The public is invited to meet the five candidates for the position of Montana State Parks Administrator in Helena on Monday, Feb. 6 at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks headquarters building, 1420 East Sixth Ave., beginning at 6 p.m. Each candidate will have 30 minutes to present his vision for the future of Montana's State Parks and to answer questions. The candidates and when they will speak are: 6 p.m.
(Parks - January 31, 2006)

Thirty-nine bighorn sheep captured in the Missouri River Breaks in January were released at sites in North Dakota and Wyoming.
(Headlines - January 31, 2006)

The deadline for applying for a permit to float the Smith River in central Montana is fast approaching.
(Headlines - January 31, 2006)

Great Falls first bowhunter education course for this year has been set.
(Headlines - January 31, 2006)

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, January 31, 2006. The closure notice for the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the districts combined had been met.   For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 30, 2006)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold a series of public meetings as the first step in developing rules that would govern the commercial use of lands and waters managed by FWP. The Kalispell meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 2 at the FWP office on 490 North Meridian Road.
(Headlines - January 30, 2006)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 3 will hold its first-ever Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting on Thursday, February 2, 2006 beginning at 6 p.m. at the FWP Region 3 Headquarters in Bozeman (1400 S. 19th Avenue). The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. The meeting is scheduled to adjourn at 9:30 p.m.
(Headlines - January 30, 2006)

A trapper education class will be offered in Missoula, Sunday, Feb. 12 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Missoula Fish, Wildlife & Parks office, 3201 Spurgin Road.
(Headlines - January 26, 2006)

They may not have classrooms or retirement plans, but a group of southeastern Montana educators have accumulated a combined 115 years of teaching experience. They’re local Hunter and Bowhunter Education instructors, and what makes their service even more remarkable is that every hour of teaching has been voluntary. Together, they have taught thousands of southeastern Montana youth about gun safety, the subtleties and challenges of bowhunting, hunter ethics and behavior.
(Education - January 25, 2006)

Fish, Wildlife and Park officials are seeking public comment on a proposal to expand the visitor center parking lot and build a new maintenance garage at Ulm Pishkun State Park.
(Headlines - January 25, 2006)

A free screening of the wildlife film “Back from the Brink, Montana’s Wildlife Legacy” will be shown at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, 2006 at the Willson Auditorium in Bozeman.
(Headlines - January 24, 2006)

Though avalanche danger may be rated as low, considerable or extreme, depending on the snow conditions, an avalanche can happen at any time. In the past few weeks, two Minnesota snowmobile riders died in separate snow slides in the Absaroka Range, and a near miss occurred involving three snowmobile riders near Wolverine Lake in the Whitefish Range.
(Headlines - January 20, 2006)

Fans of the Smith River float have until Feb. 15 to submit their applications. The Smith River float annually attracts about 3,500 applicants for approximately 700 float permits. This float is so popular that many floaters apply year after year for the opportunity.
(Parks - January 20, 2006)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on a tentative 2006-2007 annual rule on prairie dog shooting that is unchanged from prairie dog regulations in effect 2002-2005.
(Hunting - January 20, 2006)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on two fishing contests.
(Fishing - January 20, 2006)

Montana’s Future Fisheries review panel will meet in Helena, on Thursday, Jan. 26, at 8:30 a.m., at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena, 1420 East Sixth Ave. At the meeting, panel members will discuss 20 project applications requesting about $432,000 in program funding.
(Fishing - January 20, 2006)

The 2005 waterfowl hunting seasons are now closed.
(Hunting - January 20, 2006)

For most Montanans, wildlife viewing can be the highlight of the day, a bonus for living here. Last year about 2,000 Montanans made tax-deductible contributions that raised about $25,000 to help support wildlife viewing opportunities in the state.
(Headlines - January 20, 2006)

Early results from fall testing show no sign of CWD in Montana's deer and elk herds. "Though there is no sign of the disease in the state's wild, free-ranging herds, the disease has turned up nearby in Utah, South Dakota, Wyoming and Saskatchewan and Alberta," said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Jeff Hagener.
(Headlines - January 20, 2006)

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 opportunity to sharpen her outdoor skills in an enjoyable and supportive environment?
(Headlines - January 20, 2006)

State and federal investigators have decided not to file charges against a nonresident hunter who shot a charging grizzly Oct 27, 2005, in the Scapegoat Wilderness along the Rocky Mountain Front.
(Headlines - January 17, 2006)

The hunting of female mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 318 and 350, in portions of Jefferson and Silver Bow counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, January 18, 2006. The closure notice for 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 fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 17, 2006)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will reopen the bison hunt in the Gardiner (Eagle Creek/Bear Creek) area beginning one half hour before sunrise on Monday, January 16, 2006.
(Headlines - January 14, 2006)

The dates for the spring hunter education course in Great Falls have been set.
(Headlines - January 13, 2006)

An increase in vandalism at state parks and fishing access sites last year in north central Montana has officials asking for help.
(Headlines - January 13, 2006)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will reopen the bison hunt in the West Yellowstone area beginning one half hour before sunrise on Saturday, January 14, 2006.
(Headlines - January 13, 2006)

Montana’s Future Fisheries review panel will meet in Helena, on Thursday, Jan. 26, at 8:30 a.m., at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks in Helena, 1420 East Sixth Ave. At the meeting, panel members will discuss 20 project applications requesting about $432,000 in program funding. The Future Fisheries review panel evaluates lake and stream restoration proposals and recommends projects to the FWP Commission for funding.
(Headlines - January 13, 2006)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on two fishing contests. * The Broadwater County Lions ice fishing derby set for January 21 and 22 is now proposed for February 25 and 26 due to ice conditions.   * The Tiber Walleye Tournament is proposed for the open water season on June 10 and 11 on Tiber Reservoir. Participants in these derbies must comply with state fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits.
(Headlines - January 13, 2006)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on a tentative 2006-2007 annual rule on prairie dog shooting that is unchanged from prairie dog regulations in effect 2002-2005.
(Headlines - January 13, 2006)

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 opportunity to sharpen her outdoor skills in an enjoyable and supportive environment?    FWP is offering a winter workshop, “Winter BOW in the Snow,” Feb. 10-12 at the University of Montana’s Lubrecht Forest, 30 miles east of Missoula off U.S. Highway 200.
(Headlines - January 13, 2006)

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet in Helena Jan. 18 at the FWP headquarters, 1420 East 6 th Ave., beginning at 9 a.m.    The FWP Commission will take final action on a fee increase for non-tribal members who hunt and fish under the State Tribal Agreement on the Flathead Reservation. The increase was recommended by the Flathead Reservation Fish & Wildlife Board to support resource management.
(Headlines - January 12, 2006)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will close the bison hunt in the northern boundary area (Eagle Creek/Bear Creek) beginning one half hour after sunset on Thursday, January 12, 2006.
(Headlines - January 12, 2006)

Fourteen bison fell through the ice on the north end of Hebgen Lake today during hazing operations and all but two of the animals were pulled from the water alive by state and federal workers.
(Headlines - January 12, 2006)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Veterinary Services are extending the public comment period by 30 days for a draft environmental assessment for Phases II and III of a Bison Quarantine Feasibility Study.
(Headlines - January 11, 2006)

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 Thursday, January 12, 2006.    The closure notice for 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 - January 11, 2006)

                      A proposal for the 2006 hunting season would expand deer hunting north of Great Falls.             “There are lots of deer in four hunting districts north of Great Falls,” says Gary Olson, Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologist. “Too many deer.
(Headlines - January 10, 2006)

The hunting of bison in the West Yellowstone portion of the Bison Hunting district, as described in the legal descriptions, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, January 11, 2006. The first Montana bison hunt in fifteen years began on November 15, 2005.   Hunters harvested nineteen bison in the first hunting period, which was scheduled to end January 15, 2006.   The second period which begins January 16 and runs through February 15, 2006.
(Hunting - January 10, 2006)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will close the bison hunt in the West Yellowstone area beginning one half hour after sunset on Wednesday, January 11, 2006.
(Headlines - January 10, 2006)

The hunting of all mountain lions in northwestern Montana Hunting District 109, which includes portions of Lincoln County, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, January 10, 2006. The closure notice for 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 - January 10, 2006)

Several state, federal and private groups will meet in Helena on Wednesday, Jan.11 to discuss Montana's recently completed Comprehensive Fish and Wildlife Conservation Strategy. The 600-page document is Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks's contribution to a national effort to help secure long-term federal funding needed to conserve and manage hundreds of species that fall in the conservation gap between the state's major game animals and those that are threatened or endangered.
(Comprehensive Fish & Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CFWCS) - January 10, 2006)

Fish, Wildlife and Parks will seek public comment at a January meeting in Great Falls on commercial use of FWP lands.
(Headlines - January 10, 2006)

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 Thursday, January 12, 2006. 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 10, 2006)

A free screening of the wildlife film “Back from the Brink, Montana’s Wildlife Legacy” will be shown at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2006 at the Mother Lode Theater in Butte.
(Headlines - January 09, 2006)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP), in cooperation with local landowners, is in the process of setting up a limited late season elk game damage hunt in a small portion of HD 328 located approximately 23 miles west of Clark Canyon Reservoir.
(Headlines - January 09, 2006)

According to FWP game warden, Nathan Reiner, several unresolved game violations occurred in Region 7 during the recent big game hunting season. Reiner needs the public to assist with information so these game violations can be addressed.
(Hunting - January 09, 2006)

National snowmobile accident reports show that riders most at risk are those who go too fast, ride in the dark, ride on ice-covered water bodies or ride intoxicated. In Montana, avalanches are another significant risk. "The smart rider avoids alcohol and rides at a safe speed, but that isn't enough to protect a rider in Montana. They really need to know snow and learn about avalanches and how they are triggered," said Ray Paige, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks trails program specialist.
(Headlines - January 06, 2006)

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 the approximately 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 is how to apply: * Online applications are available on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.
(Parks - January 06, 2006)

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 opportunity to sharpen her outdoor skills in an enjoyable and supportive environment?    FWP is offering a winter workshop, “Winter BOW in the Snow,” Feb. 10-12 at the University of Montana’s Lubrecht Forest, 30 miles east of Missoula off U.S. Highway 200.
(Headlines - January 06, 2006)

A fur handling workshop will be offered in Deer Lodge, Saturday, Jan. 7   beginning at 9 a.m. The workshop, sponsored by the Montana Trappers Association, will offer information and demonstrations on fur handling safety, ethics and techniques. There is no charge for the workshop, and no age limitations on participants.   The class will be held at Spark & Arc Welding, 604 Mitchell St.   To register, contact Ed Hebbe III, at 406-846-2304.
(Hunting - January 06, 2006)

The Private Land/Public Wildlife Council will meet Jan. 24 – 25 in Billings to discuss hunting and fishing access issues. The council will meet at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center, 1223 Mullowney Lane, Jan. 24 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Jan. 25 from 8 a.m. to noon. The public is invited to observe the meeting, and to participate during a public comment period at 4 p.m. on Jan. 24.
(Headlines - January 06, 2006)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a proposed ice fishing derby to raise funds to help rebuild Fort Peck Reservoir's Hell Creek Marina, which was destroyed by fire last year. Comments on the proposed ice fishing derby will be taken until Jan. 20. The proposed contest would be sponsored by Trophy Fishing and Friends on Feb. 4, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and held on Hell Creek Bay near the burned Hell Creek Marina site, 26 miles north of Jordan.
(Headlines - January 06, 2006)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will hold the annual northwest Montana hearing on the 2006 tentative hunting regulations at the West Coast Hotel in Kalispell (formerly Cavanaughs), Kalispell Center Mall, on Saturday, January 14, 2006. FWP Commissioner Vic Workman of Whitefish notes that this is the main formal Commission hearing for collecting public comment from hunters across Region 1.
(Headlines - January 06, 2006)

Five Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks employees in FWP Region 2 and one area private conservationist have been recognized by FWP for their contributions in enhancing and protecting the natural resources of Montana.
(Headlines - January 06, 2006)

The hunting of all female mountain lions in Montana hunting district 314, which includes portions of Gallatin and Park counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, January 7, 2006. The closure notice for 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 - January 06, 2006)

The hunting of all mountain lions in northwestern Montana Hunting District 124, which includes portions of Sanders County, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Friday, January 6, 2006. The closure notice for 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 - January 05, 2006)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 321 and 332, which include portions of Beaverhead, Silver Bow, and Deer Lodge counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Friday, January 6, 2005. The closure notice for the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the districts combined had been met.   For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 05, 2006)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are reporting a possible wolf mortality in the remote backcountry of the Madison Range.
(Headlines - January 04, 2006)

A fur handling workshop will be offered in Deer Lodge, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2006 beginning at 9:00 a.m.
(Headlines - January 03, 2006)

Montana boaters will need to have two new decals on their motorboats, sailboats or personal watercraft before launching this year.
(Headlines - January 03, 2006)

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 Wednesday, January 4, 2006.   The closure notice for 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 fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 03, 2006)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 319 and 341, in portions of Silver Bow and Deer Lodge counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, January 4, 2006. The closure notice for 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 - January 03, 2006)

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 Thursday, January 5, 2006.             Wolverine Management Unit 1 includes all of Trapping Districts 1 & 2 and a portion of 4.
(Hunting - January 03, 2006)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for trapping otters in Trapping District 1 in northwestern Montana will close at midnight on the evening of Thursday, January 5, 2006. The district includes portions of Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Lewis and Clark, Missoula, Powell, Sanders and Silverbow counties. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 03, 2006)

The first two of four public meetings to discuss 2006 big-game regulations are scheduled for Havre on Jan. 11 and Malta on Jan. 12.
(Headlines - January 03, 2006)

Post-season hunters are encouraged to check Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' website for the latest information on game-damage hunts.
(Headlines - January 03, 2006)

The first meeting of the newly formed Region 7, FWP Citizen Advisory Council is scheduled to occur on Tuesday, January 17, 2006. The meeting will officially run from 7-9 pm at the regional headquarters conference room in Miles City. The FWP regional office is located at the west end of Miles City.
(Headlines - January 03, 2006)

Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Region 7, has scheduled two meetings to provide the public the opportunity to comment on proposed changes to the 2006 hunting seasons in southeastern Montana.
(Hunting - January 03, 2006)