reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.804 - DAY USE, GROUP USE, AND SPECIAL USE PERMIT (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.805 - FIRES (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.806 - FOOD STORAGE (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.807 - SANITATION AND WASTE DISPOSAL (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.808 - CONTROL OF ANIMALS (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.809 - HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.810 - WEAPONS (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.811 - HUNTING AND TRAPPING (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.812 - MOTOR VEHICLES (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.813 - PARKING (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.814 - ABANDONED PROPERTY (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.815 - USE OF NONMOTORIZED VEHICLES (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.816 - UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS AND MODEL AIRCRAFT (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.817 - GEOCACHING (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.818 - SOLICITING AND PUBLIC ASSEMBLY (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.819 - SMOKING (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.820 - RESTRICTED AREAS AND NIGHT CLOSURES (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.821 - DISTURBANCES (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.822 - INTERFERENCE WITH AGENCY FUNCTIONS (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.823 - PENALTIES (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.8 - PARKS DIVISION › Subchapter 12.8.8 - State Parks Public Use Regulations (Repealed) › Rule 12.8.824 - APPEALS (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111, MCA; IMP:
					 23-1-106,
					 23-1-111,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.1 - Wildlife Management Policies › Rule 12.9.101 - BIG GAME MANAGEMENT POLICY (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:  87-1-301, MCA; IMP:  87-1-201,  87-1-301,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.1 - Wildlife Management Policies › Rule 12.9.102 - BLACK BEAR POLICY (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 87-1-301,
					 MCA IMP:
					 87-1-201,
					 87-1-301,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.1 - Wildlife Management Policies › Rule 12.9.103 - GRIZZLY BEAR POLICY (TRANSFERRED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
Sec.
					 87-1-301 MCA, IMP,
					 87-1-201,
					 87-1-301
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.1 - Wildlife Management Policies › Rule 12.9.104 - ELK FEEDING POLICY

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) Past experience
				in Montana and elsewhere has shown that artificial feeding of game animals is
				not a sound game management program - neither economically nor biologically. It
				is expensive, is not good for the animals, and not good for the range upon
				which these animals are dependent. It can only be justified under extreme
				winter conditions which indicate a winter loss of major proportions is
				imminent.
Therefore, when it has been determined that extreme winter
				  conditions exist on department-owned lands, an emergency feeding program may be
				  undertaken and the following regulations shall be policy:
(a) invite local sportsman's groups to
				participate in the program;
(b)
				feed only hay of high quality free from all forms of pollution;
(c) feed hay in sufficient quantity so that
				at least some hay is left uneaten; (this normally means about 12 pounds per
				animal per day) ;
(d) feed will be
				scattered over large areas in an attempt to maintain a normal
				distribution;
(e) the department
				will determine feeding areas and only those areas will be utilized; these are
				wild animals and consideration must be given to the establishment of feeding
				areas located specifically to avoid harassment.
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.1 - Wildlife Management Policies › Rule 12.9.105 - WILD TURKEY POLICY (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
87-1-301, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-201,
					 87-1-301,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.1 - Wildlife Management Policies › Rule 12.9.106 - 10-80 BAITS (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
87-1-301, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-201,
					 87-1-301,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.2 - Game Preserves › Rule 12.9.201 - AUGUSTA GAME PRESERVE (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
87-1-301, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-305,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.2 - Game Preserves › Rule 12.9.202 - BRINKMAN GAME PRESERVE (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 87-1-301,
					 87-5-402 MCA; IMP:
					 87-1-305,
					 87-5-401 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.2 - Game Preserves › Rule 12.9.203 - GREEN MEADOW GAME PRESERVE (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
87-1-301, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-305,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.2 - Game Preserves › Rule 12.9.204 - LONE PINE GAME PRESERVE (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
87-1-301, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-305,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.2 - Game Preserves › Rule 12.9.205 - MANHATTAN GAME PRESERVE (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
87-1-301, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-305,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.2 - Game Preserves › Rule 12.9.206 - MCLEAN GAME PRESERVE (Repealed)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
AUTH:
					 87-1-301, MCA; IMP:
					 87-1-305,
					 MCA
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.2 - Game Preserves › Rule 12.9.207 - SEELEY LAKE GAME PRESERVE

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) The Seeley Lake
				Game Preserve is created as follows: Beginning at a point where forest service
				land and private land meet next to the Boy Scout Road in section 20, T17N,
				R15W, east on boundary between forest service and private land, then north on
				same boundary to section line between section 17 and 20, east on said section
				line and east on north line of section 21, T17N, R15W to Highway #83, south on
				Highway #83 to Riverview Drive in section 3, T16N, R15W, west on Riverview
				Drive to Snowmass Drive in section 9, T16N, R15W, north on Snowmass Drive to
				section line between sections 4 and 5, T16N, R15W, north on said section line
				to Clearwater River, north along west shore of Clearwater River, to Boy Scout
				Road in section 33, T17N, R15W, west and north on Boy Scout Road to where
				forest service land and private land meet next to Boy Scout Road in section 20,
				T17N, R15W, the point of beginning.
87-1-301, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-305,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.2 - Game Preserves › Rule 12.9.208 - SKALKAHO GAME PRESERVE (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
87-1-301, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-305,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.2 - Game Preserves › Rule 12.9.209 - STILLWATER GAME PRESERVE

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) The boundary of
				the Stillwater Game Preserve is as follows: Starting at a point where East
				Reserve Drive and the Flathead River join between sections 26 and 35, township
				29 north, range 21 west, thence in a westerly direction along the south
				boundary of Reserve Drive approximately 2-3/4 miles to the east bank of the
				Whitefish River, thence southerly along said bank of the Whitefish River to its
				confluence with the Stillwater River, thence up the west bank of the Stillwater
				River to the east-west centerline of section 6, township 28 north, range 21
				west, thence west on this centerline to Highway 93, thence southerly along
				Highway 93 to the Kalispell city limits, thence along the east Kalispell city
				limits to the Old Steel Bridge county road at Woodland Park, thence in an
				easterly direction along the county road to the Flathead River at the Old Steel
				Bridge, thence northerly up the west bank of the Flathead River to the point of
				beginning.
87-1-301, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-706,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.2 - Game Preserves › Rule 12.9.210 - WARM SPRINGS GAME PRESERVE (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
87-1-301, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-305,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.2 - Game Preserves › Rule 12.9.211 - TETON-SPRING CREEK BIRD PRESERVE BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
87-1-301,
					 87-5-402, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-305,
					 87-1-401,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.3 - Bird Permits › Rule 12.9.301 - WILD BIRD PERMITS

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) The director of
				fish, wildlife, and parks may issue a certificate or permit for the taking,
				capturing, and possession of birds protected under
				87-5-201, MCA, for the purposes
				herein specified, as follows:
(a) bird
				banding as part of scientific investigations;
(b) salvage of birds killed in accidents for
				school or museum collections;
(c)
				collecting abandoned birds nest for school and museum collections;
(d) nursing and treatment of sick and injured
				birds.
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.3 - Bird Permits › Rule 12.9.302 - MIGRATORY WATERFOWL PERMITS (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
87-1-201, MCA; IMP,
					 87-3-403,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.3 - Bird Permits › Rule 12.9.305 - SALE OF NONRESIDENT UPLAND GAME BIRD LICENSES

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) No more than 11,000 class B-1 nonresident
				upland game bird hunting licenses may be sold each license year.
(2) Nonresident class B-1 upland game bird
				hunting licenses will be sold on a first come, first served basis.
(3) This rule is effective for the March 1,
				2002, license year.
87-1-301,
					 87-1-304,
					 87-2-402, MCA; IMP,
					 87-2-402,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.4 - Transplant of Nuisance Animals Introduction of Peregrine Falcons › Rule 12.9.401 - DEFINITIONS

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
For purposes of this rule the following definition
				  applies:
(1) "Hacking" means the
				reintroduction of peregrine falcons into their former range by any process to
				allow natural physical conditioning of eyasses or young birds of prey taken
				from the nest before they can fly or hatched in captivity. It may, for example,
				involve the use of a box or other structure suspended on a cliff face and
				through the top of which food and water are lowered to keep the falcons from
				associating people with food, until the young birds learn to fly and hunt on
				their own. It is the process of taking the captive birds or nestlings and
				facilitating their transition to a wild state using such methods as direct and
				cross-fostering.
87-5-704,
					 87-5-711, MCA; IMP,
					 87-5-704,
					 87-5-711,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.4 - Transplant of Nuisance Animals Introduction of Peregrine Falcons › Rule 12.9.402 - INTERPRETIVE RULE

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) The commission
				interprets the definition of "natural habitat" to mean that the restrictions
				posed by 87-5-711, MCA, et seq. apply only
				to those habitats in which the species proposed for location do not currently
				exist.
87-5-704,
					 87-5-711, MCA; IMP,
					 87-5-704,
					 87-5-711,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.4 - Transplant of Nuisance Animals Introduction of Peregrine Falcons › Rule 12.9.403 - REINTRODUCTION OF PEREGRINE FALCON (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
87-5-704,
					 87-5-711, MCA; IMP,
					 87-5-704,
					 87-5-711,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.5 - Wildlife Habitat Acquisition › Rule 12.9.501 - PURPOSE (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
Sec.
					 87-1-241 MCA; IMP, Sec.
					 87-1-241,
					 87-1-242
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.5 - Wildlife Habitat Acquisition › Rule 12.9.502 - STATEWIDE HABITAT ACQUISITION PLAN (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
Sec.
					 87-1-241 MCA; IMP, Sec.
					 87-1-241,
					 87-1-242
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.5 - Wildlife Habitat Acquisition › Rule 12.9.503 - DETERMINATION OF INTEREST IN LAND (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
Sec.
					 87-1-241 MCA; IMP, Sec.
					 87-1-241,
					 87-1-242
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.5 - Wildlife Habitat Acquisition › Rule 12.9.504 - MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRELIMINARY MANAGEMENT PLANS (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
Sec.
					 87-1-241 MCA; IMP, Sec.
					 87-1-241,
					 87-1-242
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.5 - Wildlife Habitat Acquisition › Rule 12.9.505 - PUBLIC HEARING (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
Sec.
					 87-1-241 MCA; IMP, Sec.
					 87-1-241,
					 87-1-242
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.5 - Wildlife Habitat Acquisition › Rule 12.9.506 - PRESENTATION OF PRELIMINARY MANAGEMENT PLAN AND PUBLIC INPUT (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
Sec.
					 87-1-241 MCA; IMP, Sec.
					 87-1-241,
					 87-1-242
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.5 - Wildlife Habitat Acquisition › Rule 12.9.507 - APPROVAL OF ACQUISITION AND FINAL MANAGEMENT PLAN (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
Sec.
					 87-1-241 MCA; IMP, Sec.
					 87-1-241,
					 87-1-242
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.5 - Wildlife Habitat Acquisition › Rule 12.9.508 - MISSION

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) These rules establish the policy of the
				fish, wildlife and parks commission for the acquisition of wildlife habitat by
				the department of fish, wildlife and parks. This policy is popularly known as
				Habitat Montana. Habitat Montana is a key tool in achieving the department's
				mission as stated in the vision document adopted by the commission in November,
				1992:
(a) The Montana department of fish,
				wildlife and parks, and fish, wildlife and parks commission provide for the
				stewardship of the fish, wildlife, parks and recreational resources of Montana,
				while contributing to the quality of life for present and future
				generations.
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.5 - Wildlife Habitat Acquisition › Rule 12.9.509 - GOALS

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) The goals for Habitat Montana are:
(a) conservation of Montana's wildlife
				populations and natural communities via management strategies that keep them
				intact and viable for present and future generations; maintain wildlife
				population levels that sustain or enhance current recreational opportunities;
				and maintain diverse geographic distribution of native wildlife populations and
				their habitats;
(b) conservation of
				Montana's land and water resources in adequate quantity and quality to sustain
				ecological systems;
(c)
				implementation of habitat management systems that are compatible with and
				minimize conflicts between wildlife values and traditional agricultural,
				economic and cultural values. Habitat Montana will enhance Montana's quality of
				life and be compatible with the conservation of soil, water and existing
				biological communities.
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.5 - Wildlife Habitat Acquisition › Rule 12.9.510 - BENEFITS

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) The commission intends Habitat Montana to
				deliver the following services and benefits:
(a) conserve and enhance land, water and
				wildlife;
(b) contribute to hunting
				and fishing opportunities;
(c)
				provide incentives for habitat conservation on private land;
(d) contribute to non-hunting
				recreation;
(e) protect open space
				and scenic areas;
(f) promote
				habitat-friendly agriculture; and
(g) maintain the local tax base, through
				payments in lieu of taxes for real estate, while demonstrating that productive
				wildlife habitat is compatible with agriculture and other land uses.
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.5 - Wildlife Habitat Acquisition › Rule 12.9.511 - APPLICATION

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) While this Habitat Montana policy
				specifically relates to funds acquired under
				87-1-241 and
				87-1-242, MCA, the Montana fish,
				wildlife and parks commission directs that these guidelines also apply, where
				appropriate, to all of the department's wildlife habitat acquisition programs.
				These include:
(a) moose and bighorn sheep
				habitat acquired with license auction funds;
(b) properties acquired in mitigation for
				habitat lost as a result of construction projects conducted by the Bonneville
				power administration and other agencies;
(c) waterfowl habitat.
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.6 - Upland Game Bird Release Program › Rule 12.9.601 - DEPARTMENT AUTHORIZATION OF PROJECTS

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1)
				The department may authorize organizations or individuals to participate in the
				upland game bird release program following the submission of a written
				application describing the proposed project on forms provided by the department
				and a review of that application. All applications must include the following
				information:
(a) name of the organization or
				individual applying;
(b) name of
				the person in charge of the organization's proposed upland game bird release
				project;
(c) the applicant's
				current mailing address;
(d) the
				applicant's current telephone number;
(e) the legal description of the release
				site;
(f) clear evidence of either
				ownership of the release site or landowner permission if the release site is
				not owned by the applicant;
(g)
				specific cover types and their percentages shall be provided with a habitat map
				or be delineated on a habitat map, natural resource conservation service (NRCS)
				conservation plan, or aerial photo covering the land on which the birds are to
				be released;
(h) the number of
				acres at the release site; and
(i)
				any other information deemed relevant by the department which is included on
				the project application form.
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.6 - Upland Game Bird Release Program › Rule 12.9.603 - REPORTING REQUIREMENTS (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
87-1-249, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-248,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.6 - Upland Game Bird Release Program › Rule 12.9.604 - PAYMENT BY DEPARTMENT

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) The department
				will pay authorized pheasant release projects for live pheasants that are ten
				weeks of age or older and released in compliance with all the provisions of
				this subchapter at a rate established by the department surveying
				NPIP-certified hatcheries or game bird growers in Montana and surrounding
				states or through the solicitation of bids from interested parties.
87-1-249, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-248,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.6 - Upland Game Bird Release Program › Rule 12.9.605 - EFFECT OF RULE VIOLATIONS

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) Any person
				found guilty, pleading guilty or forfeiting bond for a violation of any of the
				upland game bird release program rules is disqualified from any further
				participation in the program.
87-1-249, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-248,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.6 - Upland Game Bird Release Program › Rule 12.9.606 - DEFINITIONS

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) "Upland game bird release program" means
				the programs established by
				87-1-246 through
				87-1-248, MCA, for both the
				compensation to eligible participants for the rearing and release of
				ring-necked pheasants, or the trapping and release of wild upland game birds,
				authorized by the department in order to establish viable upland game bird
				populations.
87-1-249, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-248,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.6 - Upland Game Bird Release Program › Rule 12.9.608 - PHEASANT RELEASES BY DEPARTMENT

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) In
				order to meet the spending requirements set forth in
				87-1-247, MCA, the department may
				enter into agreements with private pheasant rearing facilities to provide
				pheasants for release on areas throughout Montana that meet the habitat
				requirements as described for releases by private individuals.
87-1-249, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-248,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.6 - Upland Game Bird Release Program › Rule 12.9.611 - REQUIREMENTS OF PROJECTS INVOLVING WILD TURKEY RELEASES

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) The department may authorize
				participation in the upland game bird release program projects for turkeys if
				the proposed project meets the following requirements:
(a) all releases made will be of wild/free
				ranging stock that have been trapped in Montana or have been moved into Montana
				under the direction of the department;
(b) all releases outside of Flathead County
				will be Merriam's turkey only;
(c)
				eastern turkeys may be moved only within Flathead County;
(d) no new releases will take place until:
(i) an environmental assessment evaluating
				the release and the release site has been completed and approved by the
				commission; and
(ii) the department
				has secured agreements from adjacent landowners that would be affected by
				expanded populations indicating consent for the transplant and free public
				hunting for the species; and
(e) supplemental releases will require an
				evaluation by the department that will include but not be limited to:
(i) a history of previous releases;
(ii) justification for supplementing the
				existing population;
(iii) a legal
				description of the release site;
(iv) a legal description of the area that
				will be closed to public hunting until the population has become established
				(two-year minimum); and
(v)
				agreements from adjacent landowners that would be affected by expanded
				populations indicating consent for the transplant and free public hunting for
				the species.
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.6 - Upland Game Bird Release Program › Rule 12.9.615 - SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDING

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) The department
				may enter into agreements to provide supplemental feeding for pheasants during
				extreme winter weather conditions in Sheridan, Daniels, and Roosevelt
				counties.
(2) The department will
				authorize supplemental feeding when 90% or more of the naturally occurring food
				sources are covered with snow and ice, such that pheasants are unable to obtain
				food for a period of five or more days.
(3) Supplemental feeding will be done only
				within areas 1/4 mile or closer to effective winter cover.
(4) The department shall not enter into
				agreements for supplemental feeding on lands leased or closed for hunting, on
				shooting preserves, or during open pheasant season.
(5) Feeding will stop when conditions
				moderate.
(6) Feeding operations
				will terminate no later than March 31.
87-1-249, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-248,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.7 - Upland Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Program › Rule 12.9.701 - PROJECT APPLICATIONS

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) The department
				may authorize organizations or individuals to participate in the upland game
				bird habitat enhancement program following submission of a written application
				describing the proposed project on forms provided by the department and a
				review of that application. All applications must include and/or be accompanied
				by the following information:
(a) name of the
				organization or individual applying;
(b) name of the person in charge of the
				organization's proposed upland game bird habitat enhancement project;
(c) the applicant's current mailing
				address;
(d) the applicant's
				current telephone number;
(e) the
				legal description of the project area, including the habitat site and project
				access area;
(f) clear evidence of
				landowner's permission if the project area is not owned by the
				applicant;
(g) the number of acres
				included in the proposed project area, including the habitat site and the
				project access area;
(h)
				description of the proposed enhancement project including:
(i) agricultural activities;
(ii) grazing management;
(iii) tree and shrub plantings;
(iv) cover plantings;
(v) fencing; and
(i) any other information deemed relevant by
				the department and requested on the project application form.
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.7 - Upland Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Program › Rule 12.9.702 - PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) Projects must
				meet the following requirements before the department may authorize
				participation in the program:
(a) projects
				must be designed to establish, improve, or protect necessary habitat components
				such as nesting cover, effective winter cover, brood habitat, and food
				sources;
(b) projects should be
				located on a minimum of 100 acres but may be considered on lands less than 100
				acres if land with guaranteed public access is within the project area of
				influence. All habitat components need not be under the ownership of the
				applicant if other of the necessary habitat components are present at suitable
				distances on adjacent ownerships;
(c) all projects must be implemented through
				lease, conservation easement, or contract using upland game bird habitat
				enhancement program cost-sharing with the private landowner, public land
				management agency, or other conservation partner;
(d) all projects must be open to public
				hunting for upland game birds for the duration of the project as defined in the
				contract or work plan. Reasonable use limitations on numbers of hunters and
				areas to be hunted may be allowed; however, user fees may not be charged.
				Projects located within a leased or commercial hunting operation will not be
				considered.
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.7 - Upland Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Program › Rule 12.9.703 - PROJECT REVIEW AND APPROVAL

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) Enhancement
				activities on public and private lands will be reviewed and prioritized for
				funding based on:
(a) current species
				distribution and the potential to increase numbers of upland game
				birds;
(b) species present on the
				project and species that would benefit from the project;
(c) the proximity and number of acres of
				similar or essential habitat components to the project;
(d) the current habitat characteristics and
				public access opportunities that comprise the project area of
				influence;
(e) the number of acres
				open to hunting;
(f) expected
				benefits for upland game birds and hunters from the proposed project;
(g) additional consideration may be given to
				projects that offer:
(i) longer initial
				contract terms, renewed terms of expired contracts, or a higher amount of
				landowner cost-share; or
(ii) land
				with special or unique components for enhancement.
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.7 - Upland Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Program › Rule 12.9.704 - REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) Upon
				notification by the cooperator of project completion as outlined in the
				contract, department personnel or designee will inspect the project and submit
				written confirmation of project completion within 60 days to department
				headquarters.
87-1-249, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-248,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.7 - Upland Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Program › Rule 12.9.705 - PAYMENT BY DEPARTMENT

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) The department
				will cost share upland game bird habitat enhancement projects as set forth in a
				contract or work plan. Project expenses derived from applicable cost lists,
				such as an NRCS standard cost list, may be used to determine project costs and
				reimbursement payments. In-kind contributions, such as labor, equipment use,
				land taken out of production, or the management of public lands for improved
				upland game bird habitat and upland game bird hunting opportunity, may be
				recognized as an applicant's contribution of the cost-share.
(2) The department may compensate
				individuals, agencies, or organizations for upland game bird habitat protection
				or enhancement accomplished through a lease, up to the fair market value of the
				lease.
(3) The department may
				compensate individuals, agencies, or organizations for upland game bird habitat
				protection or enhancement accomplished through a conservation easement, up to
				the fair market value of the easement. The organization, agency, or individual
				will be compensated only if the organization or individual holds title to the
				specified property.
(4) The
				following are costs limitations under the upland game bird habitat enhancement
				program:
(a) department costs for any project
				may not exceed $100,000 without commission authorization, and no project will
				be funded for more than $200,000;
(b) department expenses on any project for
				purchase of buildings or equipment will not exceed $25,000 and all equipment
				purchased by the department will remain property of the department;
(c) the department will cover no more than
				50% of the cost of wells, pipelines, and roads; and
(d) expenditures related to maintenance
				activities are separate from project costs and are not administered or capped
				under statute.
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.7 - Upland Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Program › Rule 12.9.706 - EFFECT OF RULE VIOLATIONS

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) Any person,
				agency, or organization found in violation of any of the upland game bird
				enhancement rules may be disqualified from further participation in the
				program.
87-1-249, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-248,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.7 - Upland Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Program › Rule 12.9.707 - DEFINITIONS

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) "Effective winter cover" means dense
				woody or herbaceous vegetative component on the landscape that provides upland
				game birds with thermal and protective cover in proximity to a nearby food
				source.
(2) "Habitat site" means
				the area where actual enhancement work will be accomplished, conserved, and
				maintained.
(3) "Maintenance" means
				a temporary activity necessary for the upkeep, repair, or enhancement of an
				existing or intended long-term habitat component as identified in the Upland
				Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Program contract or work plan.
(4) "Project" means the specific activity on
				a particular area over a specified period of time that intends to enhance or
				conserve upland game bird habitats or populations. Expenditures are
				administered and capped in statute.
(5) "Project area" means those specific acres
				identified in the contract that includes both the habitat site and project
				access area. Several projects may occur on a single project area.
(6) "Project access area" mean the legally
				defined property open to some level of public hunting as defined in a
				contract.
(7) "Project area of
				influence" means the land and associated game birds that may affect or may be
				affected by the habitat enhancement improvement or activity.
(8) "Project types" means the actual
				activities conducted to enhance upland game bird populations and include, but
				are not limited to shelterbelts, grazing systems, food plots, nesting cover,
				upland game bird releases, and supplemental feeding activities.
87-1-249, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-248,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.8 - Damage Hunts › Rule 12.9.801 - DAMAGE HUNTS (REPEALED)

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
87-1-225, MCA; IMP,
					 87-1-225,
					 MCA;
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.8 - Damage Hunts › Rule 12.9.802 - GAME DAMAGE

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) By law, the
				Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is required to respond to all big game
				damage complaints. General hunting seasons are the primary tool to deal with
				animals causing or having the potential to cause game damage. Landowners who
				allow public hunting and do not impose restrictions that significantly reduce
				public hunting qualify for game damage assistance.
(2) The department investigates damage
				complaints and arranges to study the situation as soon as possible, and within
				48 hours of the filing of the complaint. If the department person who received
				the complaint is unable to respond within 48 hours, he will immediately refer
				the complaint to the nearest department employee who can respond within a
				48-hour period. Exceptions may be made if complainant is agreeable to a longer
				waiting period.
(3) The department
				investigates all damage complaints under this policy with the exception of (4).
				A phone call or on-site visit constitutes an immediate response under this
				provision.
(4) Damage caused by
				nongame, furbearing, or federally listed threatened and endangered species is
				not covered by this policy, but is addressed on a case-by-case basis.
(5) In response to damage complaints
				qualifying for assistance under
				87-1-225, MCA, and ARM
				12.9.803, a regional supervisor
				may address the problem in the following ways:
(a) by herding as a temporary
				measure;
(b) by employing a variety
				of animal dispersal methods, such as airplanes, snowmobiles, cracker shells,
				and scareguns;
(c) by using
				repellents as temporary solutions;
(d) by using fencing options if the problem
				is chronic and involves haystacks and other stored crops;
(e) by authorizing kill permits;
(f) the department, through the regional
				supervisor or designated staff, has the discretion to issue supplemental game
				damage licenses for antlerless animals to hunters as an alternative to a kill
				permit being issued to a landowner. Supplemental game damage licenses
				administrative procedures are outlined in ARM
				12.9.805;
(g) damage hunts may be used to address
				site-specific damage problems in accordance with ARM
				12.9.804;
(h) netting or mechanical devices may be used
				to reduce tree damage; and
(i)
				archery, shotgun, muzzle loader weapons, or other weapons may be used as an
				alternative hunting method when rifle hunting poses a threat to the safety and
				welfare of persons or property.
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.8 - Damage Hunts › Rule 12.9.803 - PUBLIC HUNTING ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) To
				qualify for game damage assistance in accordance with
				87-1-225, MCA, a landowner must
				allow public hunting or not significantly reduce public hunting through imposed
				restrictions during established hunting seasons, including the general big game
				season. The department shall make determinations of eligibility based on the
				criteria set out in this rule. For eligibility, public hunting must be allowed
				at levels and in ways sufficient to effectively aid in management of area game
				populations. Restrictions that may significantly restrict public hunting
				include:
(a) species or sex of animals
				hunters are allowed to hunt;
(b)
				portion of land open to hunting;
(c) time period land is open to
				hunting;
(d) fees charged;
				or
(e) other restrictions that
				render harvestable animals inaccessible.
Administrative Rules of Montana › Department 12 - FISH, WILDLIFE, AND PARKS › Chapter 12.9 - WILDLIFE DIVISION › Subchapter 12.9.8 - Damage Hunts › Rule 12.9.804 - GAME DAMAGE HUNTS

Current through Register Vol. 13, July 5, 2024
(1) Damage hunts
				are carried out according to the following policies and procedures:
(a) during the season-setting process, the
				department requests that the commission tentatively approve a specified number
				of antlerless deer, antlerless elk, and doe/fawn antelope licenses for
				potential game damage occurring between August 15 and February 15;
				and
(b) if the regional supervisor
				determines that a damage hunt is necessary before, during, or after the general
				hunting season, the regional supervisor must obtain approval of the
				commissioner in whose district the game damage hunt is proposed prior to
				implementing the hunt. If the commissioner is not available, then the regional
				supervisor may request approval from the chair of the commission or, in the
				chair's absence, any other commissioner.