Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Thursday, Oct. 9, at the FWP Headquarters building on 1420 East Sixth Ave., beginning at 8 a.m. The commission will take final action on conservation easements on the Gordon Ranch in Blaine County; donation of a conservation easement which would protect the upland view from the Sacagawea Springs near Great Falls; and the acquisition of lands near the Ninepipe Wildlife Management Area for recreational hunting and to conserve bird habitat.
(Headlines - September 30, 2003)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will decide on the final 2004-2007 fishing regulations at its Oct. 9 meeting in Helena. A public review of the tentative regulations has been underway since July. The tentative regulations are available for review on the FWP web site at www.fwp.state.mt.us under Fishing. FWP will recommend that the Commission adopt the tentative regulations with the following revisions based on the public’s comments.
(Fishing - September 30, 2003)

The 28-mile middle reach of the Big Hole River from the mouth of the North Fork to Dickie Bridge has been re-opened to angling as of 12:01 a.m. Sept. 26.   This reach had been closed to angling since August 24 due to low flows and record high water temperatures.   The closure followed the Big Hole Watershed Committee’s Drought Plan and was accompanied by voluntary measures by irrigators to improve flows under severe drought conditions.
(Fishing - September 25, 2003)

A group of public and private organizations will gather in Helena Oct. 1 to discuss a federal program helping to fund the conservation of fish and wildlife species not typically managed by the states.
(Comprehensive Fish & Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CFWCS) - September 24, 2003)

Currently, water levels at Cooney State Park are extremely low. In fact, the bottom of the boat ramps at North Shore and   Marshall Cove are now exposed, possibly posing a hazard to boaters trying to use them. Park staff is strongly recommending that the public not use those boat ramps until water levels rise. Mud and sharp drop-offs are common, and boaters should know that if they use the ramps, they do so at their own risk.
(Fishing - September 24, 2003)

State wildlife officials are urging Montanans who will hunt big game in other states to take precautions to minimize the risk of bringing back animals with chronic wasting disease. "While the chance is remote, our request is part of an ongoing effort to protect Montana's wild elk and deer populations from CWD," said Jeff Hagener, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
(Hunting - September 24, 2003)

A group of public and private organizations will gather in Helena Oct. 1 to discuss a federal program helping to fund the conservation of fish and wildlife species not typically managed by the states.
(Headlines - September 24, 2003)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens killed 13 of the 22 elk that remained at large after escaping last week from an alternative livestock facility near Winifred. On Sept. 17, 24 elk escaped from the Judith River Ranch through an exterior fence damaged by a fallen tree. Two elk retuned to the facility on Sept. 18. The escaped elk were killed Tuesday approximately a mile from the alternative livestock facility.
(Headlines - September 24, 2003)

Montana pheasant hunters are in store for a welcome surprise when the season opens on Oct. 11.   “Well-timed and plentiful spring rains in many parts of the state got pheasant broods off to a good start, and in eastern Montana the birds got through the winter in pretty good shape, giving the population there a little extra boost,” said Gary Hammond, FWP Wildlife Division management bureau chief. Hammond said the dry summer wasn’t a factor for pheasants this year.
(Hunting - September 24, 2003)

Pheasant hunters, don't be caught without one leg and foot left naturally attached for identification on all recently taken birds.   For other game birds such as grouse and partridge, one fully feathered wing must be left naturally attached for species identification. The leg and foot or wing must be attached at all times while the bird or birds are transported from the place where they were taken until they have arrived at the permanent residence of the hunter who possesses the birds.
(Headlines - September 24, 2003)

This fall promises some good antelope hunting in Montana. Over the past five years, wildlife biologists have charted an antelope boom in some areas.    “Antelope hunting around the state will be as good as or better than last year in most locations, with substantial increases in hunting quotas in some hunting districts in north central and eastern Montana,” said Gary Hammond, FWP wildlife management bureau chief. Montana’s antelope archery season is open from Sept. 6-Oct.
(Hunting - September 24, 2003)

Montana’s hunting heritage is a strong and valued tradition in this state, where people can participate in a ritual as old as mankind.   For many people, hunting is not a hobby, not some mere weekend pastime, but rather a way of life, an activity that defines who a person is. If we are to preserve this heritage in a rapidly changing world, we must do more than simply participate in hunting activities.
(Hunting - September 24, 2003)

To help hunters determine who owns the land where they want to hunt, FWP has developed a Directory of Montana Maps that explains how to find maps that identify both public and private land ownership.     "Identifying land ownership is a necessary part of hunting in Montana nowadays," says Alan Charles, FWP coordinator of landowner/sportsman relations.   "Hunters have to do their homework, know where they are, and ask local people about ownership and property boundaries.
(Headlines - September 24, 2003)

The 1,100 volunteers who teach Hunter Education would like to remind all hunters of the four basic rules of gun safety. Always treat every gun as if it were loaded. Always point the muzzle of your gun in a safe direction. Always be sure of your target and beyond. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. Hunting can be a very safe activity.   It is up to each hunter to make responsible decisions to keep it that way.
(Headlines - September 24, 2003)

TIP-MONT, the “crime stopper” program managed by Montana, Fish, Wildlife & Parks, offers substantial rewards to callers who report valuable information on natural resource crimes.   If the information leads to an arrest, a call to 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668) may lead to a cash reward of up to $1,000. "One of the most common violations this time of year is the use of a motorized vehicle to pursue game.
(Headlines - September 24, 2003)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on the proposed annual rule that will set the prices for outfitter-sponsored nonresident elk and deer hunting licenses in 2004. Commissioners tentatively adopted the rule in September. Oct. 17 is the deadline for public comment. The proposed license fees for both the outfitter sponsored big game combination and the elk combination licenses would go down by $50.
(Headlines - September 19, 2003)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking comment on a tentatively approved rule that would eliminate the daily entrance fees at State Parks for Montana residents. This proposed change is in response to a law passed by the 2003 Legislature that will fund State Parks through a $4 annual fee a car owner can pay when a car or light truck is registered with the local County Treasurer’s office.
(Headlines - September 19, 2003)

More than $316,000 in funding was approved recently by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park Commission in September for 16 Future Fisheries Improvement projects. The funding will be matched by more than $400,000 from outside sources. The FWP Commission makes final decisions on funding requests based on recommendations from a 13-member citizen panel. Sponsors of approved projects enter into an agreement with FWP to maintain project improvements through responsible land-management practices.
(Fishing - September 19, 2003)

A new pamphlet, “Hunting and ATVs,” helps ATV users and hunters sort out the facts, issues and proper use of ATV’s during hunting season.
(Hunting - September 19, 2003)

TIP-MONT, the resource "crime stoppers" program managed by Montana, Fish, Wildlife & Parks, offers substantial rewards to callers who report valuable information on natural resource crimes. If the information leads to an arrest, the caller may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 and may remain anonymous. Callers who observe a crime involving wildlife, fish, Montana’s State Parks or U.S. Forest Service lands or facilities may call 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668) to make a report.
(Headlines - September 19, 2003)

Fair chase has been at the heart of modern sport hunting for more than a century, yet it remains elusive—both as a concept and a practice.
(Headlines - September 19, 2003)

Mourning Dove                    Sept. 1 – Oct. 30 Common Snipe                      Sept. 1 – Dec. 16 Sandhill Crane ·       Pacific Flyway              Sept. 6 – Sept.
(Hunting - September 16, 2003)

Pacific Flyway Open Seasons             Ducks                           Oct. 4-Jan. 16, 2004             Coots                            Oct. 4-Jan.
(Hunting - September 16, 2003)

With the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service predicting a fall flight of more than 10 million mallards, prospects for Montana waterfowl hunting appear much better than anticipated earlier this year.
(Headlines - September 16, 2003)

Montana's set aside a full weekend this year just for young duck hunters. The state's "Special Statewide Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend" is set for Sept 27-28.   The regular duck season opens on Oct. 4 statewide. Legally licensed hunters ages 12 through 15 may hunt ducks, geese, coots and mergansers on the special weekend, but must be accompanied by an adult at least 18 years of age, who cannot hunt on this day.
(Hunting - September 16, 2003)

Waterfowl hunters face safety challenges that the average land-based hunter does not.   The complicating factor is water. The tips below dealing with firearm safety, weather and water safety are taught at FWP Youth Waterfowl Hunting Safety workshops. They're a good starting point for safe waterfowl hunting.   The season for hunting ducks and geese begins Oct. 4, check the regulations for details and other season dates.
(Hunting - September 16, 2003)

Reducing wounding losses is both the ethical and the economical goal of waterfowl hunters when hunting begins Oct. 4. “None of us want to wound a duck or goose and not be able to retrieve it; doing so is a waste of a valuable resource and reflects badly on hunting,” said Jim Hansen, FWP migratory bird coordinator. The tips that follow will help reduce wounding losses and improve the overall hunting experience.
(Hunting - September 16, 2003)

A morning only fishing restriction imposed on Smith River anglers during an unprecedented run of record 100-degree days this summer comes to an end Sept. 16. The regulation imposed July 24 banned fishing between noon and midnight on the entire 125-mile stretch of the Smith River, a popular float stream that runs north from near White Sulphur Springs to south of Great Falls.
(Fishing - September 15, 2003)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will reopen to fishing the lower Beaverhead River from Anderson Lane to the mouth of the Ruby River on Thursday, Sept. 11.   That stretch of river had been closed to fishing since July 25 due to low flows, and temperatures 70 degrees or more on a daily basis for two months.
(Fishing - September 11, 2003)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is lifting the voluntary fishing restrictions for the Blackfoot River, its tributaries and Rattlesnake Creek, effective September 9, 2003. Longer, cooler nights have resulted in water temperatures dropping below critical levels.   High water temperatures put stress on wild trout and other fish and under the agencies Drought Fishing Closure Policy, the streams have been under a voluntary fishing restriction since July 30.
(Fishing - September 09, 2003)

Tree stand safety is a growing concern, said Thomas Baumeister, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Hunter Education coordinator. "Tree stands have been popular with some hunters in archery season and now more hunters are using them during rifle season in Montana," Baumeister said. "But, as with every aspect of hunting, safety must always come first." Montana’s antelope archery season runs Sept. 6-Oct. 11 and the deer and elk archery season is Sept. 6-Oct. 19.
(Hunting - September 09, 2003)

Bowhunters are sneaky, smelly, and camouflaged to look like a bush.   While that’s what it takes to get close enough for a good shot with a bow and arrow, that same hunter is making it hard for a bear to notice him. The quiet stalking, smelling like an elk and making skilled elk calls can scramble a bear’s usual early warning systems of sight, sound and smell. The result could be an accidental, surprise encounter with a bear.
(Hunting - September 09, 2003)

TIPMONT, the “crime stopper” program managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, rewards callers who report natural resource crimes to 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668.) A caller may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, if their information leads to an arrest.             TIPMONT takes calls on crimes involving big game or fish, private land, and violations in State Parks and on U.S. Forest Service lands.
(Hunting - September 09, 2003)

Until the first hard frost kills Montana’s mosquitoes, hunters should take precautions against insect bites and remember that West Nile Virus can infect humans as well as game animals. That caution was reinforced last month with the announcement that West Nile was present in a pair of sage grouse found dead in southern Phillips County. This is the first time Montana sage grouse have tested positive for the mosquito-borne disease.
(Headlines - September 05, 2003)

Waterfowl hunters are breathing a sigh of relief with the news that season dates and bag limits will remain similar to last year's.        Duck and goose seasons   will begin Oct. 4 and run for 105 consecutive days in the Pacific  Flyway .   In the Central Flyway part of the state, duck and goose seasons will also start on Oct. 4, with duck season running for 97 consecutive days, and geese, 105 consecutive days.
(Hunting - September 05, 2003)

“Freezing To Death On A Sunny Day” is possible if you are a victim of hypothermia. It is also the title of a new brochure available free of charge from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The brochure provides detailed information on hypothermia, what it is, what causes it, signs and symptoms and how to avoid it. Among the important tips shared in the booklet: *  Dress in layers. *  Set your thermostat to at least 70 degrees in cold weather.
(Headlines - September 05, 2003)

Because of cooler water temperatures, the noon-midnight fishing restrictions on the Thompson River have been lifted.   Fisheries Manager Jim Vashro noted that flows are still low but maximum afternoon water temperatures are in the mid-60s, which is an acceptable range for trout.   The Thompson River was closed to afternoon fishing on July 22 after record-breaking heat pushed water temperatures into the mid-70’s, severely stressing wild trout.
(Fishing - September 05, 2003)

(HELENA)---T.O. Smith, Comprehensive Fish and Wildlife Conservation Planning Coordinator of Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, is scheduled as guest speaker at the next NRIS Seminar.  His presentation is set for Friday, September 26 from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm in the conference room of the Montana State Library.
(Comprehensive Fish & Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CFWCS) - September 03, 2003)