FWP Seeks Public Comment on Petition to Close Waterfowl Hunting on a Portion of Mitchell Slough – MFWP
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Headlines – Region 2
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is seeking public comment on their recommendation on how to respond to a landowner-initiated petition to close waterfowl hunting on a portion of the Mitchell Slough in the Bitterroot Valley.
Following an investigation into the petition, FWP is recommending to keep waterfowl hunting open in the Slough at this time but to work with landowners, ranchers and sportsmen to identify areas that are more suitable for public hunting and others that may pose concerns.
The FWP recommendation came in response to a petition from landowners, John and Kathy Lewis, to close waterfowl hunting on a portion of the Slough that runs through their property near Victor Crossing.
In 2008, the Montana Supreme Court ruled that Mitchell Slough is a natural stream, which means that the public has access to the Slough under Montana’s stream access law. Hunters and others can wade or boat the Slough below the high-water mark, even if it passes through private property but cannot use the adjoining private lands for access or to retrieve waterfowl without landowner permission.
As part of the comment period, FWP will hold a public meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot River Inn in Hamilton, 139 Bitterroot Plaza Drive. Comments will be taken at the meeting, or written comments can be directed to: Mitchell Slough Waterfowl Hunting; FWP, 3201 Spurgin Road; Missoula, MT 59804. All comments must be received by Friday, Dec. 11, 2009.
The FWP recommendation and recorded public comments will go to the FWP Commission for final action. For questions or additional information, please call the Missoula FWP office at 406-542-5500.
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