The really sad thing about this is that it is a reflection of the state of the game populations due to poor management in the area. In addition, poor stewardship by timber and mining interests has resulted in excessive road building and access into what used to be remote areas. The intrusion of motorized vehicles (ATV's)into remote locations is an issue which should have been addressed twenty years ago.
I am fairly familiar with some of the outfitter's areas on the upper Flathead and have some sympathy for these outfitters. Their areas have been severely compromised by road-building, high altitude timber harvest, and illegal use of ATV's in their areas. In addition, the Ministry of the Environment gives out limited entry tags which may exceed the number of animals available for harvest. The result is that the available game is limited and pressure is excessive. In many areas, it has reached the point where outfitters should be offering eco tours instead of hunts with hunting restricted to re-build game populations.
I truly enjoy spending time hunting and camping along the divide but the experience is tainted by the misuse of the area by all parties involved. GD
Last edited by greydog; 02/14/15.
