Over the next few months, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is requesting public comment on boating-use issues on Montana waters. In the past, the FWP Commission's authority for developing regulations on waters was limited to public safety and the protection of property. Under House Bill 626, passed by the 1999 Montana Legislature, the Commission's authority expanded to resolution of social conflicts between water users.
(Headlines - January 27, 2000)

Pat Graham, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, has withdrawn from consideration for the position of director of the Idaho Fish and Game. Graham, who was among three finalists for the position, said a combination of professional and personal considerations factored into his decision. "I am impressed by the professionalism of Idaho's agency and the optimism and energy of its commission," Graham said.
(Headlines - January 21, 2000)

FWP fisheries biologists learned recently that five of 86 young rainbow trout placed in test cages in the Smith River for a brief period last spring developed low level whirling disease infections. While unwelcome, the discovery was not unexpected. "We're not surprised to find it in the Smith," said Steve Leathe, regional fisheries manager for FWP in Great Falls.
(Headlines - January 21, 2000)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' annual survey of Montana's big and small game hunters will begin the end of January. Wildlife managers will use information collected during the survey to estimate the 1999 harvest and to recommend quotas for upcoming hunting seasons. According the FWP wildlife researcher Candy Hinz, about 80,000 Montana households will be contacted over a four- to six-week period.
(Headlines - January 21, 2000)

Game bird farms, game bird shooting preserve programs and the general possession and release of commercial game birds are some of the topics covered in a Draft Environmental Impact Study (PEIS) that Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking written and verbal comment on over the next five weeks.
(Headlines - January 21, 2000)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comment on proposed new rules on importing bait leeches into the state. The new rules, to go into effect March 10, call for an FWP permit to import bait leeches from sources outside of Montana and for periodic inspections of leech shipments. To receive a permit, the commercial bait dealers, or others wanting to ship leeches into Montana, must also provide information on the source of the bait leeches.
(Headlines - January 21, 2000)

State wildlife officials have set dates for several public meetings throughout the state on proposed regulations for the 2000 hunting season During January, the meetings regarding tentative regulations and quotas for the 2000 deer, elk, black bear, mountain lion, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, antelope, upland game bird and spring turkey seasons are set for: DATE TIME TOWN LOCATION REGION ONE Jan. 22 9 - 10:00 a.m.
(Headlines - January 07, 2000)

Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Jan. 12 at FWP headquarters in Helena. At the meeting, the commission will take final action on several items, including an oil-and gas-rights acquisition at Makoshika State Park, Lake Helena commercial fishing regulations, a right-of-way grant to the Montana Department of Transportation at the Roundhorn Wildlife Management Area near Thompson Falls; and an amendment to the Beaverhead/Big Hole rivers recreational use rule.
(Headlines - January 07, 2000)

If your New Year's resolution is to learn a new winter sport, or to get more involved in outdoor activities, then a weekend workshop hosted by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks may be just what you need to get started. The Women's Winter Skills Workshop is scheduled for Feb. 18-20 at the University of Montana's Lubrecht Forest, 30 miles east of Missoula off U.S. Highway 200.
(Headlines - January 07, 2000)

Handling firearms safely, wildlife conservation, laws and sportsmanship will be some of the topics covered in a Hunter Education class offered for adult women. The class will be March 31 through April 2 at the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Ranch west of Dupuyer. At the class, which begins Friday evening and concludes Sunday afternoon, participants will have an opportunity to shoot rifles and shotguns and take part in field exercises simulating a hunting experience.
(Headlines - January 07, 2000)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has free Year 2000 Sport Fishing Calendars available while supplies last. "Anglers fund many of our fisheries programs and improvements through the federal excise taxes they pay on fishing equipment," said FWP Director Pat Graham. "We produced the calendars to highlight the important role anglers play in the management, maintenance, and restoration of Montana's world class fisheries.
(Headlines - January 07, 2000)