Elk populations in Montana have offered some excellent hunting opportunities the past couple of years, yet harvests have been lackluster in some areas.
(Hunting - September 30, 2005)

Deer populations in most of the state are thriving and numbers are recovering in northeastern Montana where a harsh winter two years ago knocked back populations.
(Hunting - September 30, 2005)

Big game hunters hold Montana’s vigorous moose population in high regard. This year 23,461 hunters applied to be in the drawing for a moose license—21,467 of them resident and 1,994 nonresident hunters.
(Hunting - September 30, 2005)

Montana’s first comprehensive assessment of its fish, wildlife, and habitats was submitted for federal approval this week.   The assessment is the state's contribution to a national effort to keep species from being listed under the federal Endangered Species Act, and its completion keeps Montana in line to receive federal funding to conserve species in need within its borders.
(Comprehensive Fish & Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CFWCS) - September 30, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced that about $235,000 in 2006 federal Land & Water Conservation Fund Program funding will be available to local, public outdoor recreation projects in 2006. Officials said cities, counties, school districts, conservation districts, Indian tribes, and other interested parties will receive a mailing with details on applying. The application deadline is Feb. 24, 2006.
(Parks - September 30, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently adopted a new rule that allows landowners to herd or haze game animals with aircraft in order to prevent crop or other damage to private property.
(Hunting - September 30, 2005)

Hunting with horses has provided some of my best and worst hunting experiences. If you are patient and hardy, you may want to give it a try.   Equines bring a new dimension to your hunting, but if you're prone to hurry or take shortcuts, a dream hunt can easily turn into a nightmare! If you aspire to hunt with horses, it is best to begin by planning a conservative hunt.
(Headlines - September 29, 2005)

This will be the last fishing report of the 2005 season, but that certainly doesn’t mean that the best of the fishing is over. Some of the year's best action happens in the fall, as lower water temperatures, shorter days, and the onset of winter brings out an aggressive nature in the fish.
(Fishing - September 29, 2005)

Deer and elk antlers seized in one of the biggest poaching cases in Montana history will be on display at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation in Missoula through the end of October. The multi-state investigation was initiated in 2001 when a game warden reported suspicious activity in the Seeley Lake area.
(Headlines - September 28, 2005)

Bear conflicts in the Missoula area have been lower than the past few summers, but a few recent reports of bears in yards and garbage cans reminds us that bears are still active and may wander into neighborhoods searching for food.
(Headlines - September 28, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials are seeking public comment on a proposed no wake zone in Georgetown Lake’s Stuart Mill Bay. The zone, introduced as part of a public petition and established as a proposed rule at the August FWP Commission meeting, would apply to 78 acres of the southeastern portion of the lake if adopted.
(Headlines - September 28, 2005)

Miles City Regional Office of Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking applicants from the public to fill several volunteer positions on the first-ever Region 7 Citizen Advisory Council (CAC). The council is being established to provide input and suggestions to the regional staff and to bring their community issues to the table.
(Inside FWP - September 27, 2005)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, hunting district 501-20, which includes portions of Carbon, Park and Stillwater counties, will be closed to all hunting of bighorn sheep, effective one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2005. The order halting the hunt came after the pre-established harvest quota for the district had been met.
(Hunting - September 27, 2005)

The deadline to submit an application for Montana's upcoming 90-day bison hunt is Friday, Sept. 30.
(Hunting - September 26, 2005)

The upcoming weather may not be comfortable for anglers, but it bodes well for fishing. As Montana slides into normal fall weather patterns, much cooler water temperatures will increase fish activity, and cloudy, possibly rainy weather may trigger hatches which will have fish looking to feed.
(Fishing - September 23, 2005)

Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will continue its tour of the state, meeting in northeastern Montana, Oct. 5-6.   So far this year, the commission held meetings and paid visits to Bozeman, Great Falls, and Billings.
(Headlines - September 23, 2005)

Montana's Hunting Heritage Week, the third full week in September, is set aside each year for Montanans to consider how hunting influences their quality of life.
(Hunting - September 22, 2005)

Black bear meat is highly nutritious and, believe it or not, you can make a flaky pie crust and some say predict the weather using bear grease. The meat is a dark and tightly grained with a slightly stringy texture and a relatively low fat content.
(Hunting - September 21, 2005)

About one out of every 20 or 25 black bear hunters bags a black bear each year. That is generally the easy part. Next the hunter has to skin the bear and get the hide off and the meat cooled, out of the woods and to the professionals.
(Hunting - September 21, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks urges black bear hunters to carefully read the 2005 black bear hunting regulations available at FWP offices, or on the Internet at fwp.mt.gov . Fall black bear hunting season runs Sept. 15 to Nov. 27 in Montana and black bear hunters needed to purchase their license by Aug. 31. The black bear hunting regulations provide important details on the season.
(Hunting - September 21, 2005)

This hunting season, hunters should be aware of a change in their hunting licenses. 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. With this improvement, the process of validating your tag immediately upon kill has also changed.
(Hunting - September 21, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on issues to be included in an environmental assessment to study effective game damage management, during and outside of the hunting seasons, within the borders of the former Teton-Spring Creek Bird Preserve near Choteau.
(Headlines - September 20, 2005)

At the start of the 2005 hunting season, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks again reminds hunters and recreationists to be bear aware when they head into the field.
(Headlines - September 20, 2005)

Pheasant hunting opportunities in the state are expected to be good, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials said. A mild winter and plenty of spring moisture resulted in excellent cover over most of the state and the young broods appeared to benefit. "Statewide pheasant numbers should be good with some improvement over last year in most areas.
(Hunting - September 16, 2005)

This fall promises some very good antelope hunting in most of Montana. Antelope populations are generally average or above average in size. Populations east of Malta and north of Glasgow are moving toward a slow recovery, after losses of 40 percent or more in some places during the harsh winter two years ago.
(Hunting - September 16, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service request that hunters report any sightings or signs of wolves.  A gray wolf is, on average 2.5 feet tall; 5-6 feet long; 70-120 pounds with a broad snout, round ears and fur ranging from gray, black or tan to white.
(Headlines - September 16, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comment on the 2006 Nonresident Combination hunting license tentative annual rule. The FWP Commission adopted the tentative rule at its Sept. 8 meeting.
(Hunting - September 16, 2005)

Region 7, Fish, Wildlife and Parks in partnership with Custer Rod and Gun Club, KATL, Miles City Star, Steadman’s ACE Hardware, Big Sky Car Wash and the Lube Center’s TLC Car Wash is offering hunters one free car wash for their hunting vehicle. Hunters heading to the field for the opener of the 2005 antelope rifle season (October 9th) have a free opportunity to remove potential noxious weed seeds that may be on their vehicle.
(Hunting - September 15, 2005)

Standing dead trees, or snags, may seem to be scraggly eyesores, of value only as firewood. But snags are important pieces of the natural world. Sparing some larger dead trees from the chain saw preserves habitat for a community of cavity-dwelling birds and other wildlife species.
(Comprehensive Fish & Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CFWCS) - September 15, 2005)

The afternoon fishing closure on the Jefferson River will be lifted beginning on Friday, September 16, 2005.
(Headlines - September 14, 2005)

Fall fishing can be some of the best of the year. Cooler air temperatures and great weather make for pleasant times on the water, and the bugs of summer are a distant memory. Also, with schools starting back up and hunting season underway, there is a noticeable drop in fishing pressure on many lakes and streams across the state.
(Fishing - September 09, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is reviewing state rules for game damage hunts and weapon restrictions for some hunting areas. "Some of these administrative rules need updating and others may need adjustments," said Gary Hammond, chief of FWP's game management bureau in Helena. "The old game-damage rules only allow hunters to take one elk in a season, but today hunters can take more than one elk in some areas.
(Headlines - September 09, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will consider on Oct.28 the repeal of the administrative rule of Montana that created the Teton-Spring Creek Bird Preserve near Choteau in 1923. The 2005 Legislature eliminated the Teton-Spring Creek Bird Preserve and its special archery season.
(Headlines - September 09, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission agreed today in Billings to establish a 90-day bison hunt to open this fall and include a large area of southwestern Montana. In January, the commission delayed the implementation of a 30-day bison hunt that was set to open near Gardiner on Jan. 15.
(Hunting - September 08, 2005)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission approved today a new 90-day hunting season for bison in southwestern Montana.      The commission authorized the sale of 25 either-sex bison licenses for use between Nov. 15 and Jan. 15, 2006; and 25 either-sex licenses for use between Jan. 16, 2006 and Feb. 15, 2006. In accordance with a new state law, a total of 16 of the licenses will be allotted to Montana's Indian Tribes.
(Hunting - September 08, 2005)

Long-time Gardiner Game Warden Randy Wuertz will retire from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks on September 15, 2005, after 26 years of outstanding service to the citizens of Montana.
(Enforcement - September 07, 2005)

Deer and Elk Archery                                                                          Sept. 3-Oct.
(Hunting - September 02, 2005)

Mourning Dove                                                 Sept. 1-Oct.
(Hunting - September 02, 2005)

Sage Grouse                  Sept. 1-Nov. 1 Sharp-tailed Grouse       Sept. 1-Jan. 1, 2006 Mountain Grouse            Sept. 1-Dec. 15 Partridge                        Sept. 1-Jan.
(Hunting - September 02, 2005)

Most upland game bird seasons begin Sept. 1, with the exception of ring-necked pheasants.   Pheasant hunting for Montana residents and nonresidents is Oct. 8-Jan. 1, 2006. The sage grouse season is Sept. 1-Nov. 1, the mountain grouse season is Sept. 1-Dec. 15 and the sharp-tailed grouse and partridge hunting season is Sept. 1-Jan. 1, 2006.
(Hunting - September 02, 2005)

Montana's upland game bird hunters appear to have a favorable season of hunting ahead. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials say grouse and pheasant hunting in the north central and eastern portions of the state are expected to be significantly improved over 2004. The season for most upland game bird species begins Sept. 1.
(Headlines - September 02, 2005)

Some Montana hunters are already afield. The archery season opens Sept. 3 and runs to Oct. 16. Other archery only antelope hunters were out beginning Aug. 14. These hunters hold a 900 series license to archery hunt antelope Aug. 14-Nov. 6 in any hunting district starting with 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Hunters had to apply for this unlimited, over the counter license before June 1. On Sept. 15, Montana's seasons to hunt fall black bear, moose, big horn sheep, mountain goats also begin.
(Hunting - September 02, 2005)

The 1,100 volunteers who teach Hunter Education would like to remind all hunters of the four basic rules of gun safety. * Always point the muzzle of your gun in a safe direction. * Always treat every gun as if it were loaded. * 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.
(Hunting - September 02, 2005)

Hunters are anxious to get out this time of year, whether they are archers or rifle hunters looking to scout out a new hunting spot. But the Montana outdoors is a busy place this time of year. Hunters are likely to encounter other recreationists, and may meet some challenges that demand that they be alert, considerate and ethical. Here are some examples: * Wildfire danger may be at its height in many areas, whether fire restrictions are in place or not.
(Hunting - September 02, 2005)

Montana sets aside a full weekend just for young duck hunters. The state's "Special Statewide Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend" is set for Sept 24-25.   The regular duck season opens on Oct. 1 statewide. Legally licensed hunters ages 12 through 15 may hunt ducks, geese, coots and mergansers on the special weekend, but must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult at least 18 years of age.
(Headlines - September 02, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks bear biologists say hunters need to take stpes to bear proof their hunt by thinking ahead about what they will do if they see a bear. The likelihood a hunter will encounter a bear is real and it may increase when a game animal is taken with a bow or rifle.   Here are precautions that will help to prevent potential conflicts between hunters and bears.
(Hunting - September 02, 2005)

Reporting violations observed in the field immediately is part of ethical hunting.   Montana’s 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668) call-in line is open 24 hours a day.   Callers can remain anonymous and may receive a cash award for their tip.   In past hunting seasons TIP-MONT has received many calls with useful information enabling FWP enforcement to better enforce Montana’s game laws and provide follow up on U.S. Forest Service violations.
(Hunting - September 02, 2005)

A Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks crew prospecting for small mammals made a landmark discovery earlier this month, documenting an animal previously unknown in Montana. The big short-tailed shrew, a voracious insect-eating predator that could easily fit in a shirt pocket, was discovered on a federal waterfowl production area northeast of Plentywood, about 90 miles farther south and 60 miles farther west than its previous known range in North Dakota.
(Comprehensive Fish & Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CFWCS) - September 02, 2005)

Women interested in learning advanced navigating skills using a map and compass are invited to attend a one-day clinic on Saturday, Oct. 1, 9 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. at the York Community Hall, 20 miles from Helena.  Participants will do field work in the surrounding Big Belt Mountains.
(Headlines - September 02, 2005)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on ice-fishing contests proposed for this winter. Participants may catch and keep fish entered in the contests, but must comply with state fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits. No holiday weekend contests are allowed and contests on the same body of water may not be held on consecutive weekends. Details on the proposed contests are listed below.
(Fishing - September 02, 2005)

Travelers' Rest State Park Travelers' Rest Bicentennial Sept. 8-11 A celebration to commemorate the 200 th anniversary of the first stop at Travelers' Rest by the Lewis and Clark Expedition will be hosted by the Travelers' Rest Preservation and Heritage Association and Montana State Parks.
(Headlines - September 02, 2005)

Hunter Education instructors have recently announced several fall classes to be held in Region 7 in the upcoming month. Colstrip, Miles City, Jordan and Terry will all be holding classes during the month of September. By state law, anyone born after January 1, 1985, must have completed the Hunter Education Course to buy a hunting license in Montana. The minimum age for hunting in Montana is 12. Hunter Education classes are free of charge and open to hunters and non-hunters alike. Parents must accompany
(Education - September 02, 2005)

The last official weekend of “summer” is here, but the fishing action is far from over. In fact, lower water temperatures resulting from the longer, colder nights will cause fishing action to pick up across mush of the state. Enjoy the long weekend, and make sure to leave some time for fishing with family and friends.
(Fishing - September 02, 2005)

A public meeting will be held at Miles Community College, Room 106 in Miles City on September 14, 2005 from 7pm-9pm to accept comment on management decisions that might be necessary should chronic wasting disease (CWD) be discovered in the state's wild deer and elk herds. (A previous news release listed a different location for the public meeting but the meeting has been moved to Miles Community College.)
(Hunting - September 01, 2005)

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet in Billings on Sept. 8 for a morning meeting and afternoon work session at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center, 1223 Mullowney Lane, beginning at 8 a.m.
(Headlines - September 01, 2005)

When scouting for a good place to hunt, most hunters know it is best to avoid the places others say are "hot," and to instead find their own sweet spot. Traditionally, scouting a hunting site and planning a hunt involved a lot of legwork. Today, some of that work can be done before ever setting foot on the land. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Internet hunting pages at fwp.mt.gov are one good place to begin.
(Hunting - September 01, 2005)