FWP seeks public comments through Feb. 21 on a proposal to release wild turkeys along the Milk River and major tributaries near Chinook
(Headlines - February 01, 2005)

All prospective Bowhunter Education instructors in Valley County are encouraged to attend informational session at Eugene Pizza in Glasgow on Feb. 8
(Headlines - January 31, 2005)

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Feb. 10 at FWP Headquarters, 1420 East Sixth Ave. in Helena beginning at 8 a.m. when Governor Brian Schweitzer will address the Commission.
(Commission - January 31, 2005)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for taking wolverine in Wolverine Management Unit 3 in south western Montana will close at midnight on the evening of Wednesday, February 2, 2005. Wolverine Management Unit 3 includes portions of Trapping Districts 3 & 5.
(Hunting - January 31, 2005)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for taking bobcats in Trapping District 7 in southeastern Montana will close at midnight on the evening of Monday, January 31, 2005. The district includes portions of Bighorn, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Treasure, Yellowstone and Wibaux   counties. For more information visit FWP's web site at www.fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 28, 2005)

Region 6 Hunter Education and Bowhunter Education volunteer instructors will receive service awards at Feb. 19 workshop in Glasgow.
(Headlines - January 27, 2005)

Spring Hunter and Bowhunter Education Classes have been scheduled for northwest Montana. All hunter and bowhunter education classes are free of charge and open to hunters and non-hunters alike. Many students take the courses for the firearm safety, bow safety, and outdoor survival information, even if they don’t plan to hunt.
(Headlines - January 25, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment Jan.   27 – March 7 on changes to the recreational use rules in effect on the Beaverhead and Big Hole Rivers. The changes, based on the recommendations of the Beaverhead and Big Hole River Citizen Advisory Committee, would adjust where and how float outfitting   would be accomodated on the rivers. The three public meetings, scheduled from 6:30-9 p.m., will be held: * Feb.
(Fishing - January 21, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment through Feb. 14 on a tentative recreational rule that would create a special recreation permit system on the Blackfoot River in western Montana.   The new rule would require a permit for commercial use, a competitive event, or an organized group activity on the Blackfoot River and on FWP and Bureau of Land Management lands along the river. Public hearings are set for Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m.
(Fishing - January 21, 2005)

Many Montana hunters may soon get one of the most important calls of the season. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park's annual telephone survey of big and small game hunters is underway and will continue through February.
(Headlines - January 21, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment through Feb. 18 on fishing contests proposed for the open water season of 2005. On Fort Peck Reservoir 12 contests have been proposed, the most on a single body of water. Other popular sites for proposed contests are Noxon Rapids Reservoir and Flathead Lake. Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits.
(Fishing - January 21, 2005)

If finding a Valentine's gift for the outdoorswoman on your list has you stumped, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has an answer.   Why not give her the gift of new and improved outdoor skills gained in an enjoyable and supportive environment?    FWP is offering a winter workshop, "Winter BOW in the Snow," Feb. 11-13 at the University of Montana’s Lubrecht Forest, 30 miles east of Missoula off U.S. Highway 200.
(Education - January 21, 2005)

Fans of the popular Smith River float have until Feb. 15 to submit their applications. The Smith River float annually attracts about 3,500 applicants for about 700 float permits. This year, Smith River float applications can be submitted over the Internet for a nominal transaction fee. Applications may also be submitted in person or through traditional mail. Here are details on the three ways to apply: * To apply on-line go to the FWP web site at www.fwp.mt.
(Headlines - January 21, 2005)

It is the time of year when ice on Montana lakes and reservoirs tempts winter anglers to try their hand at ice fishing.  Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds ice anglers to be cautious on the ice.  Even as ice firms up, it tends to melt as temperatures fluctuate. That means ice that was safe yesterday can become a death trap by tomorrow.   Whatever the weather, it's best to test ice before venturing onto it.
(Fishing - January 21, 2005)

Whether you work or play outdoors, Montana’s winter months can sorely test your survival skills with blizzards, black ice, below zero temperatures, and ice jammed rivers and flooding. As a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks warden, much of my work is done in winter's snow and cold, so I've learned some first-hand survival lessons. For example, exposed skin can freeze, or become "frost bitten," in a matter of minutes when exposed to wind and sub-zero temperatures.
(Parks - January 21, 2005)

Each year snowmobile riders are able to venture further into remote terrain once nearly impossible to reach in winter. As a result, the number of riders caught and buried in avalanches is rising. Nationwide, more than 100 snowmobile riders have died in avalanches in the past 10 years. Avalanche safety training is a critical tool for snowmobile riders in Montana today, from the extreme sport enthusiast to the family rider.
(Parks - January 21, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds trappers and hunters to check the hotline at 1-800-711-8727 or the FWP web site at www.fwp.mt.gov on the hunting page under trapping to monitor furbearer season closures as quotas are met for bobcat, fisher, wolverine and otter. Marten season closes Feb. 15.
(Hunting - January 21, 2005)

The hunting of all 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 Thursday, January 20, 2005. 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 www.fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 19, 2005)

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 Wednesday, January 19, 2005. 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 www.fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 18, 2005)

The hunting of all mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 110, which includes portions of Flathead and Lincoln counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, January 19, 2005. 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 www.fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 18, 2005)

The hunting of all mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 416, 446, 449, 452 & 454, which includes portions of Broadwater, Cascade, Meagher & Judith Basin counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, January 19, 2005. 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 www.fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 18, 2005)

Youth fishing event scheduled for Feb. 5 on Glasgow's Home Run Pond
(Headlines - January 18, 2005)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southcentral Montana hunting district 502 & 575, which includes portions of Carbon, Yellowstone, Stillwater and Sweet Grass counties, will close at   one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, January 19, 2005. The order halting the hunt came shortly after 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 www.fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 18, 2005)

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, January 15, 2005. 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 website at www.fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 14, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission seeks public comment Jan. 13-Feb. 14 on a tentative recreational rule that would create a special recreation permit system on the Blackfoot River in western Montana. The proposed rule is based on recommendations made by the Blackfoot River Recreation Steering Committee formed in 1999 by anglers, boaters, outfitters, landowners and others interested in the river.
(Headlines - January 12, 2005)

The Urban Wildlife Working Group, established to examine Urban Wildlife issues in Montana and develop ideas on how to proceed, released its findings and recommendations this week.   The group, comprised of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) staff, local government, and private citizens, addressed issues involving public safety, property damage, and changing public perceptions of wildlife.
(Headlines - January 12, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission agreed Monday to postpone the hunting season for bison in southwestern Montana that was set to begin Saturday.
(Headlines - January 11, 2005)

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, January 12, 2005.   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.
(Hunting - January 11, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission decided today to enter more than 8,300 applicants in a drawing for 10 bison hunting licenses that could be used for a hunting season beginning in November.
(Hunting - January 11, 2005)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for taking wolverine in Wolverine Management Unit 1 in Western Montana will close at midnight on the evening of Wednesday, January 12, 2005. Wolverine Management Unit 1 includes all of Trapping Districts 1 & 2 and a portion of 4.
(Hunting - January 10, 2005)

The hunting of all mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 202 and 203, which includes portions of Mineral and Missoula counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, January 11, 2005. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for these districts combined had been met.
(Hunting - January 10, 2005)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southcentral Montana hunting district 520, which includes portions of Carbon, Stillwater and Sweet Grass counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, January 11, 2005. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the district had been met.
(Hunting - January 10, 2005)

The hunting of all male 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 Tuesday, January 11, 2005.
(Hunting - January 10, 2005)

If finding a Valentine's gift for the outdoorswoman on your list has you stumped, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has an answer.   Why not give her the gift of new and improved outdoor skills gained in an enjoyable and supportive environment?    FWP is offering a winter workshop, "Winter BOW in the Snow," Feb. 11-13 at the University of Montana's Lubrecht Forest, 30 miles east of Missoula off U.S. Highway 200.
(Headlines - January 07, 2005)

Some waterfowl hunting seasons for coots, ducks, and geese close soon. All swan hunting is closed as is hunting for coots and ducks in the Central Flyway.
(Hunting - January 07, 2005)

The hunting of all 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 Saturday, January 8, 2005 The order closing 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.
(Hunting - January 07, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission meeting Monday, Jan. 10 in Helena to reconsider the recently approved hunting season for bison in southwestern Montana will be held at the Red Lion Colonial Inn, 2301 Colonial Dr. The meeting was to be held at FWP headquarters, but the meeting location was changed to accommodate more participants. The meeting will begin at 9 a. m.
(Headlines - January 07, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, including the three new commissioners appointed by Gov. Brian Schweitzer, today voted to reconsider the recently approved hunting season for bison in southwestern Montana.   The commission will meet Monday, Jan. 10 in Helena to discuss the hunt. At its meeting last month, the commission approved a hunt and authorized 10 bison-hunting licenses for use Jan. 15-Feb. 15, 2005.
(Headlines - January 06, 2005)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for taking bobcats in Trapping District 5 in southcentral Montana will close at midnight on the evening of Wednesday, January 5, 2005. The district includes portions of Fergus, Golden Valley, Meagher, Musselshell, Petroleum, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Wheatland, Park, Yellowstone, Big Horn, Carbon and Treasure counties. For more information visit FWP's web site at www.fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 03, 2005)

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, January 4, 2005. 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 - January 03, 2005)

The hunting of all female mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 312 and 393, which include portions of Gallatin, Park and Meagher counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, January 4, 2005.    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 has been met.   For more information, visit FWP's web site at www.fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 03, 2005)

The hunting of male mountain lions in northcentral Montana hunting districts 411 and 412, in portions of Golden Valley, Fergus, and Judith Basin counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, January 4, 2005.   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 www.fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 03, 2005)

The hunting of all 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 Tuesday, January 4, 2005. The order closing the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest sub-quota for lions in the districts combined had been met.
(Hunting - January 03, 2005)

October 2000, Warden Adam Rahmlow investigated a report of a large 6pt. bull elk abandoned on an isolated section of ranch road.   “I found the elk just as the caller had described it, cleaned and with a rope tied around the base of its antlers,” Adam said.   “I called Billings warden Bryan Golie for assistance and directed the caller to move away from the site and wait for me.
(Enforcement - January 01, 2005)