districts (MASGD) submitted comments on Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ proposed extension of late elk shoulder season.

In the comments, the organizations stated support in extending the date to February 15, 2022 for the proposed hunting districts (HD), including the addition of HD 314, a district that does not currently have a shoulder season, citing the extension will help address over-objective populations of elk and that shoulder seasons represent an important tool for addressing elevated population numbers and problematic elk distributions.

The comments also emphasized the importance of landowner flexibility to manage elk hunting on their property and reduce game damage.

MSGA, MPLC, and MASGD encourages its members to submit comments on the proposed elk shoulder season extension. Comments will be accepted until Friday, July 30, 2021, at 5 p.m.