Montana's 50 State Parks hosted a record 1.65 million visitors in 2004 including more Montanans than in recent years. "About 73 percent of Parks visitors last year were Montanans," said Doug Monger, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' state parks division administrator. "We expect to see this trend continue."   In 2005, more residents are expected to take advantage of having unlimited access to state parks by paying a $4 optional annual fee on their vehicle license registrations.
(Parks - April 29, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials remind hunters planning to submit moose, sheep and goat special applications that the applications must be received by 5 p.m. on May 2 or postmarked by May 2.   Deer B, elk A-9, and antelope licenses and special deer or elk permits are due June 1.
(Hunting - April 29, 2005)

Crimes involving the state’s fish, wildlife and State Parks resources occur year round. "Calls to TIP-MONT are always in season. Whether it's hunting season, fishing season, or year-round recreation, we get reports of violations," said Debbie Lewis, TIP-MONT coordinator.
(Headlines - April 29, 2005)

Black bear hunting season closes May 15 in some 100 and 200 series bear management areas in Western Montana. Hunting in other bear management units closes May 31 or June 15. Black bear hunting closes earlier when quotas are met in management units with quotas.
(Hunting - April 29, 2005)

A Wisdom-area landowner reportedly shot a wolf on private property. The shooting occurred on April 28, 2005. The landowner reported that the wolf was chasing his livestock.
(Wild Things - April 29, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks administers a program to release pen-raised pheasants on private land.
(Hunting - April 26, 2005)

The Flathead Fishing Fair is coming up on Snappy's Sport Senter on Saturday, April 30. National Fish Art winners for Montana include Jordan Danz, Grade 4, Bigfork,Colter Dickinson, Grade 9, Trego, and Brynn Shay, Grade 10, Columbia Falls. Apply for moose/sheep/goat licenses by May 2.
(Headlines - April 25, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold the third in a series of work sessions Thursday, April 27 in Helena that are aimed at developing a compensation program to pay for livestock damages caused by wolves. Under Montana's wolf conservation and management plan, FWP is expected to help create workable compensation and/or insurance programs.   Incentives for landowners who employ techniques intended to reduce wolf depredation also will be discussed.
(Wild Things - April 20, 2005)

A potential environmental disaster was quietly averted in the Gallatin Valley recently.   But it provided a stern lesson in how easily our waters in much of Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota could have been changed for the worse – forever.  The threat was zebra mussels.   The solution was hot water, bleach, a bottle brush, power washer and, most importantly, the smarts to know there was a problem in the first place.
(Headlines - April 19, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment through May 18 on   tentative moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and mountain lion quotas for 2005. The final action on these quotas will be taken June 9.
(Hunting - April 19, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment through May 18 on a tentative annual rule for the 2006 auction of a bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goat, deer and elk licenses to raise conservation funds.
(Hunting - April 19, 2005)

Grizzly and black bears are emerging from their winter dens and becoming active. Expect all bears to be active and moving by the end of April. Female bears are extremely protective of new cubs. New green plant growth and production are important sought-out forage for bears.
(Wild Things - April 19, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will offer spring hunter education classes in Bozeman and Belgrade beginning in May.
(Education - April 18, 2005)

A landowner in the Big Hole Valley in southwest Montana reportedly shot a wolf on private property. The shooting occurred on April 15, 2005.
(Wild Things - April 18, 2005)

Results from hunter harvest surveys and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) capture and collaring operations this winter show an increased rate of brucellosis prevalence in the Madison Elk Management Unit (EMU).
(Wild Things - April 18, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently adopted the final 2005 State Parks Biennial Fee Rule. The rule includes a new per-car fee for non-residents at Bannack State Park; revisions to the Fishing Access Site camping fee list; and details on on the new Blackfoot River Special Recreational Use Permit.
(Parks - April 15, 2005)

Montana hunters are urged to beat the rush and apply early for their 2005 special hunting licenses and permits. Moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat special applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. on May 2 or postmarked by May 2.   Applications for deer B, elk A-9, and antelope licenses and special deer or elk permits are due June 1.
(Hunting - April 15, 2005)

A new law now in effect allows nonresident turkey hunters who purchase an upland game bird license to save $60 on their turkey tag. In previous years, the fee for a nonresident turkey-hunting tag was $115. Now, nonresidents who buy an upland game bird license can purchase a turkey-hunting tag for $55.
(Hunting - April 15, 2005)

A printing error in Montana's big game hunting regulation booklet resulted in incorrect special drawing statistics for some mountain goat and bighorn sheep hunting districts. The drawing statistics are listed on page 13 of Montana's 2005 Moose, Bighorn Sheep, and Mountain Goat Hunting Regulations.
(Hunting - April 15, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently approved commercial fishing regulations for Lake Helena and Canyon Ferry Reservoir that provide for the harvest of carp and suckers using seines. The new regulations, in effect through Dec. 31, specify the areas where these fish may be harvested and how to report these commercial operations to FWP before the fishing begins.
(Fishing - April 15, 2005)

In another sure sign of spring, Montana's State Parks open for camping May 1. Montana residents have unlimited daily entry into all 50 Montana State Parks, through an optional $4 annual vehicle registration fee.
(Parks - April 15, 2005)

Women interested in hunting turkeys are invited to attend a free clinic May 6-7 in Miles City. The clinic will be held at the FWP Miles City regional office at the west end of town beginning Friday at 6 p.m. and running until noon on Saturday.
(Hunting - April 15, 2005)

With the opening of the general stream-fishing season on Saturday, May 21, it is time to organize your tackle box and pick up a copy of the new 2005 Fishing Regulations. "A quick review of the first 14 pages of the regulations provides an important refresher for every angler," says FWP Fisheries Management Bureau Chief Karen Zackheim.
(Fishing - April 15, 2005)

A fish species that has survived for eons will be on anglers' minds – and hopefully some lines – during the 2005 paddlefish season May 15-June 30 or as posted on the Yellowstone River from the mouth of the Big Horn River to the North Dakota state line.
(Fishing - April 15, 2005)

Montana State Parks visitors will have an opportunity to learn more about outdoor ethics and responsibility this summer through a new partnership between state parks and the Leave No Trace Center For Outdoor Ethics, a national non-profit organization. The Leave No Trace Center has popularized basic messages such as "pack it in/pack it out" and "leave it better than you found it.
(Headlines - April 15, 2005)

Landscapes that for thousands of years provided native people with nutrition and shelter have changed significantly in the past 200 years. The changes are due largely to our influences. Many adaptable plants from past centuries thrive today. But, as a growing human population continues to change the landscape some unique and vulnerable habitats such as wetlands and native prairie, and the species they support, are far less common.
(Habitat - April 15, 2005)

Only a few hundred years ago, native people traveled with the seasons to harvest a rich array of vegetation for food, shelter and tools. While such intimacy with plant life has been largely lost to us, Montana's wildlife continues to rely on native vegetation for nutrition and shelter. Some wild creatures browse by eating the buds, leaves and small branches on bushes and trees. Others graze, nibble, gather or store vegetative material for later use.
(Headlines - April 15, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will hold a Woman’s Spring Turkey Hunting Workshop on May 6 and May 7, 2005 in Miles City.
(Hunting - April 12, 2005)

Following a public comment period Fish, Wildlife and Parks has approved a final environmental assessment for stocking tiger muskellunge in Gartside Reservoir to control stunted pan fish populations.
(Fishing - April 12, 2005)

Last year saw the largest number of black bears taken by hunters in north central Montana since 1985, the beginning of reliable statistics.
(Headlines - April 08, 2005)

It may not be the stuff of a television series – think CSI: Black Bear – but the science of DNA may help state wildlife biologists figure out how many black bears are in the forest.
(Headlines - April 08, 2005)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for trapping otters in Trapping District 3 in western Montana will close at midnight on Sunday, April 10, 2005. 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.mt.
(Hunting - April 08, 2005)

Prospective bowhunters should consider attending an intensive two-day Bowhunter Education course in Glasgow on Friday and Saturday, April 29 and 30.
(Headlines - April 07, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on an Environmental Assessment (EA) of a proposed introduction of sterile tiger muskies in Lake Elmo and Lake Josephine in Billings.
(Headlines - April 06, 2005)

In response to requests to improve the size and durability of Montana’s hunting and fishing licenses, flexible waterproof paper for all licenses purchased over-the-counter are available for spring turkey and bear hunting seasons.
(Headlines - April 06, 2005)

People who wish to participate in April 9's field trip to view strutting sage grouse should call FWP's Glasgow office
(Headlines - April 05, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold the second in a series of work sessions Thursday, April 7 in Helena that are aimed at developing a compensation program to pay for livestock damages caused by wolves. Under Montana's wolf conservation and management plan, FWP is expected to help create workable compensation and/or insurance programs.   Incentives for landowners who employ techniques intended to reduce wolf depredation also will be discussed.
(Hunting - April 05, 2005)

Montana's spring turkey gobbler hunting season opens April 9 and extends to May 15 this year . Black bear hunting season opens April 15; be sure to purchase your black bear license by April 14. A new carcass tag for game species is a big improvement in terms of size and durability. Also: Comment on the Keyser wetland restoration project by April 12.
(Headlines - April 05, 2005)

Anglers fishing the Missouri River above Fort Peck Lake are encouraged to participate in a native-fish creel survey being conducted this spring.
(Headlines - April 05, 2005)

The winners have been selected for a local State-Fish Art competition sponsored by Snappy Sport Senter, Flathead Chapter of Trout Unlimited and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Students grades 4 through 12 submitted artwork and written compositions on the Montana state fish, the cutthroat trout. The entries were judged by local arts Allen Jimmerson, Alan Richter and art restoration expert Joe Abbrescia. There were almost 100 entries spanning from Plains to Eureka.
(Headlines - April 05, 2005)

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)