During my occasional travels outside the state, I often get compliments on this department and its management of trout, elk, wolves, grizzlies, and other fish and wildlife and our state parks. Much of that credit goes to our biologists, park managers, game wardens, and the FWP commission. But just as important are all the people who work for FWP behind the scenes.

Montana sees an overwhelming amount of outdoors recreation. For example, our state parks and fishing access sites receive 5.4 million visits each year. The Parks Division’s maintenance crews keep those sites clean, safe, and inviting. Montana receives over 2.5 million “hunter use days” each year. Hunters may not be familiar with the role wildlife technicians play in collecting information used to monitor populations and set seasons. Or the Enforcement Division staff who process TIP-MONT calls. Or the Block Management staff who work with landowners to set up pubic hunting opportunities on private land.

Montana also receives 2.8 million “angler use days” each year. Supporting all that recreation are fisheries technicians and field workers who assist biologists in keeping fish populations healthy, and crews at FWP’s ten fish hatcheries who rear and stock fish in 500 lakes and reservoirs.

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