Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has adopted as final the Montana State Trails Plan and Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS), according to FWP Director Jeff Hagener. "After nearly nine months of collecting and reviewing input we are confident we have well-considered documents that will help guide our trail work for years to come." Over 300 comments were received and considered during the initial public review period last fall.
(Headlines - May 25, 2001)

Black bear hunting season closed May 15 in most 100, 200, and 300 series bear management areas. Black bear hunting closed earlier in bear management areas where hunting quotas were met. Black bear hunting continues until May 31 in the following bear management areas: 240, 216, 301, 317, 319, the 400 series, and 580. For hunters with validated licenses, bear hunting continues until May 31 in bear management areas 103,106, and 107.
(Headlines - May 25, 2001)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is inviting anglers to comment on statewide and regional issues that may show up as fishing regulations in 2002 and 2003. Statewide issues include: the pros and cons of today's "possession limit" which is difficult to enforce; more restrictive limits for sauger on the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers; and options for standard cutthroat trout regulations in the Western Fishing District.
(Headlines - May 25, 2001)

New boating rules apply to all western Montana public lakes and reservoirs (any lake with legal public access) and to lakes surrounded by Plum Creek Timber Company lands in western Montana (FWP Regions 1 and 2). The new rules, adopted by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission last fall, include: No-Wake Distance From Shore: All watercraft must maintain no-wake speeds within 200 feet of the shoreline of all lakes.
(Headlines - May 25, 2001)

For years a life jacket for each person on board a boat was standard boat operating procedure. Children under 12 years of age must wear their life jacket. In recent years, new technology has given anglers smaller floating devices, known as "float tubes" and "belly boats," to get to their favorite fishing spots. Float tubes and belly boats are not classified as a vessel and so don't require a life jacket.
(Headlines - May 25, 2001)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens will be trying to catch young people doing something right this summer. FWP and the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary have teamed up with Dairy Queen to hand out coupons for a free ice cream cone to young boaters caught wearing their life jackets. Montana law requires youth under 12 years to wear a life jacket when boating. The Dairy Queen coupons are given to anyone 16 years of age and under wearing a life jacket.
(Headlines - May 25, 2001)

Montanans have a greater chance this Memorial Day weekend of dying while boating than while driving a car, according to Liz Lodman, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Boat Education Coordinator. "There is a water-related fatality for every 3,500 registered boats in Montana. This is five times the national average," Lodman says.
(Headlines - May 25, 2001)

Each spring in Montana, especially on Montana's western rivers, several drowning deaths associated with early season boating occur. "This spring's high temperatures will make raft and canoe enthusiasts anxious to go floating, though some rivers are still discolored and strewn with hazards that can be lethal," said Liz Lodman, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Boat Education Coordinator.
(Headlines - May 25, 2001)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on the draft of the 2001 Fort Peck Fisheries Management Plan. Comments will be accepted until June 8. A revised plan will be available for public review and comment in late summer before the plan is adopted as final. To obtain a copy of the plan, or to comment contact Bill Wiedenheft, FWP Region 6 in Glasgow by phone: 406-228-3706 or email: bwiedenheft@state.mt.us.
(Headlines - May 25, 2001)

The new Bull Trout Identification and Education Program on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Website (fwp.state.mt.us/bulltroutid/) gives you knowledge about trout habitat and ecology that will amaze your friends, while it prepares you to identify native bull trout and other species.
(Headlines - May 25, 2001)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently approved four Future Fisheries Improvement Program project proposals targeting immediate stream-flow improvements and long-term fishery benefits. The projects were selected from among seven proposals submitted this spring in response to a special drought-related funding opportunity.
(Headlines - May 25, 2001)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Enforcement Division, working with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, recently shut down two of the biggest poaching operations in the division's history. Nicknamed "Operation Palmetto-Peach" and "Operation Rosebud" the two investigations netted 90 forfeited trophies and 53 defendants, $179,000 in fines and restitution and 76 years of revoked hunting privileges.
(Enforcement - May 25, 2001)

Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet in the FWP Helena office, 1420 East Sixth Ave., Wednesday, June 6 and Thursday, June 7. The meeting will begin at 1:00 p.m. June 6 and reconvene at 8:00 a.m. June 7. On June 6, the Commission will take final action on several land transactions including disposing of a .
(Headlines - May 25, 2001)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is putting finishing touches on a Drought Contingency Plan to help balance recreational angling demands with the well being of the state's wild and native trout fisheries this summer. "We are anticipating a repeat of last year when low stream flows forced us to close angling on some streams and to use temporary and voluntary restrictions on other waters to protect important fisheries," said Karen Zackheim, FWP Fisheries Management Bureau Chief.
(Headlines - May 24, 2001)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission formally adopted tentative moose, sheep, goat and lion quotas for the 2001 hunting season at its meeting in Missoula on May 8.The final action on those quotas will be taken at the Commission Meeting in Helena on June 6 and 7. The Commission is considering changes to lion season regulations in administrative Region 1 due to new legislation, House Bill 142.
(Headlines - May 14, 2001)

Montana's general fishing season--which marks the day fish in the state's smaller creeks and streams once again become fair game for anglers--opens Saturday, May 19. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks urges anglers to carefully check the 2000-2001 Fishing Regulations before they take to the water. Montana's fishing regulations are available at all FWP offices and from license dealers throughout the state. You can also find the fishing regulations on the Internet at: fwp.state.mt.us.
(Headlines - May 11, 2001)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is sending drought warning letters to water users with junior water rights on streams important to Montana's fisheries. Letters are going to over 600 junior water users on selected streams in the Yellowstone, Missouri, and Little Missouri river basins and on 15 additional streams on which FWP holds in-stream water rights.
(Headlines - May 11, 2001)

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. While there will likely be more deer B permits available this year, in several southwestern Montana hunting districts where buck to doe ratios are below what FWP's deer management plan calls for, unlimited permits will again be required for buck mule deer hunting.
(Headlines - May 11, 2001)

First place in the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Montana State Parks Poster Contest went to Paul Capp, Lewis & Clark School in Great Falls. Capp's creative, clever design answered the question "What will Montana State Parks be like 100 years from now?" Capp's answer is that Giant Springs State Park, and at parks all over Montana, the fishing is going to get better and better. His design shows 50- year increments of improved fish quantity and size.
(Headlines - May 11, 2001)

Recreationists heading out 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 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 11, 2001)

Black bear hunting season will close May 15 in most 100, 200, and 300 series bear management areas. Black bear hunting is already closed in bear management areas where hunting quotas were met. Black bear 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 portions of 341 will remain open until June 15.
(Headlines - May 11, 2001)

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 may appear abandoned and helpless, or seem to be lost. But young wildlife are rarely helpless or abandoned, more often the mother is only gone temporarily or is intentionally staying a short distance away to avoid attracting attention to her young.
(Headlines - May 11, 2001)

REGULATIONS Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials have pointed out a few errors in the recently printed 2001 Big Game Hunting Regulations that hunters should note. Hunters desiring more information on these corrections are urged to contact the nearest FWP office. The errors are: Page Hunting District Species Correction 51 410-03 Elk Unlimited permits for either sex elk. ARCHERY ONLY. Must apply first and only choice. Also valid in hunting district 471-03.
(Headlines - May 11, 2001)

Montana is more than a place -- it is a state of mind, a feeling, a color, a soaring memory. "We are working to see that the magic that is Montana endures," said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Foundation board chairman Earl Sherron. "Our commitment is to the wildlife, fish and parks that are the essence of that magic." In the mid 1990's, the state was changing and changing fast.
(Headlines - May 11, 2001)

Montana's general fishing season--which marks the day fish in the state's smaller creeks and streams once again become fair game for anglers--opens Saturday, May 19. Montana Fish, Wildlife& Parks urges anglers to carefully check the 2000-2001 Fishing Regulations before they take to the water. Montana's fishing regulations are available at all FWP offices and from license dealers throughout the state. You can also find the fishing regulations on the Internet at: fwp.state.mt.us.
(Headlines - May 05, 2001)

Anglers and recreationists looking forward to summer are becoming increasingly aware they may also be looking into another season of severe drought. Anglers can do a lot to reduce the stress fish feel as a result of low stream flow, higher water temperatures and competition for space and food. Low water conditions in spring and fall can cause spawning failures and loss of young fish to predators.
(Headlines - May 05, 2001)

Saturday, May 19, marks the opening of the general stream-fishing season in Montana. As experienced anglers prepare for the season, one of the most important items for their tackle box is a copy of the 2000-2001 Fishing Regulations. "A quick review of the first 11 pages of the regulations can help anglers avoid problems," says FWP Fisheries Management Bureau Chief Karen Zackheim.
(Headlines - May 05, 2001)

A new $5 Warm Water Fish Stamp is required to possess warm water game fish caught on designated waters in Montana's Central and Eastern Fishing Districts. Some of the most popular warm water sport fish include: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleye, sauger, black crappie, white crappie, channel catfish, yellow perch, northern pike, and tiger muskellunge.
(Headlines - May 05, 2001)

To help encourage youth and their families to get out more and experience Montana's great outdoors, the 1999 Montana Legislature created new youth pricing on some fishing and hunting licenses to begin this year. Resident youth ages 15 to 17 may purchase a Fishing License for $6.50 and resident Upland Game Bird License for $3 -- both about 50 percent less than the fees in previous years.
(Headlines - May 05, 2001)

Montana game wardens ask anglers who fillet their catches before returning home from a day on the water to take special note of fishing regulations related to filleting of the fish they keep.
(Headlines - May 05, 2001)

Montana has established strict laws for the use of bait. Here is a general rundown: All non-game fish, or their parts, may be used dead as bait if their heads and entrails are removed, or if they have been preserved or frozen, except in waters limited to artificial lures only. No portion of sculpins or salmonids (trout, salmon, whitefish, cisco) may be used for bait.
(Headlines - May 05, 2001)

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and FWP remind anglers and floaters of the license requirements for recreational use of state school trust lands. For all persons 12 years of age and older who use these lands for access, or for activities associated with fishing, floating or other recreational activities a license is required, if that use takes place above the high water mark. The license is available from all FWP license agents.
(Headlines - May 05, 2001)

Montana anglers spend over 3 million days a year in pursuit of an array of fish in the state's rivers, lakes and streams, FWP's latest angler survey reveals. Montana angling surveys, funded in part by the Sports Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program, are conducted every two years. The first survey was done in 1958, when 1.42 million angler days were recorded. An "angler day" is one angler fishing one body of water for any length of time in a given day.
(Headlines - May 05, 2001)

If you witness a fish, wildlife or parks crime, report it by calling 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668). You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
(Headlines - May 05, 2001)

The discovery of whirling disease in Montana in 1994 prompted an all-out effort by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to expand trout population monitoring and testing to all river basins in the state. Whirling disease is a parasitic infection that can impact some trout populations. Since its initial discovery in Montana, the parasite has been found in more than 80 locations in the state.
(Headlines - May 05, 2001)

The national population census occurs every 10 years, but Montana's census of the state's fish populations occurs year in and year out. The 2001 "creel census" takers may be Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks representatives who visit you on the lakeshore or riverbank, or the census may come in the form of a mailed questionnaire.
(Headlines - May 05, 2001)

Trout aren't the only fish Montana offers anglers. There are walleye and northern pike, largemouth bass and crappie, among several other warm water fish species, just waiting to be noticed by those habitual trout anglers hungry for a change of pace. Veteran warm water fisherman will tell you that the fishing has improved in recent years, and they are right.
(Headlines - May 05, 2001)

Fishing enthusiasts have a valuable tool at their fingertips, the Montana Fish Stocking Plan. Anglers can answer almost any question they may have about the state's fish-stocking plan, and impress their friends with their inside information, by going to the FWP web site or by calling 406-444-2449 to request a print copy of the plan. Those with access to the web can go to fwp.state.mt.us, under "Fishing" and click on the Fish Stocking Plan.
(Headlines - May 05, 2001)

Illegally transporting live fish, including sculpins, or moving live fish from one body of water to another is a serious threat to the state's fisheries. In 1995, Montana's Legislature passed a law to increase FWP's ability to prevent illegal introductions of fish. A person convicted of importing, moving or transplanting fish under this statute can be fined a minimum of $500 to more than $5,000 and imprisoned for up to one year.
(Headlines - May 05, 2001)

Montanas Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Tuesday, May 8 in Missoula at the Doubletree Hotel Edgewater at 100 Madison beginning at 8 a.m. The Commission will take final action on two Fishing Access Sites: a lease at Browns Lake for the Browns Lake FAS, and the proposed purchase of 3.75 acres on the Bitterroot River southeast of Darby.
(Headlines - May 03, 2001)

The hunting of all black bears in Hunting District 520, in portions of Park, Sweet Grass, Stillwater and Carbon counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, May 5, 2001. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials said the harvest quota was reached.
(Headlines - May 03, 2001)

With every county in Montana officially under a drought alert, recent cold spring snows and rains carried some hope for relief but not enough to keep FWP fisheries managers from working to initiate water- and fishery-conservation efforts. "We can't make it rain but we can build on last year's successes by continuing to work together to reduce some of the problems we may face again this summer," said Larry Peterman, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park's fisheries chief.
(Fishing - May 01, 2001)