Montana Hook and Bullet News

Decision sets up a fight between Gov. Steve Bullock, who says State Land Board approval isn't needed when the state purchases conservation easements, and Attorney General Tim Fox, who says it is.

Elk hunters will be able to access the 9,665 Blue Ridge Ranch in Hunt District 622 on the north shore of Fort Peck Lake. Hunters need to get permission from the ranch owner first.

In exchange, the landowner Will Carlson will receive a single either-sex elk tag to use on his ranch.

Attorney General Tim Fox has issued an opinion that Gov. Steve Bullock ignored the law when he approved a conservation easement on an eastern Montana ranch after the State Land Board had voted 3-2 against the deal.

According to the AG's opinion, the state must secure Land Board approval for any conversation easement of more than 100 acres or $100,000. The opinion carries the force of law unless it is overturned in court, but does not hove direct impact on the already approved easement.

Bullock allowed FWP to move ahead with the $6.1 million easement purchase on the 15,000-acre Horse Creek Conservation Easement near Wibaux.

New strategies for counting the state's biggest cat part of the proposal.

The elk hunter attacked by sow griz near Livingston says bear should not be tracked and euthanized.

"That's what a bear will do. It was startled, protecting its cub, starting to take care of the threat that was there," said Bob Legasa of Hayden, Idaho, to the "Coeur d'Alene Press" as he recovered from his injuries.

A 6,380-acre conservation easement in the Stillwater State Forest is the final phase of the Whitefish Lake Watershed Project.

Another bear encounter, this time a bow hunter. Thanks to his fast-thinking friend, and bear spray, he survived.

Congrats to inductee Dale Burk, owner of Stoneydale Press in Stevensville and one of Montana's all-time great journalists.