The need for continuing hunter education opportunities for adults is a key component in a compact package of draft recommendations released today by Montana's Hunter Behavior Advisory Council. The citizens' council, appointed by Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Patrick Graham, is recommending that FWP develop an ongoing process to expand educational opportunities for hunters of all ages.
(Headlines - October 29, 1998)

The purchase of hunting, fishing and other recreation licenses will see a dramatic change in the next few years, the result of a contract that Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced today with telecommunications specialists, MCIWORLDCOM Inc. FWP Director Patrick Graham announced the agreement, which commits FWP to the development and implementation of an automated licensing system. Graham said the partnership with MCIWORLDCOM Inc.
(Headlines - October 23, 1998)

Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comment on a request from the Townsend Area Chamber of Commerce regarding a proposed walleye tournament on Canyon Ferry Reservoir in July of 1999. The proposed tournament would be catch-and-release format, may include up to 125 two-person teams and would offer between $10,000 and $15,000 in cash and prizes for tournament winners. Earlier this year, the Townsend Chamber made a similar request for 1998, which was denied by FWP.
(Headlines - October 23, 1998)

Montana's Private Land /Public Wildlife Advisory Council will meet on Thursday, November 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Yogo Inn in Lewistown. The meeting's focus will be on incorporating public comments received during the draft recommendation review period into final Council recommendations regarding the Block Management Hunter Access Program and issues related to the outfitting industry.
(Headlines - October 23, 1998)

A long-term "adaptive harvest" management plan for Montana's deer populations has been initiated by Fish, Wildlife & Parks and was approved by the FWP Commission at its October 2 meeting in Havre. The plan contains objectives that will be used to guide FWP's hunting season recommendations to the FWP Commission.
(Headlines - October 23, 1998)

The Montana Department of Livestock and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks together will hold public hearings during the first week of November to consider the repeal of the present game farm rules and adoption of new game farm rules. As required by law, the proposed rules have been developed jointly by the two state agencies. The hearing locations and dates are as follows: Billings -- November 2, 1998, 7 p.m.
(Headlines - October 23, 1998)

During the upcoming fall big game hunting season, Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Wildlife Laboratory will be conducting surveys for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in FWP administrative regions 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7. The surveys will include collection of heads from mule deer, white-tailed deer and elk. Sampled animals will be tagged at check stations to indicate that the head was removed for the CWD survey to prevent enforcement problems with evidence of sex.
(Headlines - October 23, 1998)

The 1,000 volunteers who teach Hunter Education would like to remind all hunters of the three basic rules of gun safety: 1) Always point any shooting device in a safe direction; 2) Be sure of the target and what is beyond; 3) Treat every gun as if it were loaded. Hunting is a very safe activity. It is up to each hunter to make responsible decisions.
(Headlines - October 23, 1998)

After considering public comment on the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for FWP's Wildlife program, the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission and Director Patrick Graham have identified a preferred alternative. A supplement to the draft EIS was released October 1 with the preferred alternative included.
(Headlines - October 09, 1998)

The Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is now seeking public comment on the proposed annual rule that will set the prices for nonresident elk and deer hunting licenses in 1999. Commissioners tentatively adopted the rule at their October 2 meeting in Havre. As was the case in 1998, the proposed rule for 1999 would permit nonresident hunters to purchase a Big Game Combination License that does not include a deer license.
(Headlines - October 09, 1998)

The season for ring-necked pheasants opens statewide in Montana on Saturday, October 10, at one-half hour before sunrise. The daily limit statewide is three rooster (male) pheasants, with a possession limit of 9. Hen pheasants are not legal game. Hunters must leave one leg ( and, new this year, one foot ), naturally attached to field-dressed pheasants to identify their sex. Pheasants may be taken with a shotgun not larger than a 10 gauge or with a recurve, compound, or long bow and arrow.
(Headlines - October 09, 1998)

Fish, Wildlife & Parks is requesting nominations for the Vince Yannone " Ambassador for Wildlife Award " or " The Vinnie. " This award was created by Director Patrick Graham in 1995 and presented to Vince Yannone for his unselfish commitment to the wild creatures of Montana. Presented annually, the award is designed to recognize Montana citizens whose work, words or spontaneous deeds of compassion directly aid in the conservation of Montana's wildlife.
(Headlines - October 09, 1998)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, bighorn sheep hunting district 303, which lies north and east of Gardiner in Park County, will be closed to all hunting of bighorn sheep, effective one-half hour after sunset on Sunday, October 11, 1998.
(Headlines - October 09, 1998)