NOTE: Provided as a service to individuals desiring a copy of this Montana Stockgrowers Association proposal.
 

Benefits To The Public:

1. Montana resident sportsmen receive 25% of the male permits in the wildlife management area and the opportunity to harvest a trophy animal for only the cost of the regular big game hunting license.

2. Montana resident sportsmen receive 25% of the anterless permits.

3. Public permit hunters have access to all parts of the ranch hunted by private clients.

4. Wildlife habitat improvements are implemented on the ranch.

5. There may be spillover of excess game to adjacent, possibly public, lands.

6. Landowner tolerance increases for higher big game populations.

7. Lands previously closed to all public hunting may be opened.

 Benefits landowners receive from the program:

1. Specified number of licenses to achieve harvest goals.

2. Flexible and longer seasons to achieve harvest goals.

3. An approved Wildlife Management Plan.

4. Ability to manage wildlife along with other ranch resources.

INTRODUCTION TO THE MONTANA
WILDLIFE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (MWP)

The State of Montana supports a wide variety of wildlife with substantial amounts of wildlife habitat occurring on private land.   As the population in Montana steadily increases, demands on both private and public resources have accelerated the loss of habitat available for wildlife.  The Montana Wildlife Partnership Program (MWP) will help offset this trend.  The program’s intent is to 1) protect and improve wildlife habitat on private land, 2) provide incentives for landholders to manage their property for the benefit of wildlife, and 3) increase hunting access to private land by the public.  The program offers landholders biologically sound incentives to manage deer, elk and pronghorn antelope for recreational purposes on their property.  These incentives include guaranteed hunting permits for deer, elk and pronghorn antelope, flexible seasons, and harvest limits that result in high-quality hunting opportunities. 

Benefits include establishing a system for state wildlife managers and private-land owners to develop cooperative wildlife management plans; bring more intensive, planned wildlife management into play on deeded lands with substantial big game habitat and sustainable big game herds, and to increase the tolerance by landowners for increased game herds.  Additionally, Montana Wildlife Partnership will provide the public access to high quality hunting opportunities on private land. 

In return for the opportunity to become more involved in wildlife management and to have the ability to provide quality hunting opportunities, the landholder must:

• Develop a Wildlife Management Plan for the Montana Wildlife Partnership area.  The plan must include habitat enhancement goals, as well as population and sex/age ratio goals.  Strategies to achieve these goals must be described over a 3-year schedule. The development of the management plan is the applicant’s responsibility.  The plan may be prepared by the landholder, a wildlife consultant, or with assistance from government agencies offering cooperative services.  The plan will be reviewed and, if acceptable, be approved by the State Wildlife Partnership Review Committee.
   

• Include access to the public for hunting on the Montana Wildlife Partnership area.  This access will take into account the landowner’s desire for a quality hunting operation and the need for public support of the Montana Wildlife Partnership. Landowners must demonstrate that public hunters (25 % of the permits) will have hunting opportunities equal to the landowner’s private hunters (75 % of the permits). 
   

• Complete limited paperwork, which includes record-keeping during the hunting season, submission of an annual report and renewal application.  The renewal application procedure offers the landowner and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP) the flexibility to modify the management plan if needed.  MFWP personnel can assist with evaluation of project success, and provide recommendations for wildlife management activities.

Montana faces many serious challenges in managing its wildlife resources.  Through the Montana Wildlife Partnership, the state offers economic incentives to landholders to improve their valuable wildlife habitat and to provide improved access to the public for deer, elk and pronghorn antelope hunting.  This mutually beneficial program will help to enhance and safeguard Montana’s unique wildlife heritage. 

PROCEDURES FOR APPLICATION IN THE
MONTANA WILDLIFE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

 The application procedure begins when interested individuals contact a MFWP representative for information about the Montana Wildlife Partnership.  Those eligible for application include landowners who individually or in cooperation with adjacent landowners control a manageable wildlife unit.  An initial consultation is scheduled between the Regional Wildlife Manager and the potential applicant.  The purpose of the consultation is to introduce the potential applicant to program requirements and to determine whether the property and the individual’s goals are suited to the program.

Once the landholder and MFWP discuss the goals, objectives and harvest strategies for the Montana Wildlife Partnership area, the applicant prepares a Wildlife Management Plan.  The management plan may be written by the applicant or contracted through a wildlife consultant.  Some government agencies, such as the MSU Extension Service or the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, can assist in developing wildlife management plans.  The next section, “Guidelines for Writing a Wildlife Management Plan”, describes the required elements of a plan in detail.  The landowner, in consultation with the MFWP biologist will recommend a harvest program based on the area’s wildlife populations, quality and quantity of habitat, enhancement potential of that habitat and applicable species management plans and other pertinent information. 

The Wildlife Management Plan is then sent to the State Wildlife Partnership Review Committee for approval. To ensure that management plans receive adequate review, the Wildlife Management Plan must be received by the MFWP Director by August 1 prior to the year the program is to be initiated.   Plans received after the deadline date will be considered for the following year.

The State Wildlife Partnership Review Committee is coordinated by a non-voting Chairman appointed by the Director of MFWP.  The membership of the committee is composed of:

1. One MFWP Wildlife Biologist selected by the Director of MFWP.

2. One professional Wildlife Biologist from outside MFWP selected by the Director of the Montana Department of Agriculture.

3. One member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) selected by the MSGA Board of Directors.

4. One representative of a sportsman organization selected by the Chairman of the MFWP Commission.

5. Three representatives from the Governor’s Committee on Private Land/Public Wildlife selected by the Chairman of that group.  Those selected must include a sportsman, landowner, and outfitter.

The State Wildlife Partnership Review Committee will discuss the Wildlife Management Plan and will seek recommendations and input from the appropriate MFWP Regional Wildlife Manager.  The Review Committee will approve, recommend modifications to the Wildlife Management Plan before approval, or deny approval of the Wildlife Management Plan.  Criteria used to approve or deny a Wildlife Management Plan will be based on whether the plan supports the intent of the Montana Wildlife Partnership Program as stated in the first paragraph of the Introduction to the Montana Wildlife Partnership Program.  If a plan is denied for any reason, the applicant may appeal this decision to the Commission.  The Commission’s decision to approve or deny a Wildlife Management Plan is final.

 The Annual Renewal Procedure 

The Montana Wildlife Partnership participant is responsible for the submittal of an annual report to the MFWP by January 31st of the following year. The annual report must contain, but is not limited to:

1. A summary of management activities completed during the preceding year, including an evaluation of habitat improvement projects, wildlife population levels and hunter use.

2. The number and species of wildlife harvested.

3. Any recommended changes in the approved management plan.

4. A description of proposed management activities during the new permit year, including proposed habitat improvement activities and desired harvest levels.

The annual report will be forwarded to the State Wildlife Partnership Review Committee for approval and their recommendation to the MFWP Commission.

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING A WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN
FOR THE MONTANA WILDLIFE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

The key to making a Montana Wildlife Partnership area a success is to have a comprehensive, well-written management plan to follow.  A good plan accurately conveys the existing wildlife resources of a Montana Wildlife Partnership area, the potential for wildlife enhancement and clearly spells out goals and objectives toward realizing this potential.  Upon approval by the Montana Wildlife Partnership Review Committee and the MFWP Commission, the management plan will control what a participant can and cannot do on a Montana Wildlife Partnership area during the three-year term of the permit.  In return for the opportunity to utilize the more flexible season structure and to acquire guaranteed permits, the participant must comply with all program regulations and wildlife habitat improvement commitments specified in the approved management plan.  This only underscores the importance of developing the best plan possible for the Montana Wildlife Partnership area. 

The management plan may be written by the applicant or may be contracted through a wildlife consultant.  Some government agencies, such as Montana State University Extension Service and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service, may assist in preparing wildlife management plans.  Whatever option an applicant chooses, the following guide contains the major elements required of an Montana Wildlife Partnership, Wildlife Management Plan and a suggested format, which may be modified providing the presentation is concise, logical and comprehensive in scope.

WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT PLAN CONTENTS

1.         Introduction

Include an opening statement to the effect that the plan has been prepared to meet the requirements for the Montana Wildlife Partnership Program.

Generally summarize the long and short-term objectives for managing wildlife on the proposed Montana Wildlife Partnership area.  Include species managed for and, if appropriate, their respective herd delineations.

2.         Description of Area

Generally describe the location of the proposed Montana Wildlife Partnership area and the size in acres. 

Include an accurate legal description of all lands within the proposed Montana Wildlife Partnership area.

An original USGS quadrangle map of a scale no smaller than one inch to the mile must be included with each plan that clearly delineates the area’s boundaries, structures, facilities and the location of all habitat projects to be done on the area.

3.         Land Use Practices

Give a brief land use history of the proposed Montana Wildlife Partnership area, including all previous commercial uses, such as livestock grazing or timber production.

Briefly describe current land use practices on the proposed Montana Wildlife Partnership area.  Include any specific commitments for grazing, crop farming, logging or mining and how they might impact wildlife management objectives on the Montana Wildlife Partnership area.

4.         Land Inventory

Include a brief description and estimated acreage of all vegetative types on the property.  For example:

A map delineating vegetative types is helpful in determining which areas should be targeted for wildlife habitat improvements.

5.        Wildlife Resource Inventory

This section is best approached by describing each wildlife species individually.  Hence, if elk, deer and pronghorn antelope will be managed species, develop a “chapter” for each species including the following information:

1. Give an accurate estimate of the wildlife population present on the proposed Montana Wildlife Partnership area including dates of arrival and departure for migratory species.  Animal density estimates should be based on accepted field procedures including:

• Herd composition including male:female and cow:calf or doe:fawn ratios            

• Age class structure

• Trend surveys

2. Describe the range conditions and habitats utilized by wildlife on the proposed Montana Wildlife Partnership area.  Again, estimation of range condition should be based on accepted field procedures, for instance:

• Use of rangeland vegetation by documenting plant residue or stubble height at the end of grazing season

• Rangeland trend determined by vegetative species composition

6.      Historic Harvest Levels

Describe as accurately as possible the total annual number of all game species harvested from the proposed Montana Wildlife Partnership area over the past 10 years (if data is available) and the approximate number of hunters that utilized these lands.

7.      Management Objectives

Establish measurable management objectives for target wildlife species on the Montana Wildlife Partnership area (“measurable” in terms of being able to document changes in wildlife populations, habitat utilization, and age and/or sex ratios).  The management strategy should identify factors which currently limit wildlife populations on the area, followed by proposed corrective measures.

Example: “One of the major limiting factors for the east side antelope herd is fawn recruitment.  In fawning areas we will implement coyote control beginning each January and maintain maximum ground cover to enhance fawn hiding areas.”

8.       Proposed Habitat Improvement Practices

Include a detailed description of all projects to be implemented to achieve the management objectives.  Habitat improvement projects must be proposed for each year of the three-year plan.  Be specific as to what, where, when and how a project will be accomplished.  Clarity in project description will eliminate misunderstandings.  Projects are limited only by the time, effort and financial commitment the participant puts into them.

 9.       Suggested Harvest Strategy

The Wildlife Management Plan will provide a recommendation for harvest levels based on: 1) existing wildlife resources, 2) the area’s herd management plan and 3) the goals and objectives of the Hunting District within which the Montana Wildlife Partnership area lies. The proposed harvest strategy over the next three years will be summarized.

10.       Review and Monitor

Include a summary of methods that will be implemented to monitor wildlife populations and range conditions on the proposed Montana Wildlife Partnership area.  Methods can duplicate those referred to in Section 5 (Wildlife Resources and Inventory (a) and (b)).  Information on age, sex, weight and condition of harvested animals also provides a valuable measure of wildlife and range trends.  The data collected will help the participant and the State review Committee evaluate the effectiveness of the Montana Wildlife Partnership.

11.       Statement of Consent

If the Montana Wildlife Partnership contains roads or right-of-ways that have traditionally provided access to public lands, include a statement that these (or comparable) access roads will remain open to the public for the term of the Montana Wildlife Partnership.

This concludes the requirements and suggested format for a Montana Wildlife Partnership plan.  Additional information, such as wildlife species lists, plant species lists, soil surveys or photographs may be included at the applicant’s discretion.  Make the plan clear and concise. .  The effort invested in producing a good, readable management plan will enhance the approval procedure.

THE OPERATION OF A MONTANA
WILDLIFE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

This section will review information pertaining to fees, season structures, license requirements and revocation procedures.

Application Fees

A non-refundable fee of $100 shall be submitted with the application.  The permit to operate the Montana Wildlife Partnership area will be valid for a three-year period beginning with the license year the permit is issued.  Operations of the Montana Wildlife Partnership area will be reviewed annually by means of the annual report submitted by the participant and, if found acceptable, renewed by the MFWP Commission.  A $100 fee shall be submitted with each annual renewal application.

Season Structures

The Wildlife Partnership Program is available to landowners meeting criteria of big game habitat and sustainable game herds of manageable size.  Participation in the Montana Wildlife Partnership is tied to elk, deer and pronghorn antelope management, and the harvest on each participating unit is set by a limit on the actual number of animals taken.  For participating units, the dates for the hunting season will be September 1st through February 1st.  During the scheduled time frame the Montana Wildlife Partnership participant and their hunters would negotiate timing of each individual’s hunt within that time frame.  All other game species may be hunted only under legal bag limits and seasons established by the MFWP and Federal regulations for migratory species.

License Requirements

Every person hunting on a Montana Wildlife Partnership area shall have in possession a valid and appropriate Montana hunting license issued by the Department or license vendor.  The harvest limits established in the Wildlife Management Plan will determine the maximum number of males and females that may be taken each year in each Montana Wildlife Partnership area.  A hunter is limited to one license for each species per license year (except for antlerless permits).  Under this system the landowner may provide access to additional licensed hunters until the harvest goal is met.

Landowner License Distribution

Landowners do not distribute licenses.  Landowners will receive “authorization letters” from the MFWP.  The number of “authorization letters” will be equal to the number of animals to be harvested as approved in the Montana Wildlife Partnership, Wildlife Management Plan for that year.  The landowner will send the authorization letters to those hunters permitted to hunt in the designated Montana Wildlife Partnership area.   A resident hunter will be required to have in their possession a general resident hunting license accompanied by an authorization letter.  Nonresident hunters will send the “authorization letter, “ along with the license application, to MFWP.  MFWP will then issue a nonresident license to the hunter. Nonresident license authorizations are only valid in the Montana Wildlife Partnership area for which they were issued. 

Public License Distribution

Each Montana Wildlife Partnership area will be assigned a sub-district designation.  Any hunter interested in applying for one of the public permits available in that Montana Wildlife Partnership area, would enter the sub-district number on the special license/permit drawings application.

Revocation of an Montana Wildlife Partnership Contract

In the event the terms of a Montana Wildlife Partnership contract are breached or violated by the Montana Wildlife Partnership participant, the Director of MFWP may temporarily suspend the contract as warranted by the facts of the offense.  Upon notification of the suspension, the MFWP Commission will provide a hearing for the participant at the next scheduled Commission meeting.  The Commission may take action to revoke, reinstate, or modify the suspension period of the Montana Wildlife Partnership contract.

If a Montana Wildlife Partnership participant is convicted of a Fish and Game Code violation or a violation of the terms and conditions of the Montana Wildlife Partnership contract, the participant must appear before the Commission prior to the issuance of a new contract.

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