The Montana High School Association’s executive board made several decisions during its regular scheduled meeting last week. The board agreed to have one Native American and one female representative on each of its advisory committees. Schools received information about the following items for a two-week notice period: * All post season live video streaming will be done on the NFHS Network.

The Montana High School Association’s executive board decided on locations for state events for 2023-2024 and 2023-25 during its meeting last week. The state cross country meet is scheduled in Kalispell on Oct. 21, 2023. The all-class volleyball tournament will again take place in Bozeman on Nov. 9-11, 2023. The state B-C speech and drama competition is scheduled for Jan. 26-27, 2024,

Producers have until April 28 to apply for Open Fields or other lease options administered through the Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program. Producers can submit their application now, even though they may not know the status of this year’s CRP bid. By getting applications in early, UGBEP can better prepare to work with producers who may learn of their CRP status later this summer. Funding

Hunters in Montana, along with Fish, Wildlife and Parks, are concerned about declining mule deer populations in much of the state. In response to this concern, FWP is embarking on research efforts to look into the declines and engage hunters about their attitudes on mule deer management and hunting. Mule deer numbers have typically been tracked over large areas using aerial surveys and declines

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public comment on several proposals slated to go to the Fish and Wildlife Commission in June. Comment is open through May 11. After public comment, commissioners can offer amendments to the proposals as they see fit. The proposals and supporting documents, commissioner amendments and collected public comment are available on the commission webpage.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reminds landowners, watershed groups and others that this summer’s deadline to apply for Future Fisheries Improvement Program grants is May 15. The goal of FWP’s Future Fisheries Program is to restore rivers, streams and lakes to improve Montana’s wild fish habitat. Entities can receive funding for qualifying projects that benefit Montana’s wild fish.