Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Thursday, May 8 in Charlo at the Ninepipes Lodge, 41000 Highway 93, from 8 a.m. to noon. The FWP Commission will make a final decision on whether to reissue the nonresident deer combination licenses that remain as a result of nonresident hunters choosing not to purchase deer A licenses as part of their Big Game combination license.
(Headlines - April 28, 2003)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on proposed rules for conducting the 2004 annual bighorn sheep and Shiras moose license auction. Under the proposed rules, the FWP Commission may consider bids from individuals for the bighorn sheep and moose licenses; select a wildlife conservation organization to conduct an auction; or direct FWP to conduct an auction.
(Hunting - April 23, 2003)

Our 2003 nonresident combination big game, deer, and elk applications had a deadline of March 15 th for the general categories. The drawing for those licenses has occurred.  If you would like to find out if you received a license in the drawing you may visit the license information   page or go directly to the Non-Resident Combo License Results   information page. [http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/hunting/licensedraw/default.aspx] - License Information [http://www.fwp.state.mt.
(Headlines - April 18, 2003)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on the tentative 2003 quotas for moose, sheep and goat seasons. Moose quotas would be unchanged, except in FWP Region 3 where antlerless moose permits would increase in hunting district 323-10 from 19 to 25 permits and in hunting district 340-10 from four to six.
(Hunting - April 18, 2003)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the 2003 Upland Game Bird season regulations, including season dates and bag limits. Among the changes proposed is to delay the season for prairie species, such as sharptail and sage grouse and Hungarian partridge, from Sept. 1 until the second Saturday in September. For 2003, the season dates would be Sept. 13 to Dec. 15 for sharp-tail grouse and Hungarian partridge, and Sept. 13 to Nov. 1 for sage grouse.
(Hunting - April 18, 2003)

Public comment is being sought on proposed mountain lion season dates and quota changes for 2003-2004. The proposed statewide fall mountain lion hunting season without dogs would be Oct. 26-Nov. 30.   The winter lion season would be Dec. 1 - April 14, 2004. No changes were proposed in mountain lion quotas for FWP Regions 5,6 and 7.
(Hunting - April 18, 2003)

Big game hunters who plan to submit applications for deer B and antelope licenses and special elk permits must have their applications to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena or postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service no later than June 2.   Hunters interested in applying for deer B and antelope licenses and special elk permits can now do that through the new automated licensing system at an FWP regional headquarters.
(Hunting - April 18, 2003)

Big game hunters who plan to submit applications for special permits to hunt moose, sheep and goat need to submit those applications to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena, by Thursday, May 1.   Hunters interested in applying for Moose, Sheep and Goat permits can now do that through the new automated licensing system at any FWP regional headquarters.
(Hunting - April 18, 2003)

Landowners still interested in releasing ring-necked pheasants this year have until May 15 to submit an application. Under Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Upland Game Bird Release Program, landowners who attempt to establish pheasant populations in suitable habitat can be reimbursed for releasing pheasants. Landowners can apply if the land in the project area remains open to reasonable public hunting.
(Hunting - April 18, 2003)

Paddlefish season opens May 1 in some areas along the Yellowstone River and May 15 in others and runs until June 30. With the Yellowstone River's paddlefish seasons set to open soon, FWP officials say low-river flows may keep many of the prehistoric fish from navigating upstream. "The outlook for an excellent paddlefish opener is a question," said Bryce Christensen, FWP Region 7 supervisor.
(Headlines - April 18, 2003)

Montana State Parks open for camping on May 1. Campers may purchase a State Parks Passport for $30.   This windshield decal allows unlimited entrance into State Parks without paying a daily fee for each visit.   The decal also provides a $3 reduction in camping fees at State Parks. Additional State Parks Passport decals, up to two, are $20. The Early Bird Park Passports have been discontinued.
(Headlines - April 18, 2003)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently approved two Future Fisheries Improvement Program project proposals that will increase stream-flow and provide long-term benefits to two important fisheries. “These projects will help restore water to the Jefferson and test our capability of preventing water loss to seepage on the Sun River,” said Glenn Phillips, FWP Fisheries Division habitat protection bureau chief.
(Headlines - April 18, 2003)

First place in the Montana State Parks Poster Contest went to Lauren Babb, Lewis & Clark School in Great Falls.   The theme for this year’s contest was: “The State Park I Would Most Like To Visit With My Family Is…” Babb’s vivid rendition of Greycliff Prairie Dog Town captures the playfulness of the prairie dogs, and is trimmed by a bright red border. Babb will receive a $150 savings bond and a tee shirt with her artwork screened on the front.
(Headlines - April 18, 2003)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission has extended the biennial rules regarding river recreation for the Beaverhead and Big Hole rivers for two more years.   The rules attempt to distribute user groups over time and space during the busy summer season.   The FWP Commission adopted the current biennial rules in 2001, after considering input from two citizen advisory groups. Both rivers currently are managed by biennial rules that were due to expire May 1, 2003.
(Headlines - April 18, 2003)

Now hunting is free for Montana youngsters new to the sport. Starting May 1, Montana youth 12-17 years old who want to hunt for the first time will receive a $27 "youth combination sports license" free of charge. The youth combination sports license, recently made available by the Montana Legislature's House Bill 248, includes conservation, fishing, upland game bird, elk, and deer A licenses, as well as the Hunting Access Enhancement fee.
(Hunting - April 18, 2003)

I’m often asked, “What’s this marine trail “thing” about?”   Is the trail marked and are there maps so a person can follow it?   How long will it take to travel it and what can I expect to find along the way?   These common questions often humorously conjure up images of buoys strung across the lake marking various routes.
(Headlines - April 18, 2003)

I only tolerate computers. I know. It’s crazy in today’s world. But there it is. Imagine my misgivings when I learned FWP was committed to the technological gymnastics necessary to automate licensing and to eventually sell licenses over the Internet.   I’m not even a fan of email, and now a part of my job is to explain to other hunters and anglers the benefits of buying their licenses over the Internet.
(Headlines - April 18, 2003)

The deadline to purchase a black bear spring hunting license is April 14. The black bear hunting season begins April 15, with closing dates that vary by bear management unit. To hunt black bear in the spring, hunters must purchase a spring black bear license by April 14.   First time black bear hunters are required to successfully complete the Black Bear Identification Test and must present a certificate of completion when purchasing a Black Bear License.
(Hunting - April 10, 2003)

Now hunting is free for Montana youngsters new to the sport. Starting May 1, Montana youth 12-17 years old who want to hunt for the first time will receive a $27 "youth combination sports license" free of charge. The youth combination sports license, recently made available by the Montana Legislature's House Bill 248, includes conservation, fishing, upland game bird, elk, and deer A licenses as well as the Hunting Access Enhancement fee.
(Hunting - April 10, 2003)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks bear biologists say bears in Montana are emerging from hibernation. Kevin Frey, FWP Region 3 bear manager in the Bozeman area, said he has had reports of bear tracks and sightings in most areas of the Yellowstone ecosystem. “Large male bears have already been observed feeding on elk carcasses,” Frey said.
(Headlines - April 04, 2003)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking landowners interested in releasing ring-necked pheasants. The intent of Montana’s Upland Game Bird Release Program is to reimburse landowners who attempt to establish new pheasant populations for public hunting. Individual landowners can apply to enroll in the program, if the land in the project area remains open to reasonable public hunting.
(Hunting - April 04, 2003)

The Montana Trappers Association will conduct a Trappers Education course in Butte Saturday, April 26, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Butte Area Resource Office, 1820 Meadowlark Lane. The course includes instruction on trapping equipment, trapping methods, regulations, health, safety and ethics.  The course is free.  An adult must accompany youngsters 10 years of age and under.  There will be a brief break for lunch.
(Hunting - April 04, 2003)

Westslope cutthroat trout do not need to be listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, according to three state fish and wildlife agencies in the northwest, including Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. In a recent letter to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the directors of fish and wildlife agencies in Montana, Idaho, and Oregon say the states make "a compelling case for finding that listing of westslope cutthroat trout under the Endangered Species Act is not warranted.
(Headlines - April 04, 2003)

Heightened security at dams to prevent potential terrorist activities may reduce fishing access this season.   Some security restrictions have been in place since Sept. 11, 2002, others are new. “Managers of dams I’ve talked to say the impact on anglers will vary, depending on the dam,” said Allan Kuser, FWP fishing access coordinator.
(Headlines - April 04, 2003)

This is the season for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' home-study boating course.   The   course, which is available at all FWP offices, consists of a 71-page safe-boating manual, a workbook and test, and a registration card. “The home-study course is a good way to prepare for boating season, as families look forward to warm weather and talk about their summer plans,” said Liz Lodman, FWP boating coordinator. The course also helps families comply with state law.
(Headlines - April 04, 2003)

On the 2002 Montana income tax form, the bald eagle hovers over the box where Montanans can make a tax-deductible contribution to the state's watchable wildlife. The funds go to wildlife-related work such as construction of wildlife viewing stands and wildlife interpretation materials.   Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks may also use these funds to match federal funding sources, compounding their value. Your contribution is tax-deductible.
(Headlines - April 04, 2003)

Wolves are hot stuff. If you’re a Montana rancher, hunter, outfitter, hiker, homeowner, or lawmaker, at sometime over the past few years, you've likely felt the heat. Gray wolves are thriving and expanding in number and distribution in Montana.
(Headlines - April 04, 2003)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking nominations for appointment to the Private Land/Public Wildlife (PL/PW) Council. The council, appointed by Governor Judy Martz, is made up of citizens representing the interests of hunters, landowners, and outfitters.   During the next 18 months, the council will evaluate FWP’s Block Management Hunting Access Program and work to develop program recommendations for the 2005 Legislature to consider.
(Hunting - April 04, 2003)

Montana State Parks DOES NOT take reservations. A service for online reservations has Montana listed as a state where a person can make reservations and that is not correct.
(Parks - April 03, 2003)

Our 2003 nonresident combination big game, deer, and elk applications had a deadline of March 15 th for the general categories. The drawing for those licenses will occur in mid-April and results will be out by the end of April. We will update the FWP web site as more information becomes available.
(Hunting - April 02, 2003)