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Submitted by Mel Rice – Public Relations Sunday Morning at 12:15 a.m., the Beaverhead Search and Rescue was paged out to look for a lost party in the Crystal Park area. A 53 year old gentleman and his 16 year old son had been reported missing from a day trip to Crystal Park. The lost party is from Anaconda. The incident actually started the day before. The reporting party called the Sheriff’s office at 7:52 p.m. Saturday evening and reported the two individuals had not returned home. A Sheriff’s deputy was dispatched to the Scenic By-Way from the Grasshopper end of the highway. A Highway Patrol Trooper was also dispatched from the Wise River end. Searches at either end of the byway did not produce the lost individuals or their vehicle. The Dillon deputy found car tracks going around the road closure barrier just below Elkhorn Hot Springs. Upon further investigation the deputy, while following the tracks, became stuck in a snow bank. After digging for two hours and finally getting some help from one of the Grasshopper Volunteer Firemen, he got out and returned to Dillon. At that time the Beaverhead Search and Rescue was called out to aid in the search. Tara Remely, Alex Dunn, Lawrence Morrisroe, and Mel Rice responded to the call out. Rice acted as the IC while Dunn, Remely, and Morrisroe were deployed to the Scenic By-Way with a side by side and snowmobile. The side by side and sled ventured up the By-Way behind the closure gate. The side x side had been stuck twice and was about 300 yards short of the Price Creek Campground. They had found nothing. At that point the sled went on into Crystal Park and over to Moose Park. Nothing was located and it was determined the Nisson car the party was driving would not have been able to make it that far. There were no tracks from a car in the area. It was also determined a car of that nature would not have been able to advance beyond the road closure barrier on the Wise River end of the By-Way… Therefore, the S&R members terminated the search in the area and returned to Dillon, arriving back in town at 6:10 a.m. At this point the Sheriff’s office called individuals in Anaconda and was informed the individuals were home. Approximately 36 man hours were spent during the search. "Your Beaverhead Search and Rescue would like to remind the public that the Scenic By-Way is closed to car and truck traffic until such time as the road barricades are opened. Please honor the closure until such time as it is formally opened. There is still quite a bit of snow up on top".

Today at 3 P.M. Western finished up the third and final graduation ceremony those receiving degrees in Modern History, Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology, English, Visual Arts, Interdisciplinary Social Science, Mathematics, Environmental Science, Environmental Interpretation, Environmental Sustainability, Biology, Ecology, and Associate of Arts/Science majors were honored. Commencement Speaker for the ceremony was Joe Morstein you can view the whole ceremony here.

Ceremony II: Saturday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m. - Education majors Commencement Speaker Dr. David Yarlott Dr. David Yarlott, currently President of Little Big Horn College, is Korean and Crow and grew up in Crow Agency, Mont., before attending college as a first-generation student in the early 1980’s. Yarlott went on to earn three degrees from the University of Montana. While attending graduate school at MSU, Yarlott was offered an opportunity to teach at Little Big Horn College and went on to become the college’s president in 2002. Priorities of his tenure as president included expansion of infrastructure, while emphasizing green technology, consistent with his value of “being kinder to the earth.” Yarlott was a founder of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium Athletic Commission, on the board of the World Indigenous Games, Chair of the Governing Board of Trustees for the American Indian College Fund, and Commissioner for the Northwest Commission on College and University Accreditation. We will be livestreaming ceremony 3 at 3 P.M. today

Western will be holding three commencements instead of the traditional one. The hope is this will allow graduates to attend in person as well as family members. Today ceremony 1 was held those receiving degrees in Business, Health and Human Performance/Kinesiology, and Natural Horsemanship/Equine Studies majors got to hear from Mike Ferretti, CEO of Great Harvest. The next two ceremonies will be held tomorrow at 10 A.M. and 3 P.M. we will be live streaming them as well.

The University of Montana Western has been granted nearly $15 million by the Montana State Legislature to undertake major upgrades to the campus’s facilities. These include a $12 million renovation of Block Hall, $2.4 million to replace the central campus boiler, and $450,000 to replace numerous roofs. “Please join me in thanking Senator Jeff Welborn and Representative Tom Welch for their support of this project,” said Montana Western Chancellor, Dr. Beth Weatherby. “Senator Welborn has been a tireless Bulldog this session in his efforts to get Block Hall done. I am so grateful to Jeff and Tom and to Commissioner Christian and his team for their advocacy in Helena for Montana Western. These funds will provide our students, faculty and staff with the top-quality facilities that they deserve.” The news was announced on April 29th at the close of the 67th Legislative Session in Helena, known as “sine die,” wrapping up 80 days of legislative action. Sine die, meaning “without day” in Latin, indicates that the 2021 legislative body has adjourned without appointing a day to assemble again. The Block Hall renovation will receive $4.8 million from HB 632, the vehicle which appropriates the federal stimulus and COVID recovery funds Montana is receiving as part of the American Rescue Plan Act and $7.2 million from HB 14, the Long-Range Building Bonding Program. HB 5, the Long-Range Building Appropriations bill, includes the funding Montana Western will receive for the central boiler and roof replacement projects. Constructed in 1969, Block Hall requires renovation in order to accommodate the university’s growing science programs and bring the building up to modern safety and air quality codes. Upon completion, the building will offer updated classroom and lab facilities to all Montana Western students for courses in both general studies and specialized science programs.

A list of events happening for the weekend of 04/30/2021 thru 05/02/2021. Friday 04/30/2021 124th Annual Commencement - The University of Montana Western will celebrate its 124th Annual Commencement Ceremony in-person and online on Friday, April 30, and Saturday, May 1, 2021. To ensure the health and safety of the community and guests, this year’s Commencement will be divided into three ceremonies. A graduate’s ceremony is designated by their degree and major. Ceremony I: Friday, April 30 at 3:00 p.m.– Business, Health and Human Performance/Kinesiology, and Natural Horsemanship/Equine Studies majors Ceremony II: Saturday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m.– Education majors Ceremony III: Saturday, May 1 at 3:00 p.m.– Modern History, Psychology, Anthropology and Sociology, English, Visual Arts, Interdisciplinary Social Science, Mathematics, Environmental Science, Environmental Interpretation, Environmental Sustainability, Biology, Ecology, and Associate of Arts/Science majors In-person attendance is limited to four pre-invited guests per graduate, but all are invited to watch the live stream of each ceremony by visiting the Southwestern Montana News Facebook page. Visit the link below on the day of the ceremony to watch the live stream: https://www.facebook.com/Southwesternmtnews Each graduate may have up to 4 guests attend. Guests will be sitting in assigned seating in Straugh Gym that is socially distanced. All people in Straugh Gym during the ceremony are expected to wear a mask or other face protectant like a face shield and remain socially distanced. Guests showing any sort of symptoms like ​fever, sore throat,​ etc., should remain home and take advantage of our live stream services. For more information about Commencement, please contact the Montana Western Registrar’s Office by calling 406-683-7371. Sing Into Spring - Let's SING INTO SPRING with some Rock & Country Roll. This is a family event hosted by Cory Birkenbuel. Featuring music by Steve Ingram, Mary Allen, Verna Love, River Deliso, Keri Wendt, Billy Christensen, Tom McEldry, Joel Longie, Joe Begin, Justin Stanchfield Light Buffet, Deserts & Drinks at 6PM Cash bar and ATM avalaible Frontier Events Center $15 Admission at the door, kids no charge. Big Sky Cinema - "We're back!" Reopening Friday, April 30th. Popular local band, "Fully Cooked" will perform their best in our lobby during ticket sales. playing Godzilla VS Kong at 4 P.m. and 6:45 P.M. also playing Raya The Last Dragon 4:15 P.M. and 7 P.M. Saturday 05/01/2021 Emporium406 Grand Re-Opening - You are cordially invited to join us at Emporium406 on Saturday, May 1st, as we celebrate our Grand Re-Opening at our new downtown location at 34 North Idaho Street, Suite #3 in Dillon. We will have complimentary refreshments, in-store drawings and lots of new and amazing merchandise! A RANDOM THOUGHT Art Exhibit - Come meet the artists creating this beautiful exhibit (displayed May 1-June 12) and enjoy an evening with friends We are bringing Weekend Rundown back as more things start happening, we will again have it every Friday morning. As always if you have an event send us an email at southwesternmtnews@gmail.com so we can put it in the Weekend Rundown. If you have a poster for your event stop by 34 N. Idaho Suite B we will hang it up for you.

Last night at the Frontier Events Center Deputy Dave Gomez, of the Boise Idaho, Sheriffs Department gave a talk on the problems with Social Media and the Internet. Deputy Gomez works with the Boise Sheriff’s office as well as the Idaho City Police Department. Officer Gomez started out as an engineer and at the age of 36 he decided to become a police officer. When he worked as a school resource officer, he started noticing a lot of the problems revolved around social media. This is when he started to become familiar with the platforms and the problems that accompany them for kids. If you would like to see his full presentation we, have it both on YouTube as well as our Podcast App links below. https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-av899-1021ca5

The Beaverhead Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture and Dillon Convention & Visitors Bureau presents…. Beaverhead Territory Days, June 18-20 Arts & Crafts Fair – Sat., June 18-20 at Depot Park – We are looking for local artisans and craftspeople to join us in showing and selling your art at the Territory Days Arts & Crafts Fair. Time to get out and celebrate summer by selling your pottery, jewelry, handmade clothing, glass art, woodworking, quilting and more! $20/booth. Festival Food Trucks – Sat.-Sun, June 19th-20th – Throughout Dillon or park at one of the events, email info@beaverheadchamber.org for more information. Territory Days Parade – Sat., June 19 at 4pm on Montana Street by Helena St. intersection parking lot; Do you have an Ugly Truck? Dented Truck? Dirty Truck? Enter in the Ugly Truck Contest in the parade and win 1st Prize for each category. No entry fee. Email Rebecca at info@beaverheadchamber.org to reserve your spot or for more information!

City Council Chambers Thursday, April 29, 2021 4:00 P.M. ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Discuss/Recommend Chuck Parks Bill for Water Service 2. Discuss/Recommend Resolution of Intention of the City of Dillon to Increase Rates for the Users of the City’s Water System to Pay for the 2021 Water Improvement Project 3. Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 4. Adjournment COMMITTEE MEMBERS Don Hand, Chairperson Russ Schwandt Raymond Graham PLEASE NOTE: The City of Dillon understands that citizens have the right under the Montana Constitution to observe and participate in local governmental affairs by personally attending all public meetings of the Dillon City Council and other City boards and committees. This meeting is open to the public as normal (pre- virus). Any who would like to physically attend, are asked to please wear a face covering and practice 6-ft social distancing at the meeting. For those who are cautious about physically attending, a Zoom link is available. Join the meeting with Zoom ID: 770-316-6528, allowing permission for mic and camera (if using a computer go to https://zoom.us/j/7703166528) and use Passcode 4245. Please mute your mic until you desire to comment. Any problems or questions, call City Hall at 683-4245. Thank you, Michael L. Klakken, Mayor

COMMUNITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE MEETING City Council Chambers Wednesday, April 28, 2021 12:00 PM ~ AGENDA ~ 1. Call to Order 2. Continue Plans for Duck Race 3. Continue Plans for Dillon History Days 4. Public Comment On Items Of Significant Public Interest Not On The Agenda And Within The Jurisdiction Of The City 5. Adjournment

The Office of the Governor today released the 2021 Montana Water and Supply Drought Outlook Report. According to data in the report, 42 percent of the state is classified as abnormally dry, with another 18 percent of the state in severe to extreme drought conditions. May and June are historically the two wettest months of the year in Montana. “Following an unusually mild winter, the conditions we see for the next eight to ten weeks are going to be critical as we head into growing season in Montana,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I am tasking state agency directors to begin reviewing authorities and options to support our agricultural producers as some battle extreme drought conditions.” According to the report, persistently dry conditions through the fall and much of the winter have created the deficit, especially at middle and lower elevations. As of April 15, 2021, mountain snowpack at high elevations has remained near or slightly below average in most basins, with the exception of southwest Montana, where the Upper Madison, Jefferson, and Ruby rivers are likely to see below-average flows this year. The report projects reservoir storage at state and federal projects to be near average.If spring precipitation is below average, producers in eastern Montana may face challenges ensuring adequate water supply for livestock throughout the summer. Amanda Kaster, director of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), added that elevated fire risks are possible if current conditions persist. “We’re keeping a close watch on fuel conditions throughout the state as we continue our preparations for the 2021 fire season,” Kaster said. The governor’s office will be monitoring conditions closely in 12 eastern counties – Phillips, Daniels, Sheridan, Valley, Roosevelt, McCone, Wibaux, Prairie, Dawson, Richland, Fallon, and Carter – where drought conditions are most severe. The Water Supply and Drought Outlook is an annual report compiled by water planning staff at the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. See the 2021 report here .

University of Montana Western head men's basketball coach Mike Larsen has announced the signing of Jacob Ankeny and Jacksen Burckley to a NAIA Letters of Intent. Ankeny is a 6-8 center from Marsing, Idaho and will graduate from Marsing High School this spring. He averaged 15.9 points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.2 blocks and 1.3 assists per game his senior year and was named first-team all-conference. His junior season he helped lead the Huskies to a league championship and was named conference player of the year and first-team all-state. As a sophomore, he earned second-team all-state and first-team all-league honors. He is a two-team academic all-league selection and is currently leading the state in the 100, 200 and 400 meters heading into the Idaho state meet. "We are extremely excited to add Jacob to our team," head coach Mike Larsen said. "He is one of the best big guys around and will have a great opportunity to come in and learn from our senior big men. He has an incredible work ethic and motor on the floor that will help him grow into a great player here at Western." He is the son of Lucas and Heidi Ankeny and plans on majoring in business. Burckley is a 6-5 forward from Billings, Montana and will graduate from Billings Senior this spring. As a Senior, he averaged 12.9 points and 8.4 rebounds a game. This year, Jacksen was second in the state for AA in rebounds per game and fourth in 3-point field goals made. For his career at Billings Senior, he made 133 3's while shooting 38% from downtown. He was named all-conference honorable mention. The multi-sport athlete was also named all-state as a wide receiver and a kicker, and all-conference as a punter. "Jacksen is an elite shooter and rebounder and comes to us from Billings, Montana," Larsen said. "Jacksen will continue to build himself into one of the best shooters in Montana history in our program and we are excited to help him reach that." He is the son of Roger and Kirstin Burckley and plans on majoring in secondary education and K-12 education.

In-person classes with field day still an option During the last year, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offered hunter and bowhunter education classes online due to COVID concerns. Since last spring, more than 17,000 Montanans completed the online courses, which is nearly double the number of students in a typical year. “The biggest increase we saw was among adult bowhunter education students,” said FWP outdoor skills and safety supervisor Wayde Cooperider. “It seems the online courses were popular with our students.” Because of the popularity of the online classes and to meet customer expectations for a diverse offering of hunter and bowhunter education courses, FWP will continue to offer online courses for students turning age 12 and older, with the option of an in-person field day. Students will also have the choice of in-person courses taught by certified volunteer instructors. In-person classes will be scheduled to start after June 1, depending on interest, venue availability and COVID-protocols. These in-person classes will include a field day. More information about these classes will be available soon. “Volunteer instructors are the cornerstone of hunter and bowhunter education in Montana,” Cooperider said. “We will continue to emphasize the value of in-person instruction and field days and look to work with our instructors at ways we can add value for students to this part of our courses.” FWP’s online course is certified by the International Hunter Education Association. To sign up for online hunter ed or for in-person classes when they become available, visit online at fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education.

Montana Westerns annual Red VS White spring scrimmage was held Saturday, 04/24/2021. This gave Western a chance to stretch their legs and get ready for fall football.

Staff at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park are pleased to reopen the cave once again on a first-come, first-served basis for the 2021 season. Two distinct tour options will be offered from May 28 to Sept. 30, 2021. Visitors are encouraged to call a week before their visit as tour options, times and availability may change throughout the season. No reservations will be taken for cave tours this season. Park staff are always committed to providing a quality experience for visitors. Classic tour The classic tour will feature a 2-mile journey through the majority of the developed cave tour route, including the second-largest and longest rooms in the cave. This tour lasts for two hours and includes more than 600 stairs, stooping and tight squeezes. It is not recommended for small children, or visitors with mobility limitations or claustrophobia. Bats occupy some rooms that are part of the classic tour. Bats can be susceptible to pathogens carried by people. To reduce risks to sensitive bat populations at the park, visitors will be required to wear facemasks in rooms that contain bats. The classic tour is generally not held at specific times, but it is offered based on visitor demand and staff availability. Tickets for the classic tour are $15 for visitors ages 15 and older, $10 for children ages 5 to 14, and $5 for anyone ages 4 and younger. Paradise tour The second option is the paradise tour. It includes a view of the largest and most decorative room in the cave — the Paradise Room. This 1-mile tour lasts for 90 minutes. It includes 15 stairs between two rooms, but the path is mostly level and partly wheelchair accessible. Because the paradise tour provides better accessibility and easier passage, this tour is highly recommended for anyone with small children, claustrophobia concerns or mobility challenges. Starting May 28, the paradise tour will be offered every hour on the half hour, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. These times are subject to change, so contact the park prior to your visit. Tickets for the paradise tour are $10 for seniors ages 62 and older, $15 for visitors ages 15 to 61, $10 for children ages 5 to 14, and free for anyone under age 4. Planning your visit Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park features one of the most decorative limestone caverns in the Northwest, filled with spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, columns and helictites. The park also offers camping, trails to hike or bike, a state-of-the-art visitor center, interpretive displays, a gift shop, food and beverage concessions, an amphitheater, and interpretive events during the summer months. The ticket office opens daily at 9 a.m., and the last tour departs at 4:30 p.m. An $8 entrance fee is required for visitors who are not residents of Montana. Residents of the state normally pay the fee with vehicle registration. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is roughly 7 miles southeast of Cardwell along Montana Highway 2. As always, visitors are asked to not wear any clothing, shoes or accessories, including glasses and cameras, that have been to another cave or mine in the past two years. This is to protect bat populations at the Caverns. White-nose syndrome, a fungus that kills entire bat colonies, can be transmitted easily and does not come out of clothing or other materials with normal washing methods. While it does not affect humans, it could have significant impacts to the cave ecosystem. To inquire about tour availability or other questions, please call the park at 406-287-3541. For more information about the park, visit fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/lewis-and-clark-caverns .

2021 UMW Spring Football Game What: Annual Montana Western Red vs. White Spring Football Game Where: Vigilante Field When: April 24, 1 p.m. The scrimmage is CLOSED to the public. Only those on the player/coach pass list will be admitted. UMW Students: First 100 FREE with Bulldog Card Watch: The scrimmage will be live-streamed at www.umwbulldogs.com/watch Due to Covid-19 precautions, there is a LIMIT OF 100 STUDENTS. The first 100 students with a Bulldog card gain free admission to the Spring Game. Due to Covid-19 precautions spectators are required to wear a mask/facial covering and maintain social distance. UMW students must sit on the visitor bleachers .

2021 Lost Trail/National Championship Results Sam Peterson 2nd Pro 600 Stock 4th Pro 600 Improved 6th Pro 700 Stock 1st Pro 700 Improved 3rd Pro 1000 Stock Keith Curtis 1st Pro 900 Stock 1st Pro 900 Improved 1st Pro 900 Modified 1st Pro 1000 Stock 1st Pro Open Modified Toby Shepard 3rd Pro 600 Modified 2nd Pro 700 Modified 3rd Pro 900 Modified 8th Pro 1000 Stock 4th Pro Open Modified Tiffany McWilliams 2nd Woman's Stock 3rd Woman's 600 Stock 5th Woman's Improved 8th Woman's Modified Gaden Morrisroe 2nd Juniors (Age 12-13) Race 1 3rd Juniors (Age 12-13) Race 1 Premier Class 1st Keith Curtis 5th Sam Peterson 18th Toby Shepard 2021 Year-End Points Championship Results Sam Peterson 2nd Pro 600 Stock 2nd Pro 600 Improved 2nd Pro 700 Stock 1st Pro 700 Improved 5th Pro 1000 Stock Keith Curtis 1st Pro 1000 Stock 1st Pro 600 Stock 1st Pro 900 Stock 1st Pro 900 Improved 1st Pro 900 Modified 10th Pro Open Modified Toby Shepard 3rd Pro 600 Modified 3rd Pro 700 Modified 8th Pro 900 Modified 6th Pro 1000 Stock 9th Pro Open Modified Tiffany McWilliams 3rd Women's Stock 3rd Women's 600 Stock 3rd Women's Improved 3rd Women's Modified Caden Morrisroe 5th Juniors (Age 12-13) Race 1 5th Juniors (Age 12-13) Race 2

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced a settlement agreement that ends litigation between the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) and United Property Owners of Montana (UPOM). “Under the previous administration, FWP didn’t do right by farmers, ranchers, and private property owners. In its effort to spread bison across parts of Montana, FWP didn’t do enough to account for the impacts to local communities and relied on outdated data,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This settlement agreement protects our livestock producers and rural lands and reaffirms the state can and should do better going forward.” “FWP is committed to engaging communities and stakeholders on the impacts of decisions like this. We’re grateful to have this lawsuit behind us,” said Hank Worsech, director of FWP. In January 2020, FWP issued a Final Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement for Bison Conservation and Management in Montana (EIS) and an associated Record of Decision. In March 2020, UPOM filed suit against FWP alleging the agency violated MEPA, MAPA, and environmental impact review requirements during the EIS process. In the settlement agreement, FWP and UPOM agree the Final EIS failed to adequately consider disease transmission between bison, livestock, and other wildlife, there was an inadequate public comment opportunity, and the Final EIS relied on outdated data, among other things.

At a direct patient care facility in Billings, Governor Greg Gianforte today signed a bill expanding access to affordable, high-quality health care. “We’re committed to making affordable, high-quality health care more accessible to Montanans by increasing choice, eliminating regulations, and promoting competition,” Governor Gianforte said. “This new, commonsense law will help bring down the cost of care while strengthening the patient-doctor relationship.” Sponsored by Sen. Cary Smith (R-Billings), Senate Bill 101 authorizes direct patient care (DPC) agreements in Montana. DPC allows patients to enter into agreements with doctors and pay them directly for health care services, rather than going through an insurance company. “Senate Bill 101 provides clarity for Montana’s growing Direct Patient Care industry and enables more providers to open up new clinics. DPC gives Montanans a more affordable option to access quality health care and improves the doctor-patient relationship,” bill sponsor Sen. Smith said. “Increasing health care access and lowering the cost of health care have been top priorities for Republican lawmakers this session. With Governor Gianforte’s signature, we’ve achieved another important reform to improve health care in Big Sky Country.” The new law codifies an advisory memo issued in 2017 by then-Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, Matt Rosendale. Since then, eight DPC clinics have opened in Montana. “Authorizing direct patient care was a key part of my success providing more affordable health care options for Montanans as insurance commissioner,” Congressman Rosendale said. “I’m glad to see the governor and legislature make this bill a law to make DPC available to more Montanans.” Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Troy Downing added, “Senate Bill 101 is common-sense legislation for Montana consumers. Adding this tool to the toolbox will expand choices for Montanans across the state. Thank you to Senator Smith for sponsoring this bipartisan bill, and thank you Governor Gianforte for signing it into law.” Governor Gianforte made increasing access to affordable, high-quality health care a priority in his Montana Comeback Plan.

Beginning May 15 and running through June 30, nonresident hunters can register their name to the Alternate’s List on MyFWP . Every year, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks gets several unused nonresident combination licenses (big game, general elk and general deer combination licenses) returned by customers. FWP resells these returned licenses through the Alternate’s List. The Alternate’s List is an option for nonresident hunters to express their interest in purchasing one of these returned licenses by registering their name to this listing. A hunter can register to purchase their choice of only one nonresident combination license per year (big game, general elk, or general deer combination licenses). Once the list is randomized in mid-July, and a license becomes available, the hunter in the uppermost randomized position on the list will be contacted by email to finalize the purchase of the license, and so on until the returned NR combo licenses are eventually exhausted. Payment for the license fee is not required to sign up for the Alternate’s List. If your randomized position falls at the top of the listing, you will be contacted by email with instructions on how to complete the purchase of the license. Being on this list or obtaining a license from this list has no effect on your existing preference points. MyFWP also allows you to check where your position lands on this Alternate’s List after the randomization process occurs in mid-July. Please be sure to check back after then. The odds of getting a license from these lists vary greatly from year to year. Refunds and issuance may occur at any time after mid-July, but availability of these licenses increase between early fall and the opening of general hunting season in late October. For more information, visit http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licensedraw/alternatesList.html .