This weekend will kick off National Fishing Week in Montana, and there are a number of fishing clinics and events happening around the state, including Great Falls, Billings, Bozeman, and Kalispell. Check your local newspaper for details, and be sure and visit one of these events.
(Fishing - June 01, 2006)
There will be a Kids Fishing Day at the Shady Lane Family Fishing Pond in Kalispell on June 3rd from 9 am to noon. The event is sponsored by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Sportsman and Ski Haus and the Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country.
There will be a Kids Fishing Day at the Shady Lane Family Fishing Pond in Kalispell on June 3rd from 9 am to noon. The event is sponsored by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Sportsman and Ski Haus and the Boys and Girls Club of Glacier Country.
(Headlines - May 31, 2006)
Two grizzly cubs of the year were killed May 25 on the Burlington Northern tracks just east of the Continental Divide at Marias Pass on the southern edge of Glacier Park.
(Headlines - May 31, 2006)
Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet in Helena June 8 at the FWP headquarters, 1420 East 6 th Ave at 8 a.m.
(Headlines - May 26, 2006)
If you plan to recreate near the water at a Montana State Park this summer, don't be surprised if you are asked to complete a visitor satisfaction survey. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will survey visitors this summer at Montana State Parks near Missoula, Helena, Billings and Miles City to gather information about how well parks services and facilities are meeting the needs of a growing number of visitors.
(Parks - May 26, 2006)
The June 1 deadline to apply for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' special drawings for deer, elk and antelope permits or licenses is looming. Applications must be postmarked by June 1, or received at an FWP office by 5 p.m. Online applications must also be completed by no later than June 1. Hunters feeling the crunch may want to apply online to meet the deadline and to receive instant confirmation that their application is accepted and accurate.
(Hunting - May 26, 2006)
As a reminder, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is offering a SuperTag lottery for bighorn sheep, elk, moose, deer and mountain goat licenses. Five lucky hunters will win a SuperTag license to hunt moose, sheep, goat, elk or deer in any hunting district in Montana – including Montana's legendary trophy districts.
(Headlines - May 26, 2006)
The 13th annual "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" workshop, sponsored by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, will be held July 14-16 at the Luccock Park Camp near Livingston. The hands-on workshop will offer opportunities to build a survival shelter, cast a fly rod, learn to shoot a rifle and cook up a Dutch-oven treat. New this year are classes on Leave No Trace outdoor ethics, how to be safe in bear country, and shooting a bow and arrow.
(Headlines - May 26, 2006)
Warm water fishing enthusiasts range from retirees fishing the state's reservoirs for walleye and northern pike, to youngsters angling for crappie or perch from the shores of a community pond. Now these anglers, their friends and relatives, can support projects that improve Montana’s warm water fisheries and habitats by contributing to the Warm Water Fisheries and Habitat Enhancement Fund.
(Fishing - May 26, 2006)
With the opening of the general stream-fishing season on Saturday, May 20, it is time to organize your tackle box and crack open an important book—the new 2006 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.
(Fishing - May 26, 2006)
Montana's fisheries managers say some fish are lost during catch and release fishing due to the way the angler handles the fish and for how long, the type of fishing gear used, whether the fish is removed from the water or not, and the water temperature.
(Fishing - May 26, 2006)
Wolves that become increasingly bold or familiar over time, or ones that begin closing the distance they keep from humans, should be reported to the nearest FWP regional office. Despite being federally protected, the Endangered Species Act contains a provision that anyone can kill a wolf in self-defense, or in defense of others, when there is imminent danger. Report any close encounters to FWP within 24 hours.
(Wild Things - May 26, 2006)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, requests that those recreating in the outdoors report any sightings or signs of wolves.
(Wild Things - May 26, 2006)
Wolves are an established species on the Montana landscape, but not all gray wolves are the same in the eyes of the law. Though the state manages wolves, wolves also continue to be federally protected under the Endangered Species Act. Different federal regulations apply in the northern and southern portions of Montana when resolving human safety and livestock issues.
(Wild Things - May 26, 2006)
This is a brief synopsis of fishing conditions and reports from select waters across the state.
(Fishing - May 26, 2006)
Don Schlegelmilch has endured sleet, gale-force winds and scorching sun, sometimes all in the same day, to help keep walleye in Montana’s lakes. Schlegelmilch, a retired airline pilot from Laurel, is one of nearly 100 volunteers who assist Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks with the annual walleye egg collection campaign on Fort Peck Lake in northeastern Montana.
(Headlines - May 25, 2006)
With Montana's paddlefish harvest quota expected to be reached Saturday, May 27, 2006, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission agreed today to close the 2006 paddlefish harvest season on the Yellowstone River and on the Missouri River below Fort Peck Dam on Saturday, May 27, 2006 at 11 PM.
CATCH-AND-RELEASE FISHING WILL BE ALLOWED ONLY AT INTAKE DAM THROUGH JUNE 30, 2006.
(Fishing - May 25, 2006)
The hunting of all black bears in the Hunting District 520, which include portions of Park, Sweet Grass, Stillwater and Carbon counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on Friday, May 26, 2006, except for the portion which lies within Deer/Elk Hunting District 502 and 575. In the Deer/Elk Hunting District 502 and 575 portion of Bear Management Unit 520, the season will remain open through May 31.
(Hunting - May 24, 2006)
With a recent report of a cow moose and her calf sighted near the Billings airport, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is reminding people that encounters with wildlife can occur, even in urban areas.
In addition to the moose, a bear in Lockwood and a mountain lion with yearling kittens along Alkali Creek have been reported in the past week. A hunter shot the bear in Lockwood and FWP wardens searched for the mountain lions without success.
(Headlines - May 23, 2006)
Anglers and boaters heading to the Tongue River Reservoir for the Memorial Day weekend will find lots of people and intense competition for the available camping locations. There are campsites available below the dam for those looking to get away from the crowd. All facilities are up and running except for the RV dump station and the fish cleaning station.
(Parks - May 23, 2006)
The last two Great Falls area bowhunter education courses this year have been set. One course will take place in Ulm, the other in Great Falls.
(Headlines - May 19, 2006)
Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on tentative deer, elk, and antelope quotas and upland game bird seasons.
(Headlines - May 19, 2006)
High water conditions along the Bitterroot River prompted Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials to close Woodside Bridge and Bell Crossing Fishing Access Sites and portions of Florence Bridge FAS today.
(Headlines - May 18, 2006)
The Region 7, Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Citizen Advisory Council is scheduled to meet in Miles City at the FWP regional headquarters on June 7, 2006.
(Education - May 18, 2006)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold a series of public meetings in June to review proposed new rules for game-damage hunts.
(Hunting - May 17, 2006)
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is asking for the public’s help with the investigation of a mule deer doe and two fawns poached last week on the Mill Creek Highway ten miles southeast of Anaconda.
(Headlines - May 16, 2006)
Nine sheep were confirmed killed by a wolf-like canid near Richey
(Headlines - May 15, 2006)
Usually the spring migration of the common loon to northwestern Montana is a phenomena that is virtually impossible to observe, but this year is different. Four loons captured on Flathead Lake by a biologist from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribe were implanted with transmitters last fall and have been tracked by satellite since they left Montana last November to migrate south.
(Headlines - May 12, 2006)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking grant proposals for projects that will address conflicts among people and wildlife in urban and suburban locations. Proposals are due in Helena by June 15.
(Headlines - May 12, 2006)
The Private Land/Public Wildlife Council will meet May 31 – June 1 at the Rich Ranch near Seeley Lake to discuss hunting and fishing access issues.
(Hunting - May 12, 2006)
The third Saturday in May, May 20, is the 2006 general fishing season opener. That makes it a special day for thousands of anglers itching to fish Montana’s rivers and streams.
(Fishing - May 12, 2006)
Black bear hunting season closes Monday, 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 12, 2006)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials reminds hunters that applications for special permits or licenses for deer, elk and antelope must be postmarked by June 1, or received at an FWP office by 5 p.m. Online applications must also be completed by no later than June 1.
(Hunting - May 12, 2006)
An environmental assessment proposing the translocation of white-tailed prairie dogs now living along a stretch of Highway 72 slated for construction this summer has been released by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for public comment.
(Headlines - May 12, 2006)
Just a reminder that the wildlife management areas in north central Montana are closed until May 15. And the most popular, the Sun River WMA, doesn’t open until noon on May 15.
(Headlines - May 12, 2006)
North central Montana’s 11th annual fishing day for youngsters has been set for Saturday, June 3. The activities will run from 9 a.m. to noon at Wadsworth Pond on the west side of Great Falls.
(Headlines - May 12, 2006)
The hunting of all black bears in the Hunting District 510 portion of Bear Management Unit 510, which include portions of Carbon, Big Horn and Yellowstone counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on Monday, May 15, 2006.
(Hunting - May 12, 2006)
Nine domestic sheep were confirmed killed by a wolf or wolf-like canid in far northwest Dawson County, state wildlife officials said today. Over 100 sheep in eight different incidents were injured or killed by a suspected wolf or wolf-dog hybrid in the tri-county area since December 31, 2005.
(Wild Things - May 11, 2006)
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will hold two public meetings to discuss the 2005 bison hunt. The first will be in West Yellowstone at the Holiday Inn SunSpree on May 16 and the second in Gardiner at the Community Center on May 18. Both meetings will be held from 6 to 8 p.m.
(Headlines - May 11, 2006)
Beginning on June 1, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will restrict vehicle access to the Four Corners Fishing Access Site for the second time in four years due to chronic, excessive, and illegal garbage dumping. The popular fishing access site is located on the West Gallatin River approximately three miles east of Manhattan off Dry Creek Road.
(Headlines - May 11, 2006)
The bushy-tailed woodrat, better known as a pack rat in Montana, has a public relations problem. The pack rat's secretive, eccentric life-style isolates it from most of the negative fallout from this problem, but not from the eyes of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists who assess the current health of habitats and lesser-known species under Montana's Comprehensive Fish and Wildlife Conservation Strategy.
(Headlines - May 11, 2006)
Region 7, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has implemented an angler creel census at the Tongue River Reservoir. The census began May 1, 2006 and will end in a year, April 30, 2007. A FWP creel clerk seeking information will be a common event for the folks fishing in the reservoir. A check station will be set up on weekends, holidays and some weekdays.
(Fishing - May 10, 2006)
Montana wildlife officials say they're prepared to contribute to the national effort to detect the possible arrival of the highly virulent strain bird flu that could be brought to North America via migrating waterfowl. "We'll begin Montana's wild bird surveillance efforts in late July," said Mark Atkinson, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' wildlife veterinarian in Bozeman.
(Headlines - May 10, 2006)
It may be time to think fishing, but anglers need to remember that many small streams remain closed until May 20, the third Saturday in May.
(Headlines - May 09, 2006)
Concern over the possible spread of whirling disease into Giant Springs state trout hatchery has led the hatchery manager to close public access to the outside raceways where young trout are raised.
(Headlines - May 09, 2006)
The number one thing to keep in mind this spring as grizzly and black bears wake up all over Montana is to make sure we keep them wild, said Jamie Jonkel, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks bear manager in Missoula.
(Headlines - May 09, 2006)
Archery Center of Montana and several sportsmen and conservation groups recently donated money to help Missoula area schools enroll in the National Archery in the Schools Program. NASP is a national effort to teach target archery to students in grades 4-12.
(Headlines - May 09, 2006)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host a clean-up day and dedication May 20 to commemorate the recent addition of approximately 160 acres to the Blue-eyed Nellie Wildlife Management Area west of Anaconda.
(Headlines - May 09, 2006)
1876 Use of explosives to kill fish is outlawed. 1895 The first Fish and Game Commission in Montana is established. 1928 The Fish and Game Commission establishes a daily limit of 40 fish. 1939 The Fish and Game Commission reduces the limit for trout to15 fish. 1947 The first fish biologist is hired.
(Fishing - May 08, 2006)
Montana residents make up about 53 percent of the state's fishing license buyers. About 33 percent of all adult Montanans buy fishing licenses annually. A recent survey shows that nonresidents account for about 30 percent of the fishing in the state, and Montanans account for the remaining 70 percent. July sees the most angling action, with almost 540,000 angler days or 20 percent of the year's angling. Only two percent of angling occurs in November.
(Fishing - May 08, 2006)
With the opening of the general stream-fishing season on Saturday, May 20, it is time to organize your tackle box and crack an important book—the new 2006 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 Montana fishing regulations cover topics important to warm water and cold water anglers in a handy, small-sized format.
(Fishing - May 08, 2006)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 2006 fishing regulation book is packed with useful information on things legal, conservation-minded, and just fun to do.
(Fishing - May 08, 2006)
Warm water fishing enthusiasts range from retirees fishing the state's reservoirs for walleye and northern pike, to youngsters angling for crappie or perch from the shores of a community pond. Now these anglers, their friends and relatives, can support projects that improve Montana's warm water fisheries and habitats by contributing to the Warm Water Fisheries and Habitat Enhancement Fund.
(Fishing - May 08, 2006)
Montana's fisheries managers say some fish are lost during catch and release fishing due to the way the angler handles the fish and for how long, the type of fishing gear used, whether the fish is removed from the water or not, and the water temperature. Catch and release has been popular with conservation-minded anglers for decades. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks first used it as a fisheries management tool on the Madison River in 1978.
(Headlines - May 08, 2006)
Anglers concerned about the impact of catch and release fishing on a fishery may take two voluntary measures that will notably reduce losses: avoid catch and release fishing when water temperatures are high or water levels are especially low, and; avoid catching and releasing more than the daily limit of fish set on the water you are fishing. Here are some additional tips.
(Fishing - May 08, 2006)
Grade school students in some Montana classrooms are learning about the state's fish this spring by working elbow to elbow with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists. Since 2000, more than 1,000 students participating in the "Adopt-A-Fish" program have used the Internet to observe the movements of westslope cutthroat trout, northern pike, suckers and other fish species. Fish-sized radio transmitters are surgically implanted and the fish are then monitored using radio telemetry.
(Fishing - May 08, 2006)
Montana's Adopt-A-Fish program offers grade school children rare glimpses into the world of the fisheries biologist and the fish they study. Thousands of youngsters, through the Adopt-A-Fish program, have observed fish being tracked as part of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks fisheries research across the state in the Blackfoot and Clark Fork rivers, the Sun River, and on the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers.
(Fishing - May 08, 2006)
A fish species that has survived for eons will be on anglers' minds - and hopefully lines - during the 2006 paddlefish season. Montana's paddlefish season runs until 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 above Fort Peck Lake is open to paddlefish snagging year round. Downstream from Fort Peck dam is open year round unless closed by FWP.
(Fishing - May 08, 2006)
If you don't fish, you may not have heard of the paddlefish and that would be a shame. Whether you are an angler or not, the remarkable, prehistoric paddlefish is of interest. Though it wasn't added to Montana's list of game fish until 1963, fossil records show paddlefish have lived in Montana for millions of years. And they still sport that "before recorded time" look. The paddlefish skeleton is mostly made of cartilage, and they have smooth skin and a large bill or paddle.
(Fishing - May 08, 2006)
Planning a fishing trip can be a fun learning experience before you ever get to the point of baiting the hook and reeling in dinner. With some adjustments for age, consider these ways of helping your child get the most out of the next fishing trip. First, the license. You can buy fishing licenses at an FWP regional office, an outdoor sporting goods store that provides licenses—or on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov under Online Services.
(Fishing - May 08, 2006)
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 08, 2006)
Fifteen years ago, several thousand grayling would jam into the Rogers Lake inlet in Flathead County during the annual spring spawning rites. They thrashed like miniature sailfish with their distinctive fan-like dorsal fins flashing brilliant turquoise and salmon-colored streaks. Once, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks hatchery workers, with just a few scoops of the net, were able to gather enough fish to supply eggs for Montana's entire grayling planting program.
(Fishing - May 08, 2006)
At least 20 percent of illegal fish introductions documented by FWP have occurred in the past 10 years. In total there have been more than 500 unauthorized fish introductions in 284 waters across the state, involving 49 species of fish.
(Fishing - May 08, 2006)
Anglers need to be aware that aquatic diseases and nuisance species can easily spread from one water body to the other. Whirling disease, New Zealand mud snails, Eurasian water milfoil and zebra mussels are just a few of the destructive, aggressive invaders looking for a ride to a new lake, river or stream. Anglers, boaters and their equipment easily transport these pests. It takes only one mistake to infest a new area.
(Fishing - May 08, 2006)
"When hunting season ends, many people think calls to TIP-MONT stop, but the TIP-MONT hotline is available year round to protect our natural resources," 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 involving the state’s fish, wildlife and State Parks resources and U.S. Forest Service lands and facilities.
(Fishing - May 08, 2006)
Fish, Wildlife & Parks is offering a third annual series of special fishing days for anglers with disabilities, health concerns or children with other special needs.
(Headlines - May 03, 2006)
A hunter education class for women is scheduled to begin May 10th at the Missoula Fish, Wildlife & Parks office.
(Headlines - May 03, 2006)
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ Trails Program staff will provide a two-hour training session in Missoula May 11 to assist those applying for Recreational Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Program grants. The training will begin at 7 p.m. at the Fish, Wildlife & Parks office, 3201 Spurgin Road.
(Headlines - May 03, 2006)
Boat owners gearing up for the 2006 season are reminded they need to have two new decals on their motorboats, sailboats or personal watercraft before launching.
(Headlines - May 03, 2006)
Mike Thompson, a 25-year veteran of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, was recently named wildlife manager for the agency’s administrative Region 2, west-central Montana.
(Headlines - May 03, 2006)
Boaters heading out this spring should assess the condition of their boat, check to be certain they are equipped for the colder, early boating season and make sure they have the required life jackets.
(Headlines - May 03, 2006)
Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet May 11 in Whitefish at the Grouse Mountain Lodge beginning at 8 a.m. The FWP Commission will make final decisions on a new FAS at Black Bridge on the Yellowstone River near Glendive, and on whether to reissue nonresident deer combination licenses split from Big Game Combination licenses. The FWP Commission will make tentative decisions on the 2006 deer, elk and antelope quotas; and the 2006 upland game bird season.
(Headlines - May 03, 2006)
Boat owners are already preparing for the 2006 season and that includes getting the proper decals on their vessel before launching. Sailboats 12 feet long and longer, all motorboats, and all personal watercraft must be registered, numbered, and display the proper decals.
(Headlines - May 01, 2006)
Glasgow will host its Feather Fest on June 2-5 in conjunction with the annual meeting of Montana Audubon
(Headlines - May 01, 2006)
The Region 6 Citizens Advisory Council will meet Saturday, May 13 at the Fort Peck Hatchery to discuss hatchery funding, elk issues and FWP's cooperation with Farm Bill programs
(Headlines - May 01, 2006)
All recreationists, even gopher shooters, must obtain landowner permission before shooting on private land.
(Headlines - May 01, 2006)
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