Bison hunt orientation set for August and September

POLSON — The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes announce the 2008 off-reservation wild bison hunter orientation. Each hunter is required to attend an orientation with the Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation to be issued one bison hunt tag.

This bison tag does not guarantee that you will successfully hunt a bison. Like other big game hunts, the availability of bison during the hunt period will depend on weather, migratory patterns and other factors.

Because this hunt presents a new and unique experience for hunters, some of the topics that will be covered at the orientation include Tribal bison hunt regulations, hunt season, hunt areas, brucellosis, field dressing and retrieval.

Tribal Game Wardens and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Wardens will assist in the enforcement of Tribal hunting regulations should the need arise.

To make the required orientation as convenient as possible, the orientation will be offered Wednesday, August 27 and Monday, September 22 at noon, 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Natural Resources Department Conference Building on 316 1st Street.

Please contact Amanda Bourdon at the Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation to register for the orientation. After completion of the orientation, your off-reservation wild bison hunt license will be available.

Please register early, as space is limited. To prepare for this bison hunt and other off-Reservation hunts bring your updated tribal identification to the orientation.

For further information on the bison hunt orientation contact Germaine White at 883-2888, ext. 7299 or to register for the mandatory orientation contact Amanda Bourdon at 883-2888, ext 7226.