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Notice to Hunters—Significant Archery Regulation Changes
Significant season changes for the 2008 and 2009 hunting season include the implementation of limited archery permits for either sex elk in seven hunting districts within the Missouri River Breaks and unlimited archery permits for either sex elk in 23 other hunting districts in Regions 4, 5 and 7. The unlimited permits are scheduled to become limited in 2009. The limited permits must be applied for by June 2. The unlimited permits may be purchased or applied for by June 2. Please see individual hunting district regulations for additional specifics. Click here to view Archery Map. An advisory committee has been assembled to further evaluate some of these archery regulations.
There are also changes and additions to A9/B12 antlerless elk licenses available through the drawing or over-the-counter. In addition to adjusted numbers of these licenses for 2008, a conservation license is now the only prerequisite to this antlerless elk license for both residents and nonresidents alike.
The 900-archery antelope license has been adjusted from an unlimited to limited structure. 5600 of these licenses are available thru the drawing. The June 2 drawing application deadline applies to these licenses and all other elk, deer and antelope permits and licenses as well. Please see individual hunting district regulations for additional specifics.
The mountain lion season structure in Region 2 has been adjusted to limited permits in all hunting districts except the Missoula Special Management Area. 2008 mountain lion quotas will be finalized at the June 12 Commission meeting. Lion licenses must be applied for or purchased by August 31. Please see individual hunting district regulations for additional specifics.
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on early season migratory bird regulations for the upcoming season. Here's a summary of the proposed changes in 2008: Expand the special permit season dates for Rocky Mountain population of sandhill cranes to Sept. 6—Sept. 21. Move the season dates for mid-continent sandhill cranes to Sept. 27 – Nov. 23. (July 25)
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on several recently approved elk-related proposals for the upcoming hunting season, including adjustments to elk management plan objectives in western Montana. Here's a summary of the proposals would result in changes for the upcoming season: 2008 Elk Season Harvest Quotas Region 2—Western Montana Reduce cow elk quota in hunting districts 204, 261 and the northern portion of 270 from 200 to 100. (July 25)
Hunters interested in obtaining a special permit to hunt the Rocky Mountain population of sandhill cranes must apply by July 31 for these limited permits. Proposed season dates in these areas are Sept. 6-Sept. 21. Prospective fall crane hunters interested in these permits must apply by mail using an official application; at a regional office; or online. Applications are available at fwp.mt.gov under Online Services. Mail-in applications must be received by 5 p.m. on July 31. (July 25)
Hunters planning to pursue wild turkeys in western Montana this fall must apply for a special permit by July 31 by mail using an official application, at a regional office, or online. Mail-in applications, which can be found on FWP’s website, must be received by 5 p.m. on July 31. Paper applications are available at fwp.mt.gov on the Hunting Page under Licenses and Permit then Paper Applications. Online applications are available at fwp.mt. (July 25)
Licenses must be purchased by Aug. 31 for the fall black bear season. Hunters may purchase a license at all FWP offices, FWP license providers, or online at fwp.mt.gov , look under Online Services. Black bear hunters must have successfully completed the Black Bear Identification Test and must present a certificate of completion when purchasing a black bear license. The training and test are also available on FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov under Online Services. (July 25)
General mountain lion hunting licenses must be purchased by Aug. 31. Resident and nonresident mountain lion hunters also have until 5 p.m. on Aug. 29 to apply for a special mountain lion license limited to a single hunting district of the applicant's choice in Western Montana's FWP Regions 1 and 2. Hunters may hold a general mountain lion license or apply for a special mountain lion license. A hunter cannot do both. (July 25)
Three lucky Montana hunters will get another shot at the dream this fall after beating the odds to win Montana's big game SuperTag lottery. (July 25)
The Private Land/Public Wildlife Council will meet on Aug. 14-15 in Miles City at the Guest House Inn & Suites, to discuss hunting and fishing access issues. Council members will convene on Thursday, Aug. 14 at 8 a.m. to discuss issues related to changes in Montana land ownership and land management, outfitting, wildlife management, and Montana’s hunting and angling traditions. The meeting will continue Friday, Aug. 15, from 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (July 25)
The TIP-MONT phone line, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks toll-free hotline for reporting wildlife poaching, property damage, and violations of fish and game laws is in operation 24 hours a day. TIP-MONT is the acronym for Turn In Poachers—Montana. (November 16)
