An unprecedented amount of growth in the overall number of properties enrolled in Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Block Management Program this fall and a subsequent enormous amount of interest among hunters in accessing these areas has prompted FWP officials to once again outline procedures for obtaining permission to hunt Block Management Areas (BMAs) as well as to ask for patience among some of those seeking a place to hunt through the program.
(Headlines - October 25, 1996)

At its meeting on October 4, the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission adopted big game hunting seasons and regulations for 1997. Included were a few changes to mountain lion hunting seasons as they now exist. The most significant change is the opening of a mountain lion hunting season in FWP's administrative Region 1 (northwestern Montana) concurrent with the opening of the general 1997 elk and deer season (Oct. 26-Nov. 30).
(Headlines - October 25, 1996)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & parks officials are reminding hunters that the availability of certain licenses for the 1996 season has changed. Due to observed declines in populations of the following species in some areas, for the 1996 season: Multi-region Antlerless Mule Deer B Licenses are NOT be available for purchase over the counter from local license agents.
(Headlines - October 25, 1996)

With the opening of Montana's 1996 general big game season, Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials are reminding hunters that they must secure permission to hunt on private lands. State law dictates that big game hunters must have the permission of owners to hunt on private lands.
(Headlines - October 25, 1996)

Montana hunters have the opportunity to take part in some of the finest hunting found anywhere. But each autumn some individuals unwittingly or knowingly violate our game laws, drawing the ire of those who may witness the acts and causing concern among all who take pride in the state's wonderful hunting heritage.
(Headlines - October 25, 1996)

Hunters and other outdoor recreationists are reminded that the state's TIP-MONT (Turn-in-Poachers Montana) hotline for reporting violations of game laws is in effect as this year's general big game hunting seasons get underway. Fish, Wildlife & Parks requests that anyone observing fish and game violations or property vandalism attempt to contact their local game warden or the county sheriff's office. If local assistance cannot be contacted, then the TIP-MONT hotline should be used.
(Headlines - October 25, 1996)

Hunters heading afield for the opening of the general statewide big game season on Sunday, October 27, should be aware that the sunrise/sunset tables printed in Montana's 1996 Big Game Hunting Regulations (page 70), and reprinted as a pocket-sized folder, contain an error related to the start of legal shooting times on opening day.
(Headlines - October 25, 1996)

The Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission on October 4 set final big game hunting regulations for 1997 and hunting season framework dates for 1998. These changes will not affect this fall's (1996) hunting seasons. Hunters should not be concerned with the new regulations until licenses are purchased for 1997 beginning next February.
(Headlines - October 11, 1996)

The Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission on Friday, October 4, denied a petition submitted under the auspices of Montana's stream access law to close portions of Big Sheep Creek near Lima in southwestern Montana to all recreational use. The petition requesting the closure on that section of Big Sheep Creek flowing through the property of Renee S. Thompson stated that the physical limitations of the stream render it incapable of supporting fishing and hunting by the public.
(Headlines - October 11, 1996)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has received Trout Unlimited's Conservation Award in the "Professional" category for 1996. FWP Director Patrick Graham accepted the award at the FWP Commission meeting in Helena on October 4. The Montana Chapter of TU nominated FWP for the award based on the agency's timely response to the threats posed by the discovery of whirling disease in Montana and the professional manner in which FWP has undertaken finding a solution.
(Headlines - October 11, 1996)

At its meeting on October 4, the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission tentatively adopted the annual rule that will set the prices for nonresident Big Game and Deer Combination Licenses in 1997. Prices of 1997 Deer Combination Licenses for clients of outfitters are proposed to be increased from the $515 charged in 1996 to $675 in 1997. The $835 cost of the nonresident Big Game Combination License is not proposed to be changed.
(Headlines - October 11, 1996)

At its October 4 meeting in Helena, the FWP Commission adopted a tentative fee rule for the period from March 1998 to the end of February 1999. The rule, in general, proposes to keep fees at 1996-97 levels at almost all state parks. One change, however, would provide for a slight increase in group day-use fees at parks. The minimum fee per day for a group of 30 to 50 people, for example, would increase from $75 to $85.
(Headlines - October 11, 1996)

Hunters heading afield for the opening of the general statewide big game season on Sunday, October 27, should be aware that the sunrise/sunset tables printed in Montana's 1996 Big Game Hunting Regulations (page 70), and reprinted as a pocket-sized folder, contain an error related to the start of legal shooting times on opening day.
(Headlines - October 11, 1996)