By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission the season for all trapping and hunting of bobcats in Trapping District 1 in northwestern Montana will close at one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2003. The district includes portions of Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Lewis & Clark, Missoula, Powell and Sanders counties. For more information visit Fish, Wildlife & Parks' web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 31, 2002)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks River Recreation Advisory Council will meet in Helena, Jan. 3-4, 2003 to continue its work to develop recommendations to manage recreation on the state's rivers.   At the meeting the council will consider policies for the allocation of river recreation opportunities and discuss Montana's upcoming legislative session. The Friday, Jan. 3 meeting is set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Montana Higher Education Complex, 2500 Broadway.
(Headlines - December 30, 2002)

The hunting of all mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 280, 281, 284 and 293, which includes portions of Powell and Lewis and Clark counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2002. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the districts combined had been met. For more information, visit FWP's website at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 30, 2002)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 300, 302, 328 and 329, in portions of Beaverhead County, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2002. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for lions in the districts combined had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 30, 2002)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for taking bobcats in Trapping District 3 in southwestern Montana will close at one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, January 2, 2003. The district includes portions of Beaverhead, Broadwater. Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Jefferson, Madison, Meagher, Park and Silver Bow counties. For more information visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 30, 2002)

The hunting of all mountain lions in northwestern Montana Hunting District 100, which includes portions of Lincoln County, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the district had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 27, 2002)

Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks is seeking two volunteers for the Variable Priced Licensing Council.   The council determines the criteria for setting the market value for outfitter-sponsored nonresident big-game hunting licenses and annually submits its fee recommendations to the FWP Commission. “We are seeking a licensed big-game hunting outfitter and a member from the sporting public,” said Hank Worsech, chief of FWP's license bureau.
(Hunting - December 27, 2002)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 320 and 333, which include portions of Madison, Silver Bow, Gallatin and Jefferson counties, closed at one-half hour after sunset on Monday, Dec. 23, 2002. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the districts combined had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 26, 2002)

By order of the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for taking fisher and otter in Trapping District 1 of northwestern Montana will close at one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, Dec. 28, 2002.    Trapping District 1 includes portions of Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Lewis and Clark, Missoula, Powell and Sanders counties. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 26, 2002)

The Missouri Headwaters Gun Dog Club, a group of Bozeman-area hunters, presented Montana, Fish, Wildlife, & Parks (FWP) with a $1,000 donation in a show of support for FWP hunter access programs.   Fifty percent of the donation came from club funds and fifty percent from individual club members.   “Block Management is the salvation of blue-collar hunters,” commented club vice-president Dale Spartas.
(Hunting - December 26, 2002)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on tentative 2003 deer, elk, and spring turkey seasons and quotas; spring black bear quotas,   and game damage permit authorizations. Comments may be made by attending one of the regional public meetings scheduled around the state, or by submitting written comments to the Wildlife Division, Montana FWP, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT, 59620-0701.
(Hunting - December 26, 2002)

State wildlife officials have set dates for public meetings throughout the state on the proposed regulations for the 2003 hunting season. During January, meetings are scheduled on the 2003 deer and elk hunting seasons, spring turkey seasons and quotas, spring black bear quotas and recommended game damage permit authorizations as follows:    Schedule of Season Setting Public Meetings – 2003 Region One: Jan.
(Hunting - December 26, 2002)

The hunting of all mountain lions in northwestern Montana Hunting District 101, which includes portions of Lincoln and Flathead counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the district had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 20, 2002)

The hunting of all mountain lions in northwestern Montana Hunting District 104, which includes portions of Lincoln County, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, December 21, 2002.   The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the district had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 20, 2002)

The hunting of all mountain lions in northwestern Montana Hunting District 120, which includes portions of Flathead and Lake counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the district had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 20, 2002)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on 25 fishing contests proposed for the open water season of 2003, and one application for a children’s ice-fishing derby on Lion Lake in February. Fort Peck Reservoir has the most proposed contests with 10, followed by Noxon Reservoir with four contests. The only new contests proposed are for the Tongue River Reservoir: one in May before Memorial Day and one in September, after Labor Day.
(Fishing - December 18, 2002)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 321 and 332, which include portions of Beaverhead, Silver Bow, and Deer Lodge counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, December 18, 2002. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the districts combined had been met.   For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 17, 2002)

The hunting of all mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 290, 291 and the western half of 292, in portions of Powell, Granite and Missoula counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Monday, Dec. 16, 2002. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the districts combined had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Headlines - December 16, 2002)

After conducting one of the most unconventional photo contests seen in awhile, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has announced the "finalists" in the agency's first ever Hunting Dog Photo Contest.   All dogs entered were declared "winners" in the contest. The photos of the "finalists" will be highlighted on the FWP web page and all of the dog photos will continue to be displayed through the holidays at www.fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 13, 2002)

With only days remaining before Christmas, holiday shoppers are scrambling for that perfect gift that will brighten someone's life long after the holidays.   If that special someone is an outdoor enthusiast, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks may be the unlikely source of that memorable gift. Consider the new FWP cookbook, "The Magic that is Montana.
(Headlines - December 13, 2002)

Vince Yannone, affectionately known as “Mr. Wildlife” to generations of Montanans, is now teaching a new generation about Montana's native fish. Yannone, who spent 25 years with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, presented hundreds of wildlife programs to school groups, teachers, and others enamored by his skill, talent, humor and knowledge of Montana's wildlife.
(Headlines - December 13, 2002)

The 2002 big game hunting season, which ended one half hour after sunset on Dec. 1, lingers on in the form of photos for the album, meat in the freezer and stories to brighten holiday parties.   The most accurate indicator of the 2002 harvest, the annual harvest phone survey, will be conducted this winter. In the meantime, here is a quick summary of what Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks personnel observed in the field.
(Hunting - December 13, 2002)

With the coming holidays and the close of hunting seasons in Montana, FWP Director Jeff Hagener, representing all FWP staff, expressed thanks to Montana's private landowners for their role in helping conserve fish and wildlife habitat and helping maintain Montana’s outdoor heritage and traditions. "On behalf of the many sportsmen and -women who hunt and fish throughout Montana, we would like to say 'thank you,' to Montana’s private landowners," said Hagener.
(Headlines - December 13, 2002)

An error in the 2002 Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations mistakenly set duck hunting in zone two of the Central Flyway as Sept. 28, 2002 to Jan. 10, 2003.   The correct season dates for duck hunting in zone two of the Central Flyway are Sept. 28, 2002 to Jan. 2, 2003. The counties in zone two of the Central Flyway include: Big Horn, Treasure, Rosebud, Custer and Prairie.
(Hunting - December 13, 2002)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks state trails program coordinator, Bob Walker, received the American Trails Award for Trails Advocacy at the National Trails Symposium. Walker was recognized in November in Orlando, Fla. for trails leadership and advocacy in Montana and the nation.   His work with the state's interagency OHV workgroup and leadership nationally in OHV ethics education were cited as examples of his advocacy role.
(Headlines - December 13, 2002)

Montana’s State Trails Conference will be held in Butte on April 3-5, 2003 at the Ramada Inn Copper King Hotel.   Trails experts from Montana and other states will provide educational sessions.   Field trips to Butte area trails and demonstrations of on-the-ground trail maintenance and rehabilitation techniques will round out the conference.
(Headlines - December 13, 2002)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds hunters, landowners and others that public comment on issues and concerns associated with updating Montana's 10-year old elk management plan is set to close Dec. 30. Comments will be taken by email at www.fwp.state.mt.us , look for the Elk Plan Update link in the Hot Topics box, or by mail to: Elk Plan Update, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, P.O. Box 200701; Helena, MT 59620-0701.
(Hunting - December 13, 2002)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' annual hunter harvest surveys began the end of November with calls to hunters holding moose, sheep and goat licenses.   Other big and small game license holders who hunt deer, elk, antelope, black bear, upland game birds, and migratory birds will be surveyed beginning the end of January. Wildlife managers will use information collected during the survey to estimate the 2002 harvest and to recommend quotas for upcoming hunting seasons.
(Hunting - December 13, 2002)

The 2002 upland game bird hunting season closes Sunday, Dec. 15 for most birds.   The sage grouse season closed Nov. 1.
(Hunting - December 13, 2002)

Snowmobile owners planning to ride on public land in Montana must remember to register their machines and display current decals. Snowmobiles must be registered and all fees paid to the county treasurer's office in the county where the owner resides. Half of the decal fee is designated for snowmobile trail development and maintenance, and half is used in enforcing snowmobile laws.
(Headlines - December 13, 2002)

The number of fatal snowmobile accidents last winter increased significantly.  Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Trails Program Specialist Ray Paige said snowmobile riders are urged to be extra cautious this year. "Last year was a tragic time for the snowmobile riding community with the loss of 13 riders," Paige said. "These tragedies, which occurred for a variety of reasons, have made everyone stop and think more carefully about snowmobile safety.
(Headlines - December 13, 2002)

Montana's general land-trapping furbearer season for bobcat, marten, fisher, and wolverine opened Dec. 1.   The general water-trapping furbearer season began on Nov. 1 for beaver, otter, muskrat and mink.   Trapping seasons end on Feb. 15, 2003 for terrestrial furbearers and April 15, 2003 for semi-aquatic furbearers. Season closures may vary, however, if the harvest quotas are met prior to season closing dates.
(Hunting - December 13, 2002)

Smith River applications will be available at all FWP offices in January and by downloading them from the FWP website at http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/parks/smith/default.asp .   The deadline for applying for a permit is mid-February.   “After downloading, print them out and mail them back to us,” said Joe O’Neill, FWP Smith River manager. “We don’t accept applications over the Internet because we need an original signature.
(Headlines - December 13, 2002)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for trapping otters in Trapping District 4 in north central Montana will close one-half hour after sunset Thursday, December 12, 2002. The district includes portions of Hill, Glacier, Chouteau, Toole, Liberty, Pondera, Teton, Cascade, Lewis and Clark, Meagher, Park, Judith Basin, Fergus, and Petroleum counties. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Headlines - December 10, 2002)

The hunting of male mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 290, 291 and the western half of 292, in portions of Powell, Granite and Missoula counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest sub-quota for the districts combined had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 06, 2002)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking volunteers for the State Trails Advisory Committee.   The committee advises the agency on the expenditure of up to $800,000 of Recreational Trails Program funds, discusses recreational trails issues and recommends solutions to trails issues.   “We are seeking five new members with varied backgrounds to ensure that the committee is balanced and includes a range of perspectives,” said Bob Walker, FWP Trails Program Coordinator.
(Headlines - December 06, 2002)

    Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet in Helena, Dec. 11-12 at the FWP Headquarters building on 1420 East Sixth Ave.   The meeting will begin Dec. 11 at 1 p.m. with an information session for commissioners. Topics will include the new River Recreation Advisory Council's work, an update on the Automated Licensing System, and information on State Wildlife Grants and parks and Fishing Access Site funding.
(Headlines - December 04, 2002)

The hunting of all female mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 283 and 285, which include portions of Missoula and Powell counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, December 5, 2002.   The order halting the hunt came shortly after Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the districts combined had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Headlines - December 04, 2002)

The hunting of female mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 280, 281, 284 and 293, which includes portions of Powell and Lewis and Clark counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, December 5, 2002. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for female lions in the district had been met.   For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.
(Hunting - December 04, 2002)

The hunting of all female mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 283 and 285, which include portions of Missoula and Powell counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, December 5, 2002.   The order halting the hunt came shortly after Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the districts combined had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 04, 2002)

Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials are seeking the return of a three-quarter-curl bighorn sheep that was killed by a car on Interstate 15 between Great Falls and Helena. In Montana it’s illegal to keep any road-killed animal. In addition, it’s illegal to possess a bighorn sheep head picked up in the wild no matter how it died. The ram was hit and killed sometime during the evening of Nov. 27 about one mile north of Wolf Creek on I-15.
(Hunting - December 04, 2002)