Are you coming up short on tax-free charitable contributions on your tax return? For 2005 here are two easy-to-make contributions that will help Montana’s fish and wildlife. The easiest is to check the box on your 2004 Montana return under the soaring eagle symbol. A check mark here allows you to automatically make a tax-deductible contribution to Montana’s nongame wildlife programs and wildlife viewing opportunities in the state.
(Headlines - April 01, 2005)

Spring turkey season runs April 9-May 15.   Residents must have a conservation and upland game bird license along with their turkey license and nonresidents will need a conservation license to purchase a turkey license.
(Hunting - April 01, 2005)

Montana's big game regulations for deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, black bear and spring turkey hunting are available at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional offices, the state headquarters building in Helena and from license providers across the state.
(Hunting - April 01, 2005)

Montana's four big game auction licenses have been sold for a total of $204,700. At least 90 percent of the auction amount goes to state management of the species and the remainder goes to the auctioning organization.
(Hunting - April 01, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds black bear hunters that license applications must be postmarked on or before April 14, or licenses must be purchased by that date from an FWP license provider or the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov . Black bear hunting licenses purchased after April 14 cannot be used until the fall black bear hunting season. Hunters may hold only one black bear license per license year.
(Hunting - April 01, 2005)

Every spring, one danger new born wildlife face is that of being "rescued" by a human. Wildlife officials say in most cases the parent is nearby. Their advice? "If you care, leave them there." "If you remove a newborn wild animal from the wild, FWP will likely ask you to return the animal to the location where it was picked up," said Ron Aasheim, FWP conservation education administrator.
(Headlines - April 01, 2005)

Big game hunters can submit applications for the hunting licenses and special permits they need now—before spring activities distract them. Applicants have three options: * Use the new Online Licensing Internet service; * Go to an FWP regional office where a completed application can be entered into the Automated Licensing System; * Mail in a paper application.
(Headlines - April 01, 2005)

Trail riders seeking funds for off-highway trail maintenance, education, safety and noxious-weed control may benefit from a free grant-writing workshop offered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ on April 8. The workshop, set for 7-9 p.m. at the FWP Great Falls headquarters building, 4600 Giant Springs Rd will help agencies, organizations and clubs apply for Off-Highway Vehicle Grants available through the Off-Highway Vehicle Program administered by FWP.
(Parks - April 01, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking trail recreationists to serve on the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Advisory committee. The committee advises the agency on distribution of $160,000 of OHV Trails Program funds and various trails-related issues.
(Parks - April 01, 2005)

Habitat is where we live, the collection of features we know as home. For wildlife, too, habitat provides the food, water, shelter and open space they need to live. Though Montana's habitats are easily visible—they are our local scenery—most of us rarely stop to see them for what they truly are—eons old mixes of soils, springs, rivers, grasses, brush, trees and rocks that sustain us. Like us, the state's creatures depend on healthy habitats of sufficient size.
(Headlines - April 01, 2005)

A draft management plan for Ulm Pishkun State Park is available for comment.   The plan, put together by Fish, Wildlife & Parks, will guide park operations, educational endeavors, public use, maintenance, cultural and natural resource conservation for the next ten years.
(Parks - April 01, 2005)

Spring turkey season runs April 9th to May 15th. In Region 7, two turkey licenses may be purchased.
(Hunting - March 31, 2005)

In response to requests to improve the size and durability of Montana’s hunting and fishing licenses, FWP now uses a new, flexible water proof paper for all licenses purchased over-the-counter.
(Hunting - March 31, 2005)

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet in Helena April 14, beginning at 8 a.m. at the FWP headquarters, 1420 East 6 th Ave.    The commission will make final decisions on the 2005 Parks Fee Rule; Future Fisheries special drought mitigation projects; commercial fishing regulations on Canyon Ferry Reservoir and Lake Helena both near Helena; and the authority of FWP's director and an FWP commissioner to close fishing on waters affected by drought.
(Headlines - March 31, 2005)

A landowner in southwest Montana recently shot and killed a wolf chasing livestock on private property near Jardine. The shooting occurred on March 30, 2005. Federal rules now in effect across most of southwest Montana allow citizens to kill wolves attacking, chasing, or harassing livestock.
(Wild Things - March 31, 2005)

Bear hunters will be the first to notice Montana's new waterproof carcass tags when they purchase hunting licenses via Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park’s Automated Licensing System (ALS) this spring.   In response to requests to improve the size and durability of Montana’s hunting and fishing licenses, FWP now uses a new, flexible water proof paper for all licenses purchased over-the- counter.
(Headlines - March 28, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment by April 13 on tentative commercial fishing regulations for Lake Helena and Canyon Ferry Reservoir. By statute, the Commission is authorized to approve one commercial fishing operation for each body of water and to establish specific regulations.
(Fishing - March 25, 2005)

Fish, Wildlife & Parks plans to suspend a 4-year-old program that has boosted yellow perch populations in Fresno Reservoir. The stocking program has exceeded the population goals established by FWP.
(Headlines - March 22, 2005)

Fish, Wildlife & Parks' annual Fort Peck Lake fisheries management plan is scheduled for Saturday, March 26 in Glasgow.
(Headlines - March 22, 2005)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 335, 339 and 343, in portions of Lewis and Clark and Jefferson counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset   on Tuesday, March 22, 2005.
(Hunting - March 21, 2005)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting district 340, which include portions of Beaverhead, Madison, Jefferson and Silver Bow counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, March 22, 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 fwp.mt.
(Hunting - March 21, 2005)

Since 1901 when W.F. Scott was appointed as the state's first game warden, the guardians of Montana's fish and wildlife have spent at least part of their time on horseback. Today, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks still keeps a handful of horses and a few mules in five of its seven regions to do the work that can't be done any other way.
(Headlines - March 18, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently approved a new special recreation permit for commercial use, competitive events, or organized group activities on the Blackfoot River and adjacent lands managed by FWP.
(Fishing - March 18, 2005)

March 1 was the beginning of a new hunting and fishing license year in Montana. Last year's licenses expired on Feb. 28. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials urged those who purchase their licenses early in the year—to ice fish, or so they can apply for special permits—to make certain they keep their licenses in a safe place. Last year more than 6,000 deer licenses and 5,500 elk licenses were lost or misplaced.
(Hunting - March 18, 2005)

More than $433,000 in funding was approved recently by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park Commission for 21 Future Fisheries Improvement Program projects. The funding will be matched by more than $1.2 million from outside sources.
(Fishing - March 18, 2005)

Montana's fifth grade students will have an opportunity to test their artistic skills this spring by participating in the 2005 Montana’s State Parks poster contest. This year's theme for the annual contest is "State Parks: Montana's Masterpeices" and the deadline to enter is April 30.
(Parks - March 18, 2005)

Montana's TIP-MONT "crimestopper" program is at work year round because wildlife crimes and vandalism occur year round. It is a good idea to keep the TIP-MONT number handy—1-800-TIP-MONT or 1-800-847-6668.
(Headlines - March 18, 2005)

The hunting of all 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 Thursday, March 17, 2005.
(Hunting - March 16, 2005)

The hunting of all 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 Thursday, March 17, 2005.
(Hunting - March 16, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission has adopted an emergency regulation establishing seasonal fishing closures on the Jefferson River at the mouths of two spawning streams. The emergency regulation establishes seasonal closures to all fishing within 100 yards up and down stream (as posted) of the mouths of Hell’s Canyon Creek and Willow Springs. The closures will be in effect from April 1 to April 30 and October 15 to November 30.
(Fishing - March 16, 2005)

FWP bear managers say that food sources for bears are available now but there is real concern about how bears will fare during what is expected to be a very dry summer.
(Wild Things - March 15, 2005)

Every year more Montana bears are killed by garbage than by any other means. Not that garbage is poison to bears—just the opposite—it is addicting and almost always leads to the destruction of the bear.
(Wild Things - March 15, 2005)

It is clear that when a bear gets into trouble it isn’t an individual’s problem—it is the community’s problem and only the community, working together, can save that “problem” bear from certain destruction.
(Wild Things - March 15, 2005)

Montana’s black and grizzly bears are beginning to wake after a long winter’s snooze and they are going to be out and about looking for food. Before that first hike of the year or your next jog on a country road, take some time to mentally prepare for the possibility of seeing a bear.
(Wild Things - March 15, 2005)

Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking applicants to fill a dozen volunteer positions on the first-ever Region 5 Citizen Advisory Council (CAC). The panel is being established to provide input and guidance to FWP from the public.
(Headlines - March 14, 2005)

A cooperative project to control noxious weeds and rehabilitate 28 acres of land for upland game bird nesting habitat on two sites along the lower Bighorn River will begin this month.
(Headlines - March 14, 2005)

The hunting of female mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting district 340, which include portions of Beaverhead, Madison, Jefferson and Silver Bow counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, March 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 web site at fwp.mt.
(Hunting - March 14, 2005)

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 Tuesday, March 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 districts combined had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.mt.
(Hunting - March 14, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold the first of a series of work sessions March 23 in Helena that are aimed at developing a compensation program to pay for livestock damages caused by wolves.
(Hunting - March 14, 2005)

Western Montana's native fisheries and irrigators and others who divert water from the state's streams will both benefit from up to $450,000 available from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
(Headlines - March 14, 2005)

Wildlife viewing is regarded as a birthright in Montana, but are you missing out on wildlife listening? This time of year, the great horned owl is one of the more challenging yet rewarding wildlife listening opportunities.
(Headlines - March 04, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks completed the highly anticipated drawing for Smith River launch permits on Feb. 25, a week ahead of schedule.
(Headlines - March 04, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is again offering a special opportunity to apply for Future Fisheries dollars for projects that will help maintain flows in streams and rivers and reduce the impact of the low water levels that are likely to occur in some parts of the state this summer. The deadline to apply for this funding is April 1.
(Fishing - March 04, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers college students the opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study by working as interns for the agency. Students will gain on-the-ground experience in fields such as fish and wildlife management, recreation, education, and state parks interpretation. Students typically receive academic credit and a grade while completing practicum requirements.
(Headlines - March 04, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds black bear hunters license applications must be postmarked on or before April 14, or licenses may be purchased by that date from an FWP license provider or the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov
(Hunting - March 04, 2005)

Spring turkey season runs April 9-May 15. Licenses are available from all Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices and most license providers throughout the state. Hunters who wish to hunt in a special spring male turkey permit area must apply by March 15 for a permit and must purchase a spring turkey license before hunting.
(Hunting - March 04, 2005)

Most Montanans participate in wildlife viewing and other nongame-related activities. Last year about 2,000 of them also made a tax-deductibe contribution, raising about $25,000 to help support wildlife viewing in the state.
(Headlines - March 04, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a proposed classification of exotic wildlife species for personal possession. The classification system is required to implement a law regulating the import, possession and sale of exotic species in Montana.
(Fishing - March 04, 2005)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for trapping otters in Trapping District 2 in western Montana will close at midnight on the evening of Thursday, March 3, 2005.
(Hunting - March 01, 2005)