With the general stream-fishing season open, anglers are planning a summer's worth of fishing trips. Those plans should include a review of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 2007 fishing regulations for regulation changes. "New or changed regulations are displayed in bold italics to make it easier to identify them," said FWP Fisheries Operations Bureau Chief Karen Zackheim.
(Headlines - June 01, 2007)
As Montanan's prepare for a summer in the great outdoors, they can learn about Montana's black and grizzly bears by visiting the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Be Bear Aware web pages. "New on FWP's Bear Aware web pages are photos and streaming video of bears in action," said Ron Aasheim, FWP Communications and Education division administrator. Aasheim said the images are fun to browse, and a good way to learn about bear behavior, body language and movement.
(Headlines - June 01, 2007)
FWP reminds those planning commercial activities on sites managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks that commercial-use permits are now required. Examples of commercial uses include guided angling and whitewater rafting, guided walks and tours, guided trail rides and commercial filming. Permits for these and other commercial activities help manage commercial uses on FWP-managed lands.
(Headlines - June 01, 2007)
Governor Brian Schweitzer and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are seeking nominations for citizens who wish to be considered for appointment to the Private Land/Public Wildlife (PL/PW) Council. The council, appointed by Gov. Schweitzer, is made up of citizens representing the interests of hunters, anglers, landowners, and outfitters. Members work to address issues related to hunting and fishing access and the management of Montana’s public wildlife resources.
(Headlines - June 01, 2007)
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 Kalispell, Whitefish and at Tongue River Reservoir State Park in southeastern Montana to gather information about how well these parks are meeting the needs of visitors.
(Headlines - June 01, 2007)
Montana State Parks annually offer a rich selection of summer learning experiences including storytelling, demonstrations, and history. For a full list of events scheduled at Montana State Parks this summer, please visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks web site at fwp.mt.gov on the Parks and Recreation page. Here are some examples of upcoming events. Great Falls of the Missouri River Park Ranger Hour Giant Springs State Park June 8 at 1 p.m.
(Parks - June 01, 2007)
Montana's landscape wouldn't be the same without the mule deer that populate the state's flat sage-brush prairie lands of the east, rugged mountains and low riparian zones of the west and almost everywhere in-between. Montana's mule deer and white-tailed deer are considered "New World" deer, a group that some believe may have evolved about 5 million years ago in the forests of North America and Siberia. "Old World" deer evolved in Asia. There are about 34 species of deer worldwide.
(Headlines - June 01, 2007)
This is a brief synopsis of fishing conditions and reports from select waters across the state. For more detailed information, contact a fly shop, bait store, or boat marina for the particular water. For detailed information on river flows, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=flow Catch-and-release has been popular with conservation-minded anglers for decades.
(Fishing - June 01, 2007)
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is seeking landowners in Region 7 (Southeastern, MT.) who are interested in participating in the Block Management Program.
(Hunting - May 31, 2007)
The Custer County Hunter Education class for June 2007 has been scheduled. This will be a two-day class and students must attend the registration and both day classes to graduate.
(Education - May 31, 2007)
A landowner, under the authority of a Shoot-On-Site (SOS) permit, has killed one wolf, completing the control action that was authorized by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) after last week’s confirmed depredation of one calf on the property south of Big Timber.
(Headlines - May 30, 2007)
A calf was confirmed killed by a wolf south of Big Timber today, prompting Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) to authorize the removal of one wolf in an effort to halt further depredations.
The depredation took place in the Moccasin Lake pack’s territory. Based on evidence at the depredation site and recent intensive monitoring by FWP and others, FWP authorized USDA Wildlife Services to remove one wolf and a permit was issued to the landowner where the depredation occurred.
(Headlines - May 29, 2007)
A number of kids fishing days have been scheduled in northwest Montana to give young anglers an opportunity to fish and participate in fishing related activities
(Headlines - May 25, 2007)
Registration for the Bowhunter Education Course for the Whitefish area is now open.
(Headlines - May 25, 2007)
To support Crow and other Native American culture and arts, a number of cultural workshops will be held at Chief Plenty Coups State Park this summer as part of the Roaring Thunder series. The first workshop will be drum making on June 9 and 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the park followed by a beadwork workshop on June 16th.
(Headlines - May 25, 2007)
Four wolves were lethally removed from the Madison Valley after three calves were confirmed killed on private land in April and May.
(Headlines - May 25, 2007)
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is extending public comment on a proposed acquisition through donation of 22 acres of privately owned land adjacent to the existing Wing Dam Fishing Access Site, located approximately 1.7 miles downstream of Cascade on the Missouri River at river mile 2,166 .
(Headlines - May 25, 2007)
This is a brief synopsis of fishing conditions and reports from select waters across the state. For more detailed information, contact a fly shop, bait store, or boat marina for the particular water. For detailed information on river flows, visit: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mt/nwis/current?type=flow Opening day.
(Fishing - May 25, 2007)
Grizzly Bear Management Specialist Tim Manley captured a 2-1/2 year old male grizzly near the town of Swan Lake on Friday night.
(Headlines - May 24, 2007)
Registration for the Bowhunter Education Course for the Bigfork area is now open.
(Headlines - May 24, 2007)
The Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife Board will meet at the Natural Resources Department Conference Building on 316 1st Street in Polson on Thursday, May, 24 beginning at 6:00 p.m.
(Headlines - May 24, 2007)
The final bowhunter education course for 2007 in Great Falls has been set. The course will start with registration 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., June 19, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., June 20-22, at the Great Falls’ Fish, Wildlife and Parks office, 4600 Giant Springs Road. Classes will be 6-9 p.m., June 27 and 28, and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., June 30, at the FWP office. For the first time this year, bowhunter education students 18 and older can opt to take a portion of the course over the Internet.
(Headlines - May 24, 2007)
Great Falls 12 th annual fishing day for youngsters will take place 9 a.m. to noon, June 2, at Wadsworth Pond on the west side of town. As in past years, the Great Falls chapter of Walleyes Unlimited will give away 800 free rod and reel outfits to youngsters who complete a series of educational stations. The stations are fish identification, fly tying, knot tying, and casting. Again this year, if a child brings a rod and reel, the youngster will receive a free tackle box with tackle.
(Headlines - May 24, 2007)
The calls have started already. Someone has found, rescued or saved a baby animal. Surely, it must be orphaned. What to do? The answer from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks rarely varies: Leave the animal alone. First, wild animals are not human babies. In the wild, many are born, many die and a few make it to adulthood. In some bird species, as many as 50 percent of the young do not live one year. That may sound harsh, but it is the way of nature.
(Headlines - May 24, 2007)
The next deadline Montana hunters need to keep in mind is June 1. The first of June marks the last day hunters can apply for elk, deer and antelope special licenses and permits. Resident and non-resident permit applications are available at license agents and regional FWP offices. Or anyone can apply on-line by going to https://app.mt.
(Headlines - May 24, 2007)
Look but don’t adopt is the rule to follow when encountering fawns and other young wildlife this spring. Leave the area as quickly and quietly as possible, leaving space for the parent to return to its young.
(Headlines - May 24, 2007)
Two University of Montana students have teamed up with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) to raise awareness about bear activity on and around campus.
(Headlines - May 24, 2007)
Governor Brian Schweitzer and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are seeking nominations for citizens who wish to be considered for appointment to the Private Land/Public Wildlife (PL/PW) Council. The council, appointed by Governor Schweitzer, is made up of citizens representing the interests of hunters, anglers, landowners, and outfitters. Members work to address issues related to hunting and fishing access and the management of Montana’s public wildlife resources.
(Headlines - May 23, 2007)
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking comment on tentatively approved hunting harvest quotas for the upcoming deer, elk and antelope seasons and for upland game bird limits. Most big game harvest quotas and upland game bird bag limits are similar to those in effect last year. The tentatively approved sage grouse bag limit, however, is set at three for 2007. The sage grouse bag limit was four last season.
(Headlines - May 23, 2007)
The current high water levels at the Tongue River Reservoir have reduced the number of campsites available for the public to use over the Memorial Day weekend. Recent rains have softened the ground and muddy conditions are present.
(Parks - May 23, 2007)
A mountain lion was killed in the eastern area of Lockwood in response to a call to law enforcement after a homeowner spotted the animal in a tree. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks dispatched the young male mountain lion at the scene.
(Headlines - May 22, 2007)
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is seeking landowners in Region 5 who are interested in participating in Block Management. Block Management is a cooperative effort between landowners, public land management agencies, and FWP to help manage public hunting activities and provide equitable hunting opportunities.
(Headlines - May 22, 2007)
In celebration of National Trails Day June 2, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will present the city of Three Forks' Headwaters Trail System with its Montana’s Trail of the Year award. The six-mile trail runs between Missouri Headwaters State Park and the town of Three Forks. The establishment of the Missouri Headwaters Trail is the result of a six-year cooperative effort made possible through a number of grants between the Three Forks and FWP.
(Parks - May 22, 2007)
Calves were confirmed killed by wolves in two separate incidents recently in southwest Montana.
(Headlines - May 21, 2007)
Comments will be accepted through June 1 on a number of statewide and regionally specific fishing regulations for the 2008-2011 fishing seasons.
(Headlines - May 21, 2007)
Mild winters have boosted deer and elk herds across Region 6, and FWP proposes significant antlerless hunting opportunities to reduce the surplus.
(Headlines - May 21, 2007)
Fish, Wildlife and Parks is participating in a voluntary recall of hatchery fish food that may contain melamine, the same substance behind a massive national pet food recall. The Canadian maker of the food notified FWP officials in early May that recent testing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found a “very low level” of melamine in one batch of feed, some of which was sold to five FWP hatcheries.
(Headlines - May 18, 2007)
Cities, towns and counties can now apply to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for grants of up to $35,000 for improvements at motorboat recreation facilities. A total of $150,000 in grant money is available. Funds are available to construct or improve public motorboat facilities throughout Montana. Typical projects include boat ramps, launching facilities, on-site latrines, boat trailer parking areas, boating facility access roads, boat docks, and facility improvements for disabled motor boat users.
(Headlines - May 18, 2007)
The Mile High Back Country Horsemen recently developed a checklist specifically for horseback riders who enjoy using public trails. "Some studies suggest that equine use on trails does little to spread noxious weeds, but let's not become complacent in our efforts to insure that we are not part of the problem," said Charlie O'Leary, chairman of the Butte/Silverbow County Commission and a MHBCH member.
(Headlines - May 18, 2007)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks requests that those recreating in the outdoors report any sightings or signs of wolves. A gray wolf is, on average, 2.5 feet tall, 5-6 feet long, and 70-120 pounds with a broad snout, round ears and fur ranging from gray, black or white. To report wolves or wolf sign, contact the nearest FWP office , or go to FWP’s Wolf Observation Report web page. To report a dead wolf, or possible illegal activity, contact the U.S.
(Headlines - May 18, 2007)
Montana hunters aiming for a full freezer this fall will be able to buy a license in some areas to hunt antlerless elk and forego the purchase of a general elk license. In addition, resident hunters seeking A-9 antlerless elk licenses through Montana's annual special drawings, and nonresidents similarly seeking B-12 antlerless elk licenses, no longer need to first purchase a general elk license. A current Montana conservation license is now the only prerequisite license needed to apply.
(Headlines - May 18, 2007)
The Private Land/Public Wildlife Council will meet June 5-6 in Helena at the Red Lion Colonial Hotel, at 2301 Colonial Drive, to discuss hunting and fishing access issues. The council will meet from 1– 5 p.m. on June 5, and on June 6 from 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
(Headlines - May 18, 2007)
The 14th annual "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" workshop, sponsored by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, will be held June 29 – July 1 at the Lubrecht Experimental Forest near Missoula. The hands-on workshop will offer opportunities to build a survival shelter, cast a fly rod, learn rock-climbing techniques, learn to shoot a rifle and cook up a Dutch-oven treat.
(Education - May 18, 2007)
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on tentative revisions to the rules for the annual SuperTag license lottery. The proposed revisions would add one wild buffalo, one antelope and one mountain lion hunting license to the SuperTag license lottery.
(Headlines - May 18, 2007)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and representatives from Utah and Idaho, recently received the Regional Forester's Honor Award in Partnership from the U.S. Forest Service. USFS Regional Forester Tom Tidwell presented the award to FWP's Habitat Bureau Chief Steve Knapp for success with the Forest Legacy program during a ceremony recently in Missoula.
(Headlines - May 18, 2007)
Your dream hunt is possible—a $5 SuperTag chance may put it within your reach. Purchasing a SuperTag chance enters you into the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' SuperTag drawing to hunt a moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, elk or deer in any hunting district in Montana, including Montana’s legendary trophy districts. Later in 2007, three new hunts may be added—for mountain lion, antelope and bison.
(Hunting - May 18, 2007)
With Montana's paddlefish harvest quota expected to be reached, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission agreed today to close the 2007 paddlefish harvest season on the Yellowstone River and the Missouri River below Fort Peck Dam on Saturday, May 19, 2007, at 9 p.m.
(Fishing - May 18, 2007)
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission decided Thursday to open Montana’s 2007 general antelope hunting season on Oct. 7, a week earlier than the date listed in Montana's big game hunting regulations. In Montana, the general antelope season opener is set by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission policy for the second Sunday in October.
(Headlines - May 18, 2007)
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in cooperation with the Ekalaka Chamber of Commerce and Custer Country are planning a formal celebration to recognize the 50th anniversary of Medicine Rocks State Park at Noon on Saturday, June 2, 2007 at the park.
(Parks - May 17, 2007)
Pictograph Cave State Park will kick off a series of summer programs at the park on Saturday, May 26th, with “Wild Bird Identification.” The program, presented by the Yellowstone Valley Audubon Society, will begin at 8:30 a.m. Included in the presentation will be a discussion about the Montana Birding Trail project.
(Headlines - May 17, 2007)
The bow hunter education course originally scheduled for the week of June 11th has now been converted into a weekend course. The new dates for the class are June 15th through the 17th. Registration will still be held on Monday, June 4.
(Headlines - May 17, 2007)
The 2007 Mountain Lakes Guide, containing information on high country lakes in the Absaroka-Beartooth and Crazy Mountains, is now available on Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks’ (FWP) Web site. The guide is a collection of data from the more than 300 lakes in the area that contain fish.
(Headlines - May 17, 2007)
Montana's Living With Wildlife projects promote the coexistence of people and wildlife. In one case, a simple idea grew into a series of resource books that are attracting attention from around the world, including Africa, Sri Lanka, Russia, France and Germany. This year's Living With Wildlife grant proposals are due June 15. It began when Patti Sowka moved to Montana from Arizona.
(Headlines - May 17, 2007)
Better fishing is the aim of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' effort to encourage anglers to comment early on a list of issues that could result in changes to the 2008-2011 fishing regulations. "All anglers are invited to offer their thoughts on improving Montana’s fishing regulations," said Don Skaar, the new chief of FWP’s fisheries management bureau.
(Fishing - May 17, 2007)
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.
(Fishing - May 17, 2007)
The popular Greycliff Fishing Access Site on the lower Madison River will re-open to overnight camping beginning on May 25, 2007.
(Headlines - May 16, 2007)
There are footprints and then there are footprints. While most people know their shoe size, many may not think about the footprint they leave in the outdoors, especially when recreating around water. Our outdoor footprint is measured by the impact of our activities.
(Fishing - May 16, 2007)
Montana’s popular TIP-MONT Program and hotline at 1-800-847-6668 enlists outdoorsmen and women in reporting outdoor crimes involving the state’s fish, wildlife and State Parks resources and U.S. Forest Service lands and facilities. Vandalism in particular is a difficult crime to follow-up on without a witness. Tips from TIP-MONT callers with specific information and first-hand observations can help Montana game wardens stop these costly crimes.
(Fishing - May 16, 2007)
Every sport has a vocabulary of its own, and those who use it are immediate insiders. Angling is no different. No one wants to be clueless when the guy whose fish you're admiring says, "Yep, I hooked that big boy near the thalweg." Insiders know the thalweg is the main thread of a stream current. To gain a rep on the river you need to take your game to the next level—biologist speak. Here is a vocabulary guide to sounding like an insider.
(Fishing - May 16, 2007)
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 16, 2007)
Montana's native fish are one of the state's aquatic "treasures." Westslope cutthroat trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, the threatened bull trout, Arctic grayling, sauger and several other native fish species are considered "species of special concern" by the state due to population declines, reduced distribution, the shrinking of traditional habitats and other factors.
(Fishing - May 16, 2007)
Many mysteries remain in the natural world. What species of fish inhabit Montana's prairie streams, is one mystery that is partially solved. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is moving into the final year of a comprehensive five-year survey, the first of its kind, of eastern Montana's prairie waters. Biologists and technicians have sampled a majority of prairie streams and documented the native fish and prairie reptile and amphibian species found there.
(Fishing - May 16, 2007)
Angling opportunities in the Upper Clark Fork Basin near Butte are limited. Since the late 1800s mine tailings and other concentrated metals and mine waste made their way into Silver Bow Creek until it could no longer support life, or even stream bank vegetation. In 1983, the Environmental Protection Agency listed the Silver Bow Creek/Butte area as one of several Superfund sites in the Upper Clark Fork River Basin. Silver Bow Creek runs from Butte north about 23 miles to the Warm Springs Ponds.
(Fishing - May 16, 2007)
Restoration of westslope cutthroat trout to their traditional habitat in north central Montana is becoming a reality as a result of a partnership between Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and U.S. Forest Service biologists. The westslope cutthroat trout is one of two subspecies of cutthroat trout found in Montana—the other is the Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The cutthroat trout is the Montana state fish, and a state species of special concern.
(Fishing - May 16, 2007)
Montana has more than 53,000 miles of streams and rivers that flow year round, 117,000 miles of intermittent streams, and hundreds of thousands of acres of lakes, reservoirs and ponds. These waters are home to more than 90 species of fish, 56 of them native species. Cold-water rivers and streams offer anglers wild rainbow trout, cutthroat trout and brown trout to name only a few species. Eastern Montana's large prairie rivers offer paddlefish, catfish and sauger.
(Fishing - May 16, 2007)
With the opening of the general stream-fishing season on Saturday, May 19, it is time to organize your tackle box and pick up a copy of the new 2007 fishing regulations. "New or changed regulations are displayed in bold italics to make it easier to identify them," said FWP Fisheries Operations Bureau Chief Karen Zackheim. One new statewide regulation passed by the 2007 Montana Legislature, effective immediately statewide, is not in the regulations book.
(Fishing - May 16, 2007)
While there are some important changes anglers will want to ferret out of the new 2007 Montana fishing regulations book, one thing never changes and that is the need for good fishing etiquette. Here are some etiquette basics. * Be aware that boat access areas can be busy places; you may wish to fish in a location that is less congested. * Do not encroach on another angler's space.
(Fishing - May 16, 2007)
The most important thing you can do for young wildlife is to leave the animals in their natural environment.
(Headlines - May 16, 2007)
FWP reminds residents of northwest Montana that bears activity is picking up.
(Headlines - May 16, 2007)
The 14th annual Fishing Without Barriers Day will be held on Flathead Lake on Thursday, June 21.
(Headlines - May 16, 2007)
Better fishing is the aim of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' effort to encourage anglers to comment early on a list of issues that could result in changes to the 2008-2011 fishing regulations.
(Headlines - May 16, 2007)
A wolf was killed this morning west of McLeod in the West Boulder drainage. The action came after a calf was confirmed injured on May 10. Evidence at the depredation site indicates that this radio-collared male wolf was likely traveling alone and Wildlife Services was authorized to remove it.
(Headlines - May 15, 2007)
When it comes to fish and wildlife, sometimes it’s the small critters that provide the biggest surprises. State fisheries workers have just completed a report on the distribution and population of burbot and adult stonecats in the Missouri River from Holter Dam to Great Falls. The report details findings from a two-year study in March of 2005 and 2006.
(Headlines - May 14, 2007)
Recent warm weather has many anglers itching to drown a worm or try out a winter’s worth of fly tying. Before venturing forth, however, it pays to remember that many small streams and creeks remain closed to fishing until May 19. In Montana lakes and reservoirs remain open year round to fishing, as do many rivers. For exceptions check the fishing regulations. Small streams are closed to fishing from Nov. 30 through the third Saturday in May, which this year is May 19.
(Headlines - May 14, 2007)
A group of disabled war veterans floated the Smith River for free recently, courtesy of a Helena outfitter and Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Five veterans with disabilities from service in Iraq and Afghanistan floated the Smith River May 10-14 in north central Montana. They were guests of Mike Geary of Lewis and Clark Expeditions. Because of the Smith River’s popularity, floaters either have to use the services of an outfitter or apply for a permit, which can be hard to come by.
(Headlines - May 14, 2007)
Now is the time for all good anglers to come to the aid of their sport. Fish, Wildlife and Parks is asking all Montana anglers to offer their thoughts on changing and improving the state’s proposed fishing regulations for 2008 – 2011. Comments are due to FWP by June 1. In August, tentative regulations will be available for additional review and comment. The FWP commission will review the final regulations at its Oct. 25 meeting.
(Headlines - May 14, 2007)
A Montana man was cited recently for mistakenly killing a male grizzly bear May 5 in the Dunham Creek drainage, north of the town of Ovando. After realizing he had misidentified the grizzly as a black bear, the man reported the incident to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP).
(Headlines - May 14, 2007)
The Glasgow Hunter Education course scheduled for the week of May 14 has been postponed to the week of May 21
(Headlines - May 14, 2007)
All area youth age 14 and younger are invited to a free fishing festival on June 2 at Glasgow's Home Run Pond
(Headlines - May 14, 2007)
FWP staff and volunteers collected more than 82 million eggs over the past month on Fort Peck Reservoir, enough to stock Montana's recreational walleye fisheries
(Headlines - May 14, 2007)
Each spring newborn wildlife start off with the chance to live their entire lives in open and wild spaces. For too many times this chance is cut short when well-meaning people "help" nature out.
(Wild Things - May 11, 2007)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is proposing to introduce native westslope cutthroat trout to Elkhorn Creek, a tributary of the Gallatin River, near Big Sky.
(Headlines - May 10, 2007)
The Montana Trappers Association (District 3) and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will conduct a trapper education course on Saturday, May 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the FWP Butte Area Resource Office.
(Headlines - May 10, 2007)
The Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers support a unique and ancient species of fish that provide a special and unusual fishing opportunity in the spring. Anglers have an opportunity from May 15-June 30 to catch a paddlefish in the Yellowstone and Missouri River systems.
(Fishing - May 10, 2007)
Better fishing is the aim of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' effort to encourage anglers to comment early on a list of issues that could result in changes to the 2008-2011 fishing regulations.
(Fishing - May 10, 2007)
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 Saturday, May 12, 2007, 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 10, 2007)
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks , Polson Outdoors, Inc. and Ronan Sports and Western will sponsor a Kids Fishing Day Saturday, May 12th from 9 am to noon at the Ninepipes Family Fishing Pond.
(Headlines - May 09, 2007)
Youngsters age 17 and younger are invited to a May 19 field day in Glasgow devoted to shooting, waterfowl identification and other facets of hunting.
(Headlines - May 08, 2007)
Public comments will be accepted through May 25 on a proposal to add 5 either-sex tags and 20 adult ewe tags to bighorn sheep hunting opportunities in Hunting District 680 in the Missouri River breaks.
(Headlines - May 08, 2007)
Register by May 21 for a Bowhunter Education course scheduled for May 23-25 on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation.
(Headlines - May 08, 2007)
Apply by May 31 to be considered for one of 5 vacancies on FWP's Region 6 Citizens Advisory Council.
(Headlines - May 08, 2007)
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on tentative revisions to rules on the personal possession of exotic wildlife, including fees for permits. A public meeting will be held May 30 in Helena. The FWP Commission is required by law to classify exotic species into controlled, non-controlled or prohibited categories and to manage any associated permitting.
(Headlines - May 07, 2007)
Better fishing is the aim of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' effort to encourage anglers to comment early on a list of issues that could result in changes to the 2008-2011 fishing regulations. "All anglers are invited to offer their thoughts on improving Montana’s fishing regulations," said Don Skaar, the new chief of FWP’s fisheries management bureau.
(Headlines - May 04, 2007)
The 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 no later than June 1. Hunters feeling the crunch may save time by applying online. Online applicants receive instant confirmation that their application is accepted and accurate.
(Headlines - May 04, 2007)
You could make a dream hunt a reality by simply purchasing a $5 SuperTag. In last year’s Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks SuperTag drawing, three of the five winners of big game hunts purchased only one SuperTag chance. A $5 chance offers the winner the opportunity to hunt a moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, elk or deer in any hunting district in Montana, including Montana’s legendary trophy districts.
(Headlines - May 04, 2007)
International Migratory Bird Day, May 12 and 13, has embraced the global climate issue with its 2007 theme "Migratory birds in a changing climate!" Each year, hundreds of thousands of people in the Western Hemisphere observe International Migratory Bird Day by learning more about wild birds, bird conservation and bird habitat.
(Headlines - May 04, 2007)
Black bear hunting season closes May 15, in some 100, 200 and 300 series bear management areas in western Montana. Hunting in other bear management units closes May 31 or June 15. Hunters are responsible for checking the 2007 bear regulations for season dates before they hunt. In bear management units with quotas, black bear hunting closes earlier when those quotas are met.
(Headlines - May 04, 2007)
Montana's wild animals are protected from becoming "pets." The state has numerous laws prohibiting the capture, feeding, possession and harassment of wildlife. Yet every spring, people in the outdoors discover newborn critters—from fledgling birds to infant moose—that they unknowingly assume need their help.
(Headlines - May 04, 2007)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking grant proposals for projects that address wildlife conflicts in urban and suburban settings. FWP’s "Living With Wildlife" grant program promotes the successful coexistence of people and wildlife. The program emphasizes local involvement, partnerships, cost sharing, and human/wildlife conflict prevention.
(Headlines - May 04, 2007)
The 14th annual "Becoming an Outdoors-Woman" workshop, sponsored by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, will be held June 29 – July 1 at the Lubrecht Experimental Forest near Missoula. The hands-on workshop will offer opportunities to build a survival shelter, cast a fly rod, learn rock-climbing techniques, learn to shoot a rifle and cook up a Dutch-oven treat.
(Headlines - May 04, 2007)
A Bowhunters Education class has been scheduled for May 12th for those interested in the Ekalaka area.
(Hunting - May 04, 2007)
Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet May 17 at the FWP Helena Headquarters, 1420 East 6 th Ave, beginning at 1 p.m.
(Headlines - May 04, 2007)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and First Lady Nancy Schweitzer announced the winners of the 18 th annual Montana State Parks Poster Contest on May 4 during a ceremony at the State Capitol building in Helena. "These young artists did a great job of picturing themselves in the outdoors at a Montana State Park and demonstrated a real grasp of the special features of the park that they chose to portray," said Schweitzer. The theme for this year’s contest was: "Kids In The Great Outdoors.
(Parks - May 04, 2007)
A fish species that has survived for eons will be on anglers' minds - and hopefully lines - during the 2007 paddlefish season. There are many regulation changes for the spring of 2007 paddlefish season. Paddlefish snaggers need to be aware of these changes that are designed to reduce harvest pressure on populations of spawning paddlefish.
(Fishing - May 03, 2007)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) issued a decision notice April 27 to proceed with a project to acquire and improve Scotty Brown Bridge Fishing Access Site (FAS) on the Blackfoot River. The notice came at the end of a 30-day comment period and calls for final approval by the FWP Commission at their May 17 meeting.
(Headlines - May 03, 2007)
Paddlefish snaggers in the popular Fred Robinson Bridge area of the upper Missouri River and elsewhere in eastern Montana need to be aware of new regulations this year designed to reduce harvest pressure on populations of spawning fish but maintain snagging opportunity. For starters, the limit this year statewide is one paddlefish per angler. In addition, anglers must declare which one of three areas they will fish when they buy their paddlefish tags.
(Headlines - May 03, 2007)
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking comment on a proposal to open Montana’s 2007 general antelope hunting season on Oct. 7, a week earlier than the date set last year. The general antelope season opener is set by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission policy for the second Sunday in October, with the pheasant season set to open the day before, on Saturday.
(Headlines - May 02, 2007)
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking comment on tentatively approved hunting harvest quotas for the upcoming moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and mountain lion seasons. In addition, comments are sought on Montana’s big game license and lottery rules, a proposal to open Montana’s 2007 general antelope hunting season on Oct. 7 instead of Oct.
(Headlines - May 02, 2007)
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks seeks public comment on the proposed acquisition through donation of 22 acres of privately owned land adjacent to the existing Wing Dam Fishing Access Site, located approximately 1.7 miles upstream (north) of Cascade on the Missouri River at river mile 2166 .
(Headlines - May 01, 2007)
The public is welcome to attend the May 5 meeting of FWP's Region 6 Citizens Advisory Council. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. at the Fort Peck Hatchery.
(Headlines - May 01, 2007)
The only Bowhunter Education course of this year in Malta will be held the week of May 14 at the Boy Scout building in Trafton Park.
(Headlines - May 01, 2007)
Paddlefishing rules that require anglers to pick one of three opportunities, snag during daylight hours and practice mandatory catch-and-release and catch-and-harvest are intended to distribute fishing pressure and alleviate harvest pressure on older female fish.
(Headlines - May 01, 2007)
The hunting of all black bears in south-central Montana hunting districts 510 portion of BMU 510, which includes portions of Big Horn, Carbon and Yellowstone counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, May 3, 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.
(Hunting - May 01, 2007)
A yearling male gray wolf was lethally removed by a landowner west of Springdale this morning after a confirmed depredation on livestock.
(Headlines - May 01, 2007)
State parks in south central Montana area are now open with the exception of places were improvements are being completed. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is asking potential visitors to Pictograph State Park and Cooney State Park to be patient with any inconveniences during times of spring construction.
(Headlines - May 01, 2007)
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