(1) The department will evaluate the application based on the following criteria:
- (a) impacts of the contest on the fish population of the host body of water, the aquatic ecosystem and the immediate area;
- (b) compatibility of the contest with fisheries management objectives for the water;
- (c) purse or participation limits (limits may or may not be imposed depending upon public comments received or potential conflict with other users) ;
- (d) conflicts with other contests proposed for a body of water;
- (e) compliance with contest rules, conditions or reporting requirements for previously sponsored contests;
- (f) environmental conditions (such as relevant historic high water temperatures) and compatibility of check-in format with successful release of live fish for catch and release contests; and
- (g) contest boundaries.
- (2) The department will give public notice of all contests and provide an opportunity for public comment on each application.
Authorizing statute(s): 87-3-121, MCA
Implementing statute(s): 87-3-121, MCA
History: NEW, 1987 MAR p. 1627, Eff. 9/25/87; AMD, 1995 MAR p. 367, Eff. 3/17/95; AMD, 2002 MAR p. 1073, Eff. 4/12/02.