Bison hunt opponents putting names in drawing for tags

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By The Associated Press Friday, January 07, 2005




BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) -- Members of a group that opposes Montana's planned hunt of bison that leave Yellowstone National Park are among those who have applied for permits to kill the beasts. But they say they have no intention of taking part in the hunt.

The Buffalo Field Campaign said its members plan to buy the licenses if their names are drawn in Friday's lottery, but won't to try to fill them.

Instead, the Patagonia clothing company has agreed to reimburse the cost of each license for anyone who decides not to take part in the hunt, a company spokeswoman said. The tags cost $75 for Montana residents and $750 for nonresidents.

The bison hunt, authorized by the 2003 Legislature and approved by the Fish and Game Commission last month, is the first in Montana since 1991, when they were canceled after a barrage of protests and bad publicity.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer, who was sworn in Monday, told The Associated Press he wants to cancel or postpone the hunt because of fears of a "public relations nightmare" for the state.

The state wildlife agency said more than 8,000 people applied for one of just 10 tags being issued for the monthlong hunt that's scheduled to start next week.

The Buffalo Field Campaign's Mike Mease said 25 to 30 people in his office are among that group, and supporters of the group were encouraged to apply as well.

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