A spring hunter education class has been scheduled for the Miles City area March 17th and 18th. A registration night is planned for March 6th.
(Education - February 01, 2007)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for trapping and shooting of bobcats in Trapping District 2 in western Montana will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, January 31, 2007. The district includes portions of Deer Lodge, Granite, Lewis and Clark, Mineral, Missoula, Powell and Ravalli counties. For more information visit FWP's web site at fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 29, 2007)

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 Wednesday, January 31, 2007. 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 29, 2007)

Fans of the popular Smith River float have until Feb. 15 to submit their permit applications. The Smith River float annually attracts about 4,500 applicants for about 900 float permits. Applications can be submitted over the Internet for a nominal transaction fee, in person or through traditional mail. Here are details: *        To apply on-line go to the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov to Online Licensing.
(Headlines - January 26, 2007)

It is the time of year when the ice on Montana's lakes and reservoirs tempts winter anglers to try their hand at ice fishing.  But when it comes to ice, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials say it pays to be cautious.  Even as ice firms up, it tends to melt as temperatures fluctuate. That means ice that was safe one day can put you in danger the next.   Whatever the weather, it’s best to test ice before venturing onto it.
(Fishing - January 26, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking volunteers to serve on its statewide boating advisory committee.   Committee members are needed to represent northwestern Montana, the Billings area, and eastern Montana.   The boating advisory committee assists FWP in allocating funding to improve city, county, and FWP managed motorboat facilities. The funding, about $450,000 every two years, comes from motorboat registration fees paid at the county level.
(Headlines - January 26, 2007)

The eighth annual youth trapper camp sponsored by the Montana Trappers Association, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Montana 4-H will be held June 8-10 in Beaver Creek Park south of Havre. Youngsters learn ethical trapping methods, trapping rules and regulations, trap setting and fur handling at the camp. Adults are encouraged to attend this family-oriented camp. The fee for the three-day camp is $40 per camper, including adults.
(Headlines - January 26, 2007)

Nonresidents who wish to apply for big game combination, elk combination or deer combination licenses for the fall of 2007 Montana hunting season can apply online or download applications at Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks web site at fwp.mt.gov.    Look under Hunting, and then click on Obtain a License. To request an application write to: Licensing Section; Montana FWP; P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701; or call 406-444-2950. The application deadline is March 15, 2007.
(Headlines - January 26, 2007)

Beginning Feb. 20 Montana's new 2007 hunting and fishing licenses will be available. But hold it—if you are an early bird and get your new license now, don't forget to hang onto your 2006 license until March 1. March 1 is when your new 2007 license goes into effect. Montana's 2006 hunting and fishing licenses expire Feb. 28.
(Headlines - January 26, 2007)

One small group of hunters—93 to be exact—is unique among Montana's hunters. They are licensed falconers and their hunting season continues until March 31. Falconry is the art and practice of hunting for wild quarry with a trained hawk or falcon. The sport is thousands of years old—those medieval images of the hooded raptor perched on a heavily gloved fist may come to mind.
(Headlines - January 25, 2007)

Fish, Wildlife & Parks has all the hunters needed to participate in this winter's management season for white-tailed deer in the Milk River Valley.
(Headlines - January 23, 2007)

Glasgow meeting will discuss energy, shooting range grants and FWP initiatives to recruit and retain young hunters
(Headlines - January 23, 2007)

Hands-on program will detail owl diet, behavior and ecology at Glasgow museum
(Headlines - January 23, 2007)

The hunting of male mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 200 and 201, which includes portions of Mineral, Sanders and Missoula counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, January 24, 2007. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest sub-quota for these districts had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - January 23, 2007)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for taking bobcats in Trapping District 4 in south central Montana will close at midnight on the evening of Sunday, January 21, 2007. The district includes portions of Hill, Glacier, Chouteau, Toole, Liberty, Pondera, Teton, Cascade, Lewis and Clark, Meagher, Judith Basin, Fergus, and Petroleum counties. For more information visit FWP's web site at fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 19, 2007)

The hunting of female mountain lions in southcentral Montana hunting district 510, which includes portions of Carbon County, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, January 20, 2007. The order stopping the hunt came shortly after 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 19, 2007)

Students will have three opportunities to take a Bowhunter Education class in Missoula this February. Students can elect to take a Saturday class Feb. 3, 10 or 17 from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at the Missoula Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) office, 3201 Spurgin Road. Students taking one of these classes must also complete a half-day field course set for Saturday, March 3.
(Headlines - January 19, 2007)

The hunting of female mountain lions in southcentral Montana hunting district 511, which includes portions of Wheatland, Fergus and Golden Valley counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, January 18, 2007. The closure notice for the hunt came shortly after 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 17, 2007)

The hunting of all mountain lions in Montana hunting district 301, which includes portions of Gallatin and Park counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Monday, January 15, 2007. 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 website at fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 16, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Region 7 in Miles City will present “Poaching, Enough is Enough” at Miles Community College, Room 316 on January 30th at 7 pm. The program is free and the public is invited. Region 7 warden Todd Anderson will make the presentation.
(Hunting - January 16, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public comment on a proposal to purchase a perpetual conservation easement on the 2,292-acre Bird Creek Ranch, four miles north of Cascade along the Missouri River.
(Headlines - January 16, 2007)

Governor Brian Schweitzer announced two new appointments to the Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, replacing FWP Commissioners John Brenden of Scobey and Tim Mulligan of Whitehall whose terms expired. The new FWP Commissioners are: Dan Vermillion, Livingston - Vermillion is the vice president and co-owner of Sweetwater Travel Company in Livingston and is the founder and developer of Taimen Conservation Fund in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. He worked as an attorney in Billings for close to a
(Headlines - January 12, 2007)

Montana’s Future Fisheries review panel will meet in Helena, on Thursday, Jan. 25, at 8:30 a.m., in room 112 of the old Helena Armory at 1100 North Last Chance Gulch. At the meeting, panel members will discuss 23 project applications requesting about $830,000 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 12, 2007)

In winter most outdoor enthusiasts ski, ice fish, snowshoe, snowmobile ride, or sled. But for some 5,000 river-runners it is time to apply for a permit to float the Smith River, located in the Smith River valley near White Sulphur Springs. "Floating the Smith is one of Montana's finest experiences," said Tina Huffsmith of Helena. Huffsmith has made the trip eight times and knows what it's like to wake up on the river in May with snow sliding off of her tent.
(Headlines - January 12, 2007)

Entering the drawing for a permit to float the Smith River is only the first step. Preparation and planning are critical to an enjoyable and safe trip. The most common words of advice from veteran Smith River floaters are "be prepared for anything."   Smith River rangers have rescued floaters following freak snowstorms in June, and other groups have floated the river in May with temperatures in the 80's and sun every day.
(Headlines - January 12, 2007)

The hunting of male mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 202 and 203, which includes portions of Mineral and Missoula counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, January 13, 2007. The closure notice for the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest sub-quota for these districts combined had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 12, 2007)

Ice fishing turns angling into a year-round sport. The safest ice anglers are those who are particular about their ice and who fish on water bodies they are familiar with. Dressing to help prevent frostbite and hypothermia is essential, as is a basic knowledge of ice safety and ice rescue. The old timers seem to be the most respectful of the ice.
(Headlines - January 12, 2007)

MONTANA NEIGHBOR AWARD NOMINATIONS SOUGHT   Do you know a landowner who is an outstanding neighbor?   Someone who takes good care of the land for production and wildlife values, who enables neighborly recreational access, and is actively engaged in his or her community in working to solve problems? If so, the Montana Neighbor Awards® wants to hear about it and then give such   "good neighbors" the recognition they deserve.
(Headlines - January 11, 2007)

The hunting of all mountain lions in central Montana hunting districts 416, 446, 449, 452 and 454, which includes portions of Broadwater, Cascade, Meagher and Judith Basin counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, January 11, 2007. The order stopping 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 10, 2007)

State wildlife officials will not be conducting meetings this winter to discuss next fall’s big game hunting season. That’s because last year the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission moved deer and elk to a biennial (every other year) season setting process.
(Hunting - January 09, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is looking for nominations for individuals that exhibited exemplary behavior during the 2006 hunting season. Nominees will be eligible to receive the Outstanding Hunter Behavior award this winter or spring.
(Hunting - January 09, 2007)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 323, 324, 325 and 327, which include portions of Madison and Beaverhead counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, January 10, 2007.    The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the districts combined has been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at www.fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 09, 2007)

The hunting of male mountain lions in north-central Montana hunting districts 413 and 432, which includes portions of Cascade, Meagher and Judith Basin counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, January 9, 2007.   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 08, 2007)

The dates for the spring hunter education course in Great Falls have been set.
(Headlines - January 08, 2007)

The hunting of mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 210, which include portions of Missoula and Granite counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, January 9, 2007.   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 08, 2007)

Ice anglers age 14 and younger are encouraged to attend the annual winter fishing festival on Glasgow's Home Run Pond on Saturday, Jan. 13
(Headlines - January 08, 2007)

Management seasons are underway for antlerless elk in the Bear Paw Mountains and for antlerless mule deer on private land north of Chinook.
(Headlines - January 08, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is looking for nominations for individuals that exhibited exemplary behavior during the 2006 hunting season. Nominees will be eligible to receive the Outstanding Hunter Behavior award this spring.
(Headlines - January 08, 2007)

Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Region 2 will hold public meetings in January and February in Drummond, Helmville, Ovando, Philipsburg, Superior, Lincoln, Hamilton, Missoula, Seeley Lake, Anaconda and Deer Lodge to discuss hunting seasons for 2007 and beyond.
(Headlines - January 08, 2007)

Women interested in hunting upland game birds next fall are invited to attend a clinic March 9-10 in Great Falls to help prepare for the hunt. The clinic begins Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. and runs all day Saturday. Clinic participants will practice shotgun shooting, learn about different hunting dogs, learn how to identify upland birds and how to care for birds in the field.   At the end of the clinic participants will take part in a hunting experience.
(Headlines - January 05, 2007)

The Montana Discovery Foundation and the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Becoming an Outdoors Woman program are sponsoring a snowshoe class on Feb. 24 at the historic Forest Service Moose Creek cabin near Rimini.   "If you can walk, you can snowshoe," said Liz Lodman, FWP's Becoming an Outdoors Woman coordinator.   "This class will provide an opportunity to use snowshoes while exploring the surrounding forest.
(Headlines - January 05, 2007)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for taking bobcats in Trapping District 7 in southeastern Montana will close at midnight on the evening of Monday, January 8, 2007. The district includes portions of Bighorn, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Treasure, Yellowstone and Wibaux   counties. For more information visit FWP's web site at fwp.mt.
(Hunting - January 05, 2007)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for taking bobcats in Trapping District 7 in southeastern Montana will close at midnight on the evening of Monday, January 8, 2007.
(Hunting - January 04, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) will be hosting the first Volunteer Advisory Committee meeting for the Rosebud Battlefield State Park Management Plan on Wednesday, January 17, 2007.
(Parks - January 03, 2007)

The hunting of mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 300, 302, 328 and 329, in portions of Beaverhead County, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Sunday, December 31, 2006. The order halting the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for lions in the districts combined had been met.   For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - January 02, 2007)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 310, 311, 360, 361 and 362, which include portions of Gallatin, Madison, Jefferson and Broadwater counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Monday, January 1, 2007. 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 02, 2007)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting district 340, which include portions of Beaverhead, Madison, Jefferson and Silver Bow counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, January 3, 2007.    The order halting 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 02, 2007)

Hoping for additional harvest of antlerless white-tailed deer in the Milk River Valley, FWP has reopened its management season roster.
(Headlines - January 02, 2007)

The Region 7, Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Citizen Advisory Council is scheduled to meet in Miles City at the regional headquarters conference room on Wednesday, January 10, 2007.
(Inside FWP - January 02, 2007)

Fans of the popular 59-mile Smith River float can pick up applications beginning Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2007. More than 4,570 Smith River hopefuls applied for one of the 821 permits available last year. It was the most applications ever and marked a 17.8 percent jump in applications received in 2005. A typical Smith River float takes about four days. The float season usually runs from mid April thru July 4.
(Parks - January 02, 2007)