05-08-2008, 11:10 AM
Wildlife Management Areas in north central Montana open to the public May 15, and the three WMA's on the Rocky Mountain Front open at noon on that date. Those three are: Sun River, Blackleaf and Ear Mountain WMA's.
<br>Concerns over public safety and the possible presence of grizzly bears prompted Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 4 officials to have all three open at noon on May 15.<br>
<br>The areas are meant to give wildlife, primarily elk, a wintering area free from human presence and keep them off neighboring ranch land.<br>
<br>Until May 15 all WMA's remain closed to the public. Anyone found on the WMA's before that date could be subject to prosecution.
<br>Concerns over public safety and the possible presence of grizzly bears prompted Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 4 officials to have all three open at noon on May 15.<br>
<br>The areas are meant to give wildlife, primarily elk, a wintering area free from human presence and keep them off neighboring ranch land.<br>
<br>Until May 15 all WMA's remain closed to the public. Anyone found on the WMA's before that date could be subject to prosecution.