Archery changes proposed near Kalispell

Proposed changes to hunting regulations near Kalispell now include designating the Owen Sowerwine Natural Area as archery-only for big game and an extended antlerless white-tailed deer archery hunt in most of Hunting District 170.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks spokesman John Fraley said the tweaks to the proposed rules for the 2016 and 2017 hunting seasons were in response to comments provided at the agency’s Jan. 9 public meeting in Kalispell.

During that meeting, several residents near the Owen Sowerwine Natural Area — a 442-acre stretch of woods, wetlands and tributaries to the Flathead River along the east side of Kalispell — complained about hunters shooting in close proximity to their homes.

After the meeting, regional supervisor Jim Williams noted it’s an issue that has come up in years past.

The other proposed change would also benefit archers: extending anterless white-tailed deer hunting for archers in Hunting District 170 through Dec. 15. The district includes much of the Flathead Valley’s west side, extending from Whitefish south to Flathead Lake and west to Farm-to-Market Road.

The extended archery season would not apply to the Kuhns Wildlife Management Area.

Several hunters at the Jan. 9 meeting noted that there were few nearby opportunities for archers to avoid conflicts with rifle hunters during the general season.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will consider these changes, along with other proposed hunting regulations, during its Feb. 11 meeting in Helena.

Local residents can watch the proceedings and comment via video conference at the Region One Fish, Wildlife and Parks office in Kalispell. The meeting begins at 8:30 a.m.

Details on all proposed hunting regulations are available at fwp.mt.gov/hunting. Click “2016-17 Hunting Season Changes - Proposed” to comment online and find additional information on the proposals.

Reporter Sam Wilson may be reached at 758-4407 or by email at swilson@dailyinterlake.com.