The hunting of all mountain lions in northwestern Montana hunting district 102, which includes portions of Lincoln and Flathead counties, closed at one-half hour after sunset on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003. 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. 29, 2003.
(Hunting - December 29, 2003)

By order of the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for taking fisher in Trapping District 2 of western Montana will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003.    Trapping District 2 includes portions of Deer Lodge, Granite, Lewis and Clark, Mineral, Missoula, Powell and Ravalli counties. For more information, visit FWP's web site at www.fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 29, 2003)

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, Dec. 31, 2003. 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 29, 2003)

Valley and Daniels Counties will be open to the hunting of antlerless mule and white-tailed deer to holders of an unused deer A license and/or any unused deer B licenses valid anywhere in Montana during the 2003 general season, and/or any special damage hunt B licenses valid in Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 6 in 2003.   In addition, individuals may purchase two additional special damage hunt B licenses for antlerless mule or white-tailed deer.
(Hunting - December 24, 2003)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on tentative 2004 big game hunting seasons and regulations, upland game bird seasons and 2004 and 2005 black bear and spring turkey hunting seasons and quotas. According to wildlife managers, this year's proposed changes are aimed at offering more hunting opportunities during these times of abundant game populations. Across the state, proposals include more opportunities to hunt antlerless elk and deer, and doe/fawn antelope.
(Hunting - December 24, 2003)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a proposed clarification of what is considered “Commercial Use” in State Parks and Fishing Access Site rules. The proposed wording makes it clear that transporting individuals to any land or water-based state park or recreational site is not a commercial use of the site.
(Parks - December 23, 2003)

The hunting of female mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 390, 391 and 392, which include portions of Broadwater, Gallatin, Meagher and Lewis and Clark counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, December 24, 2003. 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 23, 2003)

The hunting of female mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting district 301, which includes portions of Gallatin and Park counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, December 24, 2003. 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 district had been met.   For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 23, 2003)

State and federal officials are seeking comment on a unique land-exchange proposal that would bring a portion of Alberton Gorge, the popular fishing and whitewater recreation area near Missoula, into public ownership.   The proposed exchange involves Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks; the U.S. Forest Service; NorthWestern Energy; River Network, a private nonprofit conservation organization in Portland, Ore.; and the Five Valley Land Trust in Missoula.
(Fishing - December 19, 2003)

State fish and wildlife officials today established a catch-and-release only regulation on about the first ten miles of Big Spring Creek near Lewistown after learning that elevated levels of PCBs are in the stream's wild trout. “We are all concerned," said John Brenden, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks commissioner from Saco. "This is a good first step.
(Fishing - December 19, 2003)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting district 331, which includes portions of   Beaverhead, Silver Bow and Madison counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Friday, December 19, 2003. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest sub-quota for the district had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 18, 2003)

The hunting of all mountain lions during the fall season in southwestern Montana hunting districts 319 and 341, in portions of Silver Bow, Deer Lodge, Beaverhead, Madison and Jefferson counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Friday, December 19, 2003. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest sub-quota for the district had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.
(Hunting - December 18, 2003)

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 Saturday, December 20, 2003. The district includes portions of Beaverhead, Broadwater. Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Jefferson, Lewis & Clark, Madison, Meagher, Park and Silver Bow counties. For more information visit FWP's web site at www.fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 18, 2003)

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 Sunday, December 21, 2003. The district includes portions of Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Lewis & Clark, Missoula, Powell and Sanders counties. For more information visit FWP's web site at www.fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 18, 2003)

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 Thursday, December 18, 2003. 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, 2003)

The hunting of female mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 370 and 380, which include portions of Broadwater, Jefferson and Lewis and Clark counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, December 17, 2003. 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 16, 2003)

The hunting of female 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 Wednesday, December 17, 2003.   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 16, 2003)

The hunting of all mountain lions in northwestern Montana Hunting District 121, which includes a portion of Sanders County, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, December 17, 2003. 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 16, 2003)

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 Sunday, December 14, 2003. The hunting of all mountain lions in northwestern Montana Hunting District 123, which includes portions of Sanders County, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Monday, December 15, 2003.
(Hunting - December 15, 2003)

The hunting of all mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 204, 260 and 261, which includes portions of Granite, Missoula and Ravalli counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on December 15, 2003. 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 15, 2003)

The hunting of female mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting district 314, which includes portions of Gallatin and Park counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, December 16, 2003. 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 15, 2003)

The hunting of all mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 211 and 216, which includes portions of Granite and Missoula counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on December 16, 2003. 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 15, 2003)

By order of the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for taking fisher in Trapping District 1 of northwestern Montana will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, December 17, 2003 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 www.fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 15, 2003)

The hunting of male mountain lions in north-central Montana hunting districts 413 and 432, which includes portions of Cascade, Meagher and Judith Basin counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, December 17, 2003.   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 15, 2003)

Many Montana hunters may soon get the most important call of the season. The state wildlife agency's annual telephone survey of big and small game hunters is underway and will continue through February.  Wildlife managers use information collected during the telephone survey to estimate the 2003 harvest and to recommend quotas for upcoming hunting seasons. Interviewers are now collecting information on the moose, sheep and goat harvest.
(Hunting - December 12, 2003)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently adopted rule changes that make daily entrance fees at State Parks a thing of the past for Montana residents. The commission’s action officially adopts the new state law that created a $4 annual vehicle registration fee payable at the county treasure's office to help pay for State Parks operations and maintenance. The voluntary $4 fee essentially makes the Montana license plate a state park pass.
(Parks - December 12, 2003)

The State Parks Division of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, recently honored seven individuals for outstanding service.   “Our State Parks benefit from the help of many people, among them volunteers, local friends groups, interns, legislators, and a committed staff throughout Montana,” said Parks' chief Doug Monger. "The combined efforts of people behind the scenes help make the State Parks system something Montanans can be proud of.
(Parks - December 12, 2003)

As I get into my car, the digital clock reads 4:03 p.m. It is Sunday, the last day of the general elk-hunting season. That gives me until 5:13 pm to accomplish what I’ve not been able to do for nearly five weeks. It’s time to hunt elk one last time for the year. This has been an unusually tough hunting season for me.
(Hunting - December 12, 2003)

Nonresidents riding their snowmobiles in Montana must purchase a  $15 snowmobile use permit per machine to support the grooming of Montana snowmobile trails. Over 80 percent of the revenue collected will be used to groom snowmobile trails.  The balance goes to enforcement of snowmobile laws, a search and rescue surcharge and administrative costs. Most snow-belt states, and nearly all Canadian provinces, charge similar nonresident fees.
(Parks - December 12, 2003)

The "Take Aim at Safety" youth essay contest is underway through Jan. 1, 2004.
(Hunting - December 12, 2003)

Snowmobile riders are at the most risk to be caught and killed in avalanches, and the number of fatal snowmobile accidents is on the rise.  "The past two years have been tragic for the snowmobile riding community with a combined loss of 18 riders," said Ray Paige, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' trails program specialist. Thirteen of the fatalities occurred as the result of avalanches.
(Parks - December 12, 2003)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently surveyed more than 400 snowmobile riders to better understand their habits and how to increase the number of riders who have avalanche safety training. The results of the survey were surprising. More than 37 percent of those surveyed said they saw or were somehow involved in an avalanche. Only about 25 percent, however, said they attended a snowmobile safety or avalanche safety awareness course in the past five years.
(Parks - December 12, 2003)

Change is everywhere and it plays a central role in many of the issues we deal with at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.   Fortunately, a few things don’t seem to be changing and for that I am thankful. Montanan’s love and respect for the land, our fish, wildlife, cultural and historic sites are solid —as is our enthusiasm for the traditions of hunting, fishing and camping.
(Headlines - December 12, 2003)

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, December 14, 2003. 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 12, 2003)

The hunting of female mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 200 and 201, which includes portions of Mineral, Sanders and Missoula counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on Friday, December 12, 2003.   The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest sub-quota for these districts combined had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 11, 2003)

The hunting of all mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 212 and 215, which includes portions of Granite, Powell, Deer Lodge and Silver Bow counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, December 11, 2003. 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 10, 2003)

The hunting of all mountain lions in northwestern Montana hunting district 130, which includes portions of Lake and Missoula counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, December 11, 2003. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for lions in this district had been met.   For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 10, 2003)

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 Wednesday, December 10, 2003. 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 09, 2003)

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 Tuesday, December 9, 2003. 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 08, 2003)

The hunting of all 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 Tuesday, December 9, 2003. 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 08, 2003)

The hunting of female mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 210, which include portions of Missoula and Granite counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, December 9, 2003.   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 08, 2003)

The hunting of female mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting district 317, in a portion of Park County, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest sub-quota for the district had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 05, 2003)

The hunting of male 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 Friday, December 5, 2003.   The order halting the hunt came shortly after 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 04, 2003)

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 Friday, December 5, 2003. 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 04, 2003)

The hunting of all mountain lions in northwestern Montana hunting district 103, which includes portions of Lincoln and Flathead counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2003. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the district has been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - December 03, 2003)

The hunting of male mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 290, 291 and the western half of 292 (eastern half 292 is closed), in portions of Powell, Granite and Missoula counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003. 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.
(Hunting - December 02, 2003)