BEFORE THE FISH AND WILDLIFE COMMISSION

OF THE STATE OF MONTANA

 

In the matter of the adoption of NEW RULE I pertaining to two-way electronic communication while hunting

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NOTICE OF ADOPTION

 

TO: All Concerned Persons

 

1. On July 5, 2019, the Fish and Wildlife Commission (commission) published MAR Notice No. 12-515 pertaining to the public hearing on the proposed adoption of the above-stated rule at page 919 of the 2019 Montana Administrative Register, Issue Number 13.

 

2. The commission has adopted the above-stated rule as proposed: New Rule I (12.6.1010).

 

3. The commission has thoroughly considered the comments and testimony received. A summary of the comments received, and the commission's responses are as follows:

 

COMMENT #1: The commission received a comment in support of the proposed rule.

 

RESPONSE #1: The commission appreciates the participation and support in this rulemaking process.

 

COMMENT #2: The commission received a comment regarding using two-way communication for the purposes of saving lives and injured persons.

 

RESPONSE #2: The rule contains a section that specifies that the prohibition of two-way communication while hunting is exempt if it is needed for safety purposes.

 

COMMENT #3: The commission received a comment questioning if hunting partners are able to share their GPS locations with each other for safety purposes.

 

RESPONSE #3: Hunters using GPS monitors to keep track of the location of their hunting partners for safety purposes are allowed to do so under the section of the rule that exempts using two-way communication for safety purposes.

 

/s/ Aimee Hawkaluk                                   /s/ Shane Colton

Aimee Hawkaluk                                        Shane Colton

Rule Reviewer                                           Chair

                                                                   Fish and Wildlife Commission

 

Certified to the Secretary of State October 29, 2019.