State looking for brucellosis task force members

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Montana Department of Livestock are looking for ranchers and wildlife enthusiasts to help recommend solutions to the spread of brucellosis in the Greater Yellowstone Area.

The seven-member task force will make science-based recommendations on wildlife and livestock management in the area to reduce the risk of transmission of the disease.

Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that causes abortions in cattle and wild ungulates like bison and elk, and undulant fever in humans. The livestock industry has spent millions of dollars to eliminate brucellosis in cattle in the United States. The last remaining reservoir of brucellosis in the nation is found in wild ungulates in the Greater Yellowstone Area.

Recent outbreaks of brucellosis in two cattle herds in Montana, which most likely came from wild elk, have caused Montana to lose its “brucellosis class free” status. This will have a significant financial impact on livestock producers across the state.

The new taskforce will be co-chaired by Marty Zaluski, the Montana state veterinarian, and Ken McDonald, FWP Wildlife Division Administrator. The remaining members will include:

- A rancher operating within the Greater Yellowstone Area.

- A rancher operating outside of the Greater Yellowstone Area.

- A wildlife enthusiast, sportsman or conservationist living within the Greater Yellowstone Area.

- A wildlife enthusiast, sportsman or conservationist living outside of the Greater Yellowstone Area.

- One rancher/outfitter.

For those interested in serving on the task force, a one-page application is online at fwp.mt.gov and from DOL online at liv.mt.gov. The application deadline is Oct. 15. Applications are being accepted at both the FWP and DOL directors’ offices.

Work weekend volunteer party announced

The Glacier Institute is holding its annual Work Weekend Volunteer Party on Saturday, Oct. 18. Volunteers are needed for cleaning, light carpentry and outdoor work such as raking, sweeping and other tasks.

The Work Weekend Volunteer Party is located at Glacier Park Field Camp, located in Glacier National Park on a bluff overlooking the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, one mile north of West Glacier.

The Glacier Institute, an educational nonprofit organization in its 25th year, is a longtime partner with Glacier National Park and the Flathead National Forest. The Institute offers family programs, youth science adventure camps, Discovery School at Big Creek Outdoor Education Center and adult educational programs.

The Institute will provide lunch. Bringing tools is not required, but it would be helpful if participants can bring carpentry tools, rakes, shop vacuums, wheelbarrows and work gloves. Volunteers, should RSVP by contacting The Glacier Institute at (406) 755-1211 or register@glacierinstitute.org.

Cost-saving options for young hunters

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers a variety of cost-saving options for young and first-time hunters. Special requirements may apply to youth of certain ages in some situations.

- Any Montana youths 12 through 17 years of age who have successfully completed a hunter safety and education course, and who seek to purchase their first Montana hunting license, are entitled to a resident youth combination sports license free of charge. Future youth sportsman combination licenses are available for youngsters at $27.

- A resident youth 14 years of age who purchases a discounted deer A or elk license, may use the license throughout the season, even if he or she turns 15 before or during the season.

- A youth (resident or nonresident) 12 years of age is entitled to apply for or purchase before turning 12 a deer A, deer B, elk, antelope, black bear, mountain lion, upland game bird and/or turkey license or permit before turning 12. The youngster may not hunt until age 12.

- Youngsters 12 through 15 years of age may take advantage of “Special Youth Elk Hunts” as designated in the regulations. See the “Special Youth Elk Hunts” section in the 2008 Montana deer and elk hunting regulations for a list of hunting districts and details.

- Qualified nonresident youths may purchase a nonresident license at a reduced cost. The nonresident youth of a Montana resident who holds a hunting license must be accompanied by a licensed resident family member while hunting.

Montana law also allows terminally ill resident or nonresident youth under 17 years of age to receive a free, one-time deer and elk license.

In order to carry or use a firearm in public, any youngster under 14 must be supervised by a parent, an adult 18 years of age or older who is authorized by a parent, or guardian, or by a qualified firearms safety instructor.

Details on these youth hunting opportunities in Montana are available by calling the nearest FWP office.

Montana’s 2008 hunting season offers veterans discounts

Veterans will receive discounts and new opportunities during Montana’s 2008 hunting season.

Certain resident members of the Montana National Guard on federal reserve or active duty are entitled to a free conservation license or a sportsman without bear license. One must have participated in a contingency operation outside of the state for two months after Sept. 11, 2001, and have been released from active duty or discharged.

These licenses will be issued for a fee of $2 only at FWP offices. DD 214 and supporting documentation are required.