Because it's the month of recess of elected govt screwing us up by "fixing" something.
http://www.missoulian.com/display/inn_features/outdoors/od033.txt
Here's a look at some of the proposed legislation:
The Montana Stockgrowers Association has dropped plans to push for legislation this year that would give landowners a guaranteed number of elk and deer licenses in return for granting some public access. The controversial plan was opposed by FWP and the Wildlife Federation because the plan would allow landowners to sell their licenses to the highest bidder and make wildlife a private commodity.
House Bill 379 would overturn provisions of I-143, the game farm initiative voters passed in 2000 that banned killing of captive animals in "canned hunts," halted the expansion of game-farm operations and transfer of licenses. A hearing on HB 379 was held Tuesday before the House Agriculture Committee.
"The threats of game ranching to wildlife are numerous and well documented, including disease, hybridization, loss of habitat and the commercialization and privatization of wildlife," says David Stalling of Missoula, one of the organizers of I-143. "Therefore, it's also a proven threat to hunting and thousands of businesses that rely on the hunting and enjoyment of public wildlife."
House Bill 20 would allow FWP to auction a mule deer license and an elk license with the proceeds going to a conservation organization, similar to the department's auction of a moose and sheep license each year. MWF opposes the bill because the organization believes it "is another example of the commercialization of public fish and wildlife."
House Bill 223 would authorize state land sale proceeds for land purchases. MWF opposes the legislation because there's no guarantee that any lands purchased will be beneficial to wildlife. MWF is offering amendments.
House Bill 241 would place a three-year moratorium on the Montana Upland Game Bird Program's habitat enhancement projects, except sage grouse, during which time FWP would employ contractors, out of program funds, to evaluate the biological and fiscal aspects of each project and present a report in advance of the 2005 legislative session. MWF opposes the bill, which essentially would end the habitat enhancement portion of the Upland Game Bird Program.
http://www.missoulian.com/display/inn_features/outdoors/od033.txt
Here's a look at some of the proposed legislation:
The Montana Stockgrowers Association has dropped plans to push for legislation this year that would give landowners a guaranteed number of elk and deer licenses in return for granting some public access. The controversial plan was opposed by FWP and the Wildlife Federation because the plan would allow landowners to sell their licenses to the highest bidder and make wildlife a private commodity.
House Bill 379 would overturn provisions of I-143, the game farm initiative voters passed in 2000 that banned killing of captive animals in "canned hunts," halted the expansion of game-farm operations and transfer of licenses. A hearing on HB 379 was held Tuesday before the House Agriculture Committee.
"The threats of game ranching to wildlife are numerous and well documented, including disease, hybridization, loss of habitat and the commercialization and privatization of wildlife," says David Stalling of Missoula, one of the organizers of I-143. "Therefore, it's also a proven threat to hunting and thousands of businesses that rely on the hunting and enjoyment of public wildlife."
House Bill 20 would allow FWP to auction a mule deer license and an elk license with the proceeds going to a conservation organization, similar to the department's auction of a moose and sheep license each year. MWF opposes the bill because the organization believes it "is another example of the commercialization of public fish and wildlife."
House Bill 223 would authorize state land sale proceeds for land purchases. MWF opposes the legislation because there's no guarantee that any lands purchased will be beneficial to wildlife. MWF is offering amendments.
House Bill 241 would place a three-year moratorium on the Montana Upland Game Bird Program's habitat enhancement projects, except sage grouse, during which time FWP would employ contractors, out of program funds, to evaluate the biological and fiscal aspects of each project and present a report in advance of the 2005 legislative session. MWF opposes the bill, which essentially would end the habitat enhancement portion of the Upland Game Bird Program.
