CSKT publishes proposed changes to hunting, fishing and recreation regs

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes recently published proposed changes to next season’s Hunting, Fishing and Recreation Regulations, in effect from March 1, 2027, to Feb. 28, 2028.

Ordinance 44D imposes regulations for CSKT members and non-members recreating on tribal lands. Among the changes outlined in next year’s proposed regulations:

• Allows a more expansive roster of people to accompany tribal members in restricted areas. In addition to non-member spouses and children, immediate family members, such as parents, grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews could accompany the member for purposes other than hunting and fishing, provided they possess a valid recreation permit.

According to the document, the proposed amendment “recognizes the importance of extended family relationships within our community and allows members to share experiences with their families in a way that aligns with tribal values.”

• Includes the following areas that are currently restricted to tribal members, but aren’t mentioned in this year’s regulation book: Twin Lakes Recreation Area, Hog Heaven Range and Chief Cliff Area, and a portion of the North Salish Range known as Irvine Lookout Area.

• Stipulates that tribal members fishing or recreating on the Flathead Reservation must carry a valid tribal identification. This change “ensures membership can be verified in the field, promoting fair and consistent enforcement of tribal regulations.”

• Prohibits knowingly or negligently allowing dogs to chase, stalk, pursue, attack or kill a big game animal.

• Prohibits glass bottles at all CSKT recreations sites along rivers, lakes and reservoirs, as well as along the entire Lower Flathead River. This includes boat launches, day-use areas, campgrounds, trails and access roads. The staff notes that broken glass “creates a long-lasting safety hazard for visitors, pets and wildlife, is difficult to completely remove from beaches and shorelines, and can persist in the environment for many years.”

• Prohibits the use of metal detectors, magnetometers or similar devices to locate, search for or remove buried or submerged objects on all tribal lands, including recreation sites, campgrounds, day-use areas, trails, shorelines and riverbeds.

This portion of the regulations also makes it unlawful “to excavate, remove, damage, alter, deface, possess, transport, or otherwise disturb” archaeological, cultural or historical resources, or sites of cultural or spiritual significance. According to staff, the new provisions offer “clear, enforceable direction to prevent disturbance before it occurs, while still allowing authorized use under tribal permit for legitimate purposes, such as law enforcement.”

• Three changes refer specifically to the Bison Range, and prohibit the use of alcohol and illegal drugs, cutting vegetation or trees and leaving campfires unattended. The justification for this addition to the regulations notes that “alcohol consumption has led to disruptive behavior and conflicts with staff. This regulation helps protect visitor safety and preserves the Bison Range as a family-oriented wildlife conservation and recreation area.”

Comments from the public on these and other proposed changes must be submitted via letter or email by 5:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 17. An in-person public hearing is slated for 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at the CSKT Permit office, 406 Sixth Ave. E., in Polson.

Written comments may be summited by letter to P.O. Box 278, Pablo, MT 59855 or via email to Sattie Fisher, DFWRC Permit Agent, at [email protected] or [email protected].

 For a copy of the proposed regulation changes for the coming year, email Fisher at [email protected], call 406-883-2888 ext. 7227, or visit cskt.org/natural-resources/dfwrc/.