Black bear hunting season closed May 15 in most 100, 200, 300 bear management areas. Black bear hunting was closed early in bear management areas 510 and 520 because harvest quotas were met. Hunting continues until May 31 in the following bear management areas: 103,106,107, 240, 216, 301, 317, 319, the 400 series, and 580. Bear management areas 316 and 341 will remain open until June 15.
(Headlines - May 26, 2000)

Memorial Day visitors to Tongue River Reservoir State Park, six miles north of Decker, are advised by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to come prepared with gas, ice, firewood, tackle, refreshments and anything else they may need for their holiday weekend-including fishing licenses. The new concession store recently completed at the Reservoir will not open until early July, according to Doug Monger, FWP parks administrator.
(Headlines - May 26, 2000)

Spring is a time of renewal in the wild. For many, newborn wildlife is irresistible, and many well-meaning people are tempted to "help" when the best thing they can do is leave the young alone. Born in May and June, many young wild animals appear to be abandoned and helpless, or seem to be lost. Young wildlife are not helpless and are rarely abandoned. Most often the mother is only temporarily away or is keeping a short distance away to avoid attracting attention to her young.
(Headlines - May 26, 2000)

The Private Land/Public Wildlife (PL/PW) Council will meet in Helena at Helena's Country Inn (formerly the Aladdin Inn), 2101 11th Ave., June 1 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on June 2 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Council will discuss funding for hunting access programs and related issues. Members of the public are invited to observe the meeting and to participate during a public comment period scheduled at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 2.
(Headlines - May 26, 2000)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking volunteers to serve on its Wetland Protection Advisory Council. The council, established by the 1985 Legislature, reviews and selects wetland protection and restoration projects for funding. Projects will be submitted quarterly as part of FWP's wetland protection effort. Funding for this program is generated by the sale of migratory bird stamps and related artwork.
(Headlines - May 26, 2000)

Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks is seeking information on the illegal taking of a sow black bear near Rock Creek on April 30 around 4 p.m. The sow was killed and abandoned, leaving three cubs behind, according to a fisherman in the area who reported the crime. A blue or green late model pick-up truck with a bulky toolbox or piece of equipment in the truck bed was driven at high speed from the area of the crime.
(Headlines - May 26, 2000)

Governor Marc Racicot has appointed 12 individuals to serve on a citizen advisory council to help Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks develop a wolf management plan in anticipation of the endangered species' eventual delisting under the federal Endangered Species Act. An estimated 25 breeding wolf packs exist in the Montana, Idaho and Wyoming recovery areas. A federal plan currently calls for establishing 10 packs in each of the three areas for three years before delisting can occur.
(Headlines - May 23, 2000)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment through June 9 on a river conflict policy which has been developed over the last year. The Commission tentatively adopted the policy at a May 12 public meeting and will adopt a final policy soon, possibly at its June 15 meeting in Helena. Public comment made earlier has been incorporated into the proposed policy.
(Headlines - May 18, 2000)

The Private Land/Public Wildlife (PL/PW) Council will meet in Helena at Helena's Country Inn (formerly the Aladdin Inn), 2101 11th Ave., June 1 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.and on June 2 from 8 a.m. to 4:0 p.m. The Council will discuss funding for hunting access programs and related issues. Members of the public are invited to observe the meeting and to participate during a public comment period scheduled at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 2.
(Headlines - May 18, 2000)

Hopeful hunters have until June 1 to submit applications to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for antelope licenses, deer B licenses, and special elk and deer permits that are annually awarded through special drawings. Hunters who want to pursue antlered mule deer bucks in 20 hunting districts in southwestern Montana also need to apply for the first time for a special permit by June 1.
(Headlines - May 12, 2000)

A calendar of special summer events scheduled in Montana's State Parks were announced recently by Doug Monger, state parks administrator with the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. "We try to plan events to capitalize on the unique assets of the parks or to create opportunities for people to enjoy some summertime entertainment in a special setting," Monger said.
(Headlines - May 12, 2000)

MAY 15 - Paddlefish season begins at Intake 20-21 - Paddlefest at Wayfarers on Flathead Lake 21 - Canoe & Kayak Demo Days at Frenchtown Pond 22-23- Spring Meadow Lake Field Days for Helena fifth graders 27 - Guided tours and Saturday lecture series begins at Bannack JUNE 10 - Buzzard Day at Makoshika 13 - Spring Meadow Lake Discovery Days begin and continue through August every Tuesday evening 24 - Campfire Lecture Programs begin at Salmon Lake 24 - Campfire Lecture Programs begin at Black Sandy State Park and continue through August every Saturday evening 24-25 - Lewis and Clark Encampment at Giant Springs 25 - Dale Tash Montana History Day at Bannack JULY 8 - Tour of the Night Skies at Council Grove 8 - The fourth annual Spring Meadow Lake Cardboard Cup Regatta 15-16 - Bannack Days at Bannack State Park 21-22 - Hell Creek Walleye Tournament, 125 Teams @ $170.00/Team Contact Joe Herbold, 557-2302 22-23 - Big Sky Thunderbirds Show at Frenchtown Pond 22-23 - Weekend of Discovery at Missouri Headwaters 29 - Fort Owen Day at Fort Owen State Park 30 - Corks of Discovery River Float Trip at Lewis & Clark Caverns AUGUST 5 - Hell Creek Kid's Day, Contact Hell Creek Marina at 557-2345 12 - Hell Creek Women's Tournament, 75 Teams @ $75.00/Team Contact Joe Herbold 557-2302 18-19- Makoshika Dinner Theater in the Park 19 - Garden City Triathalon at Frenchtown Pond 26 - Last Campfire Lecture Program at Salmon Lake 26-27 - Hell Creek Bass Tournament, $35.00/Person (Must qualify to enter) Contact Hell Creek Marina at 557-2345 SEPTEMBER Visitor center open weekends only at Bannack 2 - Plenty Coups "Day of Honor" at Chief Plenty Coups State Park 2-3 - Last weekend for guided tours and Saturday lecture series at Bannack 9 - John Colter Run at Headwaters …
(Headlines - May 12, 2000)

A reward of up to $1,000 is being offered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for information leading to the solution of a major case of poaching near Simms in Hunting District 444. Four mule deer does, a whitetail buck and a mule deer buck were found shot with a .22 caliber rifle in a field on the Broken O ranch near Simms. According to Game Warden Larry Davis of Augusta the poaching occurred on Feb. 6 and March 13.
(Headlines - May 12, 2000)

Recreationists heading afield this spring need to be aware that a State Lands Recreational Use License is required if, in the course of their activities, they will be on state land. Licenses are available from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks license agents for $10 for adults ages 18 to 59 and $5 for youngsters 12 to 17 years old and younger and for senior citizens 60 or older. A $20 family license, for up to six immediate family members living in the same household, is also available.
(Headlines - May 12, 2000)

Teachers who attend Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks "Becoming an Outdoors Woman (BOW) workshops this summer can receive continuing education credits through the Office of Public Instruction. Registration information will be mailed in early June to those who request it by calling FWP at 406-444 -2615. The two workshops will run July 31-August 2 and August 4-6.
(Headlines - May 12, 2000)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking volunteers to serve on its Wetland Protection Advisory Council. The council, established by the 1985 Legislature, reviews and selects wetland protection and restoration projects for funding. Projects will be submitted quarterly as part of FWP's wetland protection effort. Funding for this program is generated by the sale of Montana migratory bird stamps and related artwork.
(Headlines - May 12, 2000)

Black Bear hunting season closed May 15 in most 100, 200, 300 bear management areas. Black bear hunting has closed in bear management areas 510 and 520 because hunting quotas were met. Hunting continues until May 31 in the following bear management areas: 103,106,107, 240, 216, 301, 317, 319, the 400 series, and 580. Bear management areas 316 and 341 will remain open until June 15.
(Headlines - May 12, 2000)

Game wardens from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks have awarded the Game Warden Excellence Award to FWP Warden Chad Murphy of the Boulder/Whitehall District. Wardens across the state participate in a voting process to select the warden who receives this prestigious award for exemplary service to the public and the state's wild resources.
(Headlines - May 12, 2000)