Polson lawmaker proposes new hunting regulations for Flathead Indian Reservation

A bill pending in the state Legislature could change how hunting is managed on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Currently, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes regulate outdoor recreation on the 1.2-million-acre reservation, including setting quotas and issuing permits to hunters. Both tribal and non-tribal members can obtain licenses to fish and hunt game birds through the CSKT Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation. Non-tribal members are banned from hunting any big game animals within the reservation, including elk and deer. 

Rep. Tracy Sharp, R-Polson, requested a bill be drafted that would give the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission the power to issue some deer and elk hunting licenses for reservation lands. Under the proposed change, license holders would only be allowed to hunt on their own property, and all proceeds from licensing would go to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.