Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet in Helena June 9 at the FWP headquarters, 1420 East 6 th Ave at 8 a.m.
(Headlines - June 01, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has $250,000 in shooting range grant funds which will be awarded beginning July 1 on a first come, first served basis. FWP will accept applications from local governments, school districts, private shooting clubs and nonprofit organizations.
(Headlines - May 27, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently adopted a classification system regulating import of exotic wild species into Montana. The classification system helps meet requirements of a 2003 Montana law seeking to minimize potential risks to the health of humans and wildlife.
(Headlines - May 27, 2005)

Boaters in Montana can borrow life jackets for kids for free through a special loaner program developed by Montana’s Safe Kids Campaign, a project of Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies of Montana and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
(Fishing - May 27, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials remind hunters that June 1, the deadline to submit applications for deer B, elk A-9, and antelope licenses and special deer or elk permits, is only days away.
(Headlines - May 27, 2005)

People with good intentions are tempted each spring to remove newborn deer and elk from the wild.   This year, as part of Montana's effort to control the risk of spreading chronic wasting disease (CWD), taking a deer fawn or elk calf from the wild could prove to be fatal for the animal.
(Headlines - May 27, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Governor Brian Schweitzer announced the winners of the 16th annual Montana State Parks Poster Contest and recognized the winning students during a brief ceremony May 20 in the State Capitol building. "These young Montanans have artistic talent and equally important to me, a deep sense of the natural resources and beauty that make Montana the special place that it is," said Gov. Schweitzer.
(Parks - May 27, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking nominations for appointment to the Private Land/Public Wildlife Council. The council, appointed by Governor Brian Schweitzer, is made up of citizens representing the interests of hunters, anglers, landowners, and outfitters.
(Headlines - May 27, 2005)

The Private Land/Public Wildlife (PL/PW) Council will meet June 8 in Helena to review legislative and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks actions related to hunting and fishing access programs and to discuss issues.
(Hunting - May 27, 2005)

Crimes involving the state’s fish, wildlife and State Parks resources occur year round. "Whether it's hunting, fishing, or year-round recreation, TIP-MONT is the place to report outdoor violations," said Debbie Lewis, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks TIP-MONT coordinator. Montana’s popular TIP-MONT Program and hotline (1-800-847-6668) enlists outdoorsmen and -women in reporting crimes they observe, including those on U.S.
(Hunting - May 27, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission recently set tentative harvest quotas for the 2005-hunting season. The commission will accept comments through June 13, 2005. Comments may be submitted electonically or mailed in. Final quotas for deer, elk and upland game birds will be set at the July 7th Commission meeting and final antelope quotas will be set at the August 4th meeting.
(Hunting - May 26, 2005)

Havre-area game wardens are seeking information about the killing of two antelope bucks north of town
(Enforcement - May 25, 2005)

Anglers age 14 and younger are invited to attend a fishing festival on June 4 at Glasgow's Home Run Pond.
(Headlines - May 25, 2005)

A landowner recently shot and killed a wolf chasing livestock on private property near Hall, Montana, 50 miles southeast of Missoula. The shooting occurred on the morning of May 23, 2005.
(Headlines - May 24, 2005)

CATCH-AND-RELEASE FISHING ALLOWED ONLY AT INTAKE DAM THROUGH JUNE 30, 2005  With Montana's paddlefish harvest quota expected to be reached Tuesday, May 24, 2005, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission agreed today to close the 2005 paddlefish harvest season on the Yellowstone River and on the Missouri River below Fort Peck Dam on Tuesday , May 24, 2005 at 5 PM.
(Fishing - May 23, 2005)

The Interagency Northern Yellowstone Cooperative Wildlife Working Group completed its annual mule deer and bighorn sheep spring surveys between April 25 and 28, 2005.
(Headlines - May 23, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Governor Brian Schweitzer today announced the winners of the 16th annual Montana State Parks Poster Contest. The Governor recognized the winning students during a brief ceremony at the State Capital today. "These young Montanans have artistic talent and equally important to me, a deep sense of the natural resources and beauty that make Montana the special place that it is," said Gov. Schweitzer.
(Headlines - May 20, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is seeking public comment on a proposal to acquire approximately four acres of land for a Fishing Access Site (FAS) on the Little Blackfoot River west of the town of Avon.
(Fishing - May 19, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Montana Department of Livestock will hold a public meeting and discussion on Thursday, May 26, 2005 at the Ennis High School Gymnasium beginning at 7 p.m. to answer questions and address concerns about brucellosis in the Madison Elk Management Unit.
(Headlines - May 18, 2005)

A 13-year old male grizzly was captured west of Essex in the Pinnacle area near Highway 2 last Thursday by Grizzly Bear Management Specialist Tim Manley. In other bear news, a grizzly was killed in the Middle Fork drainage. The case is under investigation by state and federal law enforcement officer A handicapped fishing pier will be dedicated on the Ninepipes Family Fishing Pond at 8:45 am on Saturday, May 21.
(Headlines - May 18, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently set tentative upland game bird, deer, elk, antelope harvest quotas for the 2005 hunting season.   Comments will be accepted through June 13.
(Headlines - May 18, 2005)

Campers at Bear Paw Lake FAS south of Havre will help fund operation and maintenance of the facility through a new overnight fee.
(Headlines - May 17, 2005)

The Region 6 Citizens Advisory Council will meet Saturday, May 21 at the Fort Peck Interpretive Center
(Headlines - May 17, 2005)

BOZEMAN— The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission has adopted changes to the recreational use rules on the Beaverhead and Big Hole Rivers that will go into effect on June 16, 2005. The existing rules apply until that time.
(Fishing - May 17, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission has adopted changes to the recreational use rules on the Beaverhead and Big Hole Rivers that will go into effect on June 16, 2005. The existing rules apply until that time.
(Fishing - May 17, 2005)

An adult male grizzly bear was hit and killed by a vehicle on Highway 191 during the night of May 15, 2005. The incident occurred at mile marker 9.7 near Fir Ridge north of West Yellowstone, Montana.
(Headlines - May 17, 2005)

The hunting of all black bears in Hunting District 520, in portions of Park, Sweet Grass, Stillwater and Carbon counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, May 18, 2005.   In the Deer/Elk Hunting District 502 and 575 portion of Bear Management Unit 520 the season will remain open through May 31.        Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials said the harvest sub-quota was reached.
(Hunting - May 16, 2005)

Many newborn moose fail to survive the first year of life, though enough do to sustain Montana's healthy moose population and to provide opportunities for about 650 moose hunters a year. It is tough being a moose calf, because nature intends for predators to eat a large proportion of the newborns. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has conducted studies on moose ecology.
(Headlines - May 13, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials remind hunters that June 1 is the deadline to submit applications for deer B, elk A-9, and antelope licenses and special deer or elk permits.
(Hunting - May 13, 2005)

With the opening of fishing season on the state’s rivers and streams on May 21, it is time to explore the online Montana Fishing Guide at fwp.mt.gov under Fishing to plan the first trip of the season. The Fishing Guide offers angling and recreation information on hundreds of fishable waters in the state, including lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams.
(Fishing - May 13, 2005)

Black bear hunting season closes Sunday, 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.
(Hunting - May 13, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking landowners interested in releasing ring-necked pheasants in suitable habitats as part of Montana's Upland Game Bird Release Program. The program reimburses landowners who attempt to establish new pheasant populations on lands they open to reasonable public hunting.
(Hunting - May 13, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking grant proposals for projects to resolve human/wildlife conflicts in urban and suburban settings. Proposals are due in Helena by June 15. A maximum of $65,000 in project funding will be awarded in July.
(Headlines - May 13, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will recognize the Great Northern Historical Trail near Kalispell as Montana's Trail of the Year on June 4 as part of the state's celebration of National Trails Day. Events are planned across the state to celebrate National Trails Day and the theme "Take the path to a healthier you."
(Headlines - May 13, 2005)

The state's hunters and anglers can now help fund hunting and fishing access programs directly though voluntary, tax-deductible donations to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Foundation. The new program, modeled on similar programs in Wyoming and Idaho, was recommended by the Private Land/Public Wildlife Council. Donations will go to fund access projects through Block Management, Access Montana, and the Private Land Fishing Access Program.
(Headlines - May 13, 2005)

A working group of Montana citizens and agencies agreed this week on a general framework that seeks to help livestock operators avoid problems caused by wolves and to reimburse them when damages occur.
(Headlines - May 13, 2005)

The Dillon Area Sage Grouse Local Working Group will meet on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 at the Search and Rescue Building from 3-5:30 p.m.
(Headlines - May 09, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking landowners interested in releasing ring-necked pheasants in suitable habitats as part of Montana's Upland Game Bird Release Program. The program reimburses landowners who attempt to establish new pheasant populations on lands they open to reasonable public hunting.
(Hunting - May 06, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold a session Wednesday, May 11 in Helena 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.
(Headlines - May 06, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking grant proposals for projects that will address human/wildlife conflicts in urban and suburban settings. Proposals are due in Helena by June 15. A maximum of $65,000 in project funding will be awarded in July. FWP's "Living With Wildlife" program promotes the successful coexistence of people and wildlife. The program emphasizes local involvement, partnerships, and cost sharing on projects that prevent or reduce human/wildlife conflicts.
(Headlines - May 05, 2005)

Consecutive years of drought may help explain why Montana fishing license sales remain strong, while days spent angling are down, said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials. Anglers spent 2.7 million days fishing in Montana in 2003, down from an all time high in 1999 of 3.18 million days. In 2003, 37,218 more licenses were sold than in 1999.
(Fishing - May 04, 2005)

The hunting of all black bears in the Deer/Elk Hunting District 510 portion of Bear Management Unit 510, in portions of Carbon County, will close one-half hour after sunset on Friday, May 6, 2005.   The order halting the hunt came shortly after Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest sub-quota for the district had been met.
(Hunting - May 04, 2005)

Fishing diaries kept by more than 800 dedicated anglers who fish in Montana report that the five most commonly caught fish in the spring and summer are rainbow trout, brown trout, cutthroat trout, yellow perch and kokanee salmon.
(Fishing - May 04, 2005)

Anglers know that there are many reasons to fish, not the least of which is that special tranquility that comes only where quiet water flows in the great outdoors. Preserving this tranquility is why river etiquette is an important Montana code, one that is often passed down from parent to child.
(Fishing - May 04, 2005)

Large areas of Montana have experienced severe drought for five or more consecutive years. For angler's drought may mean dealing with emergency fishing regulations and closures on some rivers. "Unquestionably, where drought seriously reduces stream flow it puts stress on fish and stress on the anglers who look forward all winter to stream fishing," said Karen Zackheim, Montana Fish,Wildlife & Parks fisheries division bureau chief.
(Fishing - May 04, 2005)

A fish species that has survived for eons will be on anglers' minds – and hopefully lines – during the 2005 paddlefish season. Montana's paddlefish season runs from 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. The Missouri River both below and above Fort Peck Lake is open to paddlefish snagging year round.
(Headlines - May 04, 2005)

Last year's limited, experimental bull trout fishing season in northwestern Montana proved a success and will be continued in 2005. The 2004 bull trout season was the first since 1998 when the species was listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
(Fishing - May 04, 2005)

The Bull Trout Identification and Education Program, on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website, aims to reduce unintentional take of bull trout by improving anglers' trout identification skills.
(Fishing - May 04, 2005)

With the opening of fishing season on the state's rivers and streams on May 21, anglers are turning to the Montana Fishing Guide to plan that first outing. The Fishing Guide offers angling and recreation information on hundreds of fishable waters in the state, including lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams. Special sections cover emergency fishing restrictions, drought, fish stocking records, Montana fish records and more. The 2005 fishing regulations are also just a click away.
(Fishing - May 04, 2005)

A national wildlife conservation group recently recognized Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) for his support for state-based wildlife conservation that has funneled more than $4 million into Montana. The Teaming for Wildlife Coalition, based in Washington, D.C., honored the Montana senator in March for legislation related to State Wildlife Grants. The coalition, made up of more than 3,000 conservation groups nationwide, aims to prevent fish and wildlife species from becoming threatened or endangered.
(Comprehensive Fish & Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CFWCS) - May 04, 2005)

The Montana Wetland Council will present two awards for wetland conservation on Thursday, May 18, at 10 a.m. at the State Capitol in Helena. The public-sector award will go to Tom Hinz, Montana Wetland Legacy Coordinator for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.   The Legacy, a voluntary, incentive-based partnership set a five-year goal to conserve 250,000 acres of Montana's wetlands, riparian areas, and associated uplands.
(Headlines - May 04, 2005)

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet in Helena May 11-12 at the FWP headquarters, 1420 East 6 th Ave.
(Headlines - May 03, 2005)

The spring paddlefish season is about to begin. The season dates for the Yellowstone River (downstream from the mouth of the Big Horn River to the North Dakota state line, including Intake Fishing Access Site by Glendive, MT.) are May 15-June 30.
(Fishing - May 03, 2005)

Paddlefish give anglers a unique and unusual fishing opportunity each spring. The Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers support this unique and special fish. Anglers have an opportunity each spring from May 15-June 30 to catch a paddlefish. By following a few suggestions, anglers can make the paddlefishing experience a pleasant one for all involved.
(Fishing - May 03, 2005)

May 21, the 2005 general fishing season opener, is a special day for thousands of anglers itching to fish Montana's rivers and streams. The general fishing season traditionally opens on the third Saturday of May, while fishing on the state's lakes and reservoirs is generally open year round.
(Fishing - May 03, 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 Operations Bureau Chief Karen Zackheim. “The angler’s next stop will likely be the color-coded sections with specific regulations for each of Montana’s three fishing districts.
(Fishing - May 03, 2005)

"So many fishing lures, so little time," sighed Jim Vashro Vashro, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks fisheries manager in Kalispell, describes himself as a gear junkie with the tackle boxes to prove it. He says his new favorite is soft-sided and he'll bring it along on Saturday, May 21, the opening day of Montana's general fishing season.
(Fishing - May 03, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has taken the guesswork out of fishing with kids by designating certain ponds for youthful anglers and stocking them to help create positive angling experiences for youngsters. Here is a quick survey of a few prime children’s fishing ponds in the state. For a detailed list, check the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov under Fishing, or contact the nearest FWP regional office.
(Fishing - May 03, 2005)

Montana, Fish Wildlife & Parks bear specialists say that campers, hikers and anglers are very likely to see a bear sometime this spring and summer. Grizzly bears are gradually expanding into new areas and Montana has a healthy black bear population. Though a bear will generally avoid humans, if they learn food is available around people they may become bolder.
(Fishing - May 03, 2005)

Planning a fishing trip can be a fun learning experience before you even get to baiting the hook and reeling in dinner. With some adjustments for age, consider these ideas for helping a child get the most out of the next fishing trip.
(Fishing - May 03, 2005)

Nearly every angler in Montana has a favorite—often secret—fishing access site. “With 320 fishing access sites to choose from across the state, anglers enjoy good access to the state’s blue ribbon streams and rivers, lakes and reservoirs,” said Allan Kuser, FWP fishing access site coordinator.
(Fishing - May 03, 2005)

This year it is easier than ever to get the Montana State Lands permit anglers need for the new license year. A $2 state lands access fee is now included in the $6.25 price of the conservation license, replacing the $10 state lands recreational use license for hunting, fishing and trapping activities on state lands. Others planning to hike, watch birds and wildlife or otherwise recreate on state lands are still required to purchase a state lands recreational use license separately.
(Fishing - May 03, 2005)

Fishing without a license is the most common wildlife violation in Montana, with an average of 500 or more citations a year.   Probably equally common, but often unrecognized, is the violation of Montana’s "Daily and Possession Limits." "Twenty years ago everything, including the Fishing Regulations, was simpler," said John Ramsey, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks law enforcement program manager.
(Fishing - May 03, 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. Montana’s popular TIP-MONT Program and hotline (1-800-847-6668) enlists outdoorsmen and women in reporting crimes they observe, including those on U.S.
(Fishing - May 03, 2005)