The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks TIP-MONT hotline received a record number of calls reporting potential big game violations on opening day of the general big game hunting season.   The hotline charted more than 90 calls between 6:30 a.m. and 10 p.m.    "The majority of the calls we received were placed between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.   About 58 were about possible violations requiring investigation," said Debbie Bingham, FWP TIP-MONT coordinator.
(Hunting - November 01, 2002)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' hunting dog photo contest was irresistible to hunters around the state.   Nearly 400 photos flooded into FWP by mail and email to beat the Oct. 31 deadline. "We were surprised and impressed with the enthusiastic response. We'll just take a little longer to get all the photos up on the web site and to select the 'finalists'," said Ron Aasheim, FWP conservation education administrator.
(Headlines - November 01, 2002)

The Montana Bowhunters Association is offering a $500 reward for information provided over the 1-800-TIP-MONT line that leads to the conviction of criminals committing crimes with bowhunting equipment. The reward will apply to big game violations or crimes involving the shooting of domestic livestock using bowhunting equipment.
(Hunting - November 01, 2002)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission has created a no wake zone on portions of Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone in the interests of safety and to prevent irresponsible behavior on the water.
(Headlines - November 01, 2002)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host a Snowmobile Safety Instructors workshop Dec. 7-8, at the Frontline Lounge in Kalispell, 153 Meridian Road. The course begins Saturday, Dec. 7 at 10 a.m. The course, offered at no charge, is to certify or re-certify Snowmobile Safety Instructors to teach the Montana Snowmobile Safety course in their communities.
(Headlines - November 01, 2002)

The number of fatal snowmobile accidents was up significantly last winter.   Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Trails Program Specialist Ray Paige said snowmobile riders are urged to be extra cautious this year. "Last year was a tragic time for the snowmobile riding community with the loss of 13 riders," Paige said. "These tragedies, which occurred for a variety of reasons , have made everyone stop and think more carefully about snowmobile safety.
(Headlines - November 01, 2002)

Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens have an insider's view of hunting season. Their advice is based on firsthand experience with thousands of hunters, and they have collected some great hunting stories, too. Among the luckiest hunters ever seen by an FWP warden is Lee Anderson's account of the hunter in the North Fork of the Flathead, in northwestern Montana. This hunter defied the odds by coming across an elk while driving down the main North Fork Road.
(Hunting - November 01, 2002)

Furbearer trapping seasons open soon, with the beaver, otter, muskrat and mink season opening Nov. 1 and the bobcat, marten, fisher and wolverine season opening Dec. 1. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials say furbearer populations are up, with the exception of muskrat and mink numbers, which, based on FWP harvest surveys conducted after the 2001 season appear to be down slightly.
(Hunting - October 29, 2002)

Montana FWP game wardens remind hunters that it is illegal to use electronic two-way communications to aid in the pursuit of game or to avoid game-check stations. "We’re seeing more and more hunters in the field abusing cell phones and the Family Radio Service (FRS) two-way radios," said Jim Kropp, FWP chief of law enforcement. "We want to remind hunters that it is unlawful to use these communication tools to pursue, shoot, wound, kill, chase, lure, or capture game animals.
(Hunting - October 29, 2002)

FWP's new computer-based licensing system surpassed the one million mark in sales about a week before Sunday's Oct. 27 opening of Montana's general big game hunting season. On Oct. 18, nearly 400 Automated Licensing System providers statewide had sold more than one million licenses—including hunting, fishing, trapping licenses, state parks entrance passes, and other licenses.
(Headlines - October 25, 2002)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, hunting district 501-20, that portion east of Russell Creek and the East Rosebud River, south of Columbus, will be closed to hunting of bighorn sheep, effective one-half hour after sunset on Sunday, October 27, 2002.
(Hunting - October 25, 2002)

Nine alert Montanans were recently awarded a total of $4,000 for taking time to call 1-800-TIP-MONT, the state's violation hotline that's not just for poachers anymore. The reported crimes involved illegally killed fish and wildlife but also included wasted game, driving in a closed area on national forest land, and Montana residency violations.
(Hunting - October 18, 2002)

Anyone who observes a violation committed on U.S. Forest Service lands can now report it to 1-800-TIP-MONT, in the same way they would report violations involving Montana's fish, wildlife and State Parks. "FWP's partnership with the U.S. Forest Service will make it easier for the public to report violations they observe in the outdoors," said Debbie Bingham who manages the TIP-MONT hotline.
(Hunting - October 18, 2002)

Elk hunters searching for a glimpse of a brow-tined or spike bull in Montana's big game hunting regulations are coming up empty.   Diagrams of these legally defined elk were inadvertently left off the 2002 Big Game Hunting Regulations.
(Hunting - October 18, 2002)

Young hunters will have special elk hunting opportunities available to them in 78 hunting districts across Montana beginning on opening day of the rifle season, Oct. 27.   "This is a unique opportunity for an adult hunter to take a kid hunting," said FWP spokesman Ron Aasheim. "These hunts are for young sons and daughters, grandchildren and even the neighbor kids next door who have taken Montana's hunter education course, but who don't have anyone to take them hunting.
(Hunting - October 18, 2002)

The Montana State Parks Futures II Committee will meet in Helena Nov. 14 to prepare its final report and recommendations aimed at helping Montana better maintain and support its state parks.   The State Parks Futures II Committee, appointed by Governor Judy Martz to review the operations and management of the Montana State Parks system, spent about a year exploring the operations, management and direction of Montana's 42 state parks and 320 fishing access sites.
(Parks - October 18, 2002)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking Montana artists to offer their vision of a pair of mallards flying over a prairie cattail marsh. The winning work will adorn Montana's 2003 Montana Migratory Bird Stamp. Any resident Montana artist can enter the competition by submitting by a 13-inch by 18-inch rendering in full color of a pair of mallards flying over a prairie cattail marsh.
(Hunting - October 18, 2002)

Individuals and organizations planning open-water fishing contests in 2003 are reminded that applications need to be filed with FWP by Oct. 31.   Applications are available on the FWP website at www.fwp.state.mt.us , or by calling the FWP Helena Fisheries Division office at 406-444-3301. Once all applications are received, FWP will process them, include them in public news releases and provide a public comment period.
(Fishing - October 18, 2002)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking volunteers for the State Trails Advisory Committee.   The committee advises the agency on the expenditure of up $800,000 of Recreational Trails Program funds, discusses recreational trails issues and recommends solutions to trails issues. "We're seeking five new members with varied backgrounds and interests to balance the committee's range of perspectives," said Bob Walker, FWP Trails Program Coordinator.
(Parks - October 18, 2002)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on a package of fee increases that are based on a citizens' committee recommendation to help Montana better maintain its state parks and public fishing access sites. "Montana's state parks and fishing access sites, even with today's conservative management and maintenance, continue to cost more than we can generate with fees and existing funding sources," said Doug Monger, FWP Parks Division administrator.
(Parks - October 18, 2002)

If hunters and anglers formed a corporation, it would rank number 11 among the nation’s largest companies. Nationwide, 38 million sportsmen and women age 16 and older spent more than $70 billion dollars in 2001 in their pursuits.
(Headlines - October 18, 2002)

With the dual arrival of fall and Montana's hunting seasons, many hunters kindly remember the contributions Montana's landowners make to this always-rewarding time of year.             "A large part of Montana's outdoor heritage depends on private landowners and their work to protect wildlife habitat and provide public recreational opportunities," said FWP Director Jeff Hagener.
(Headlines - October 15, 2002)

Of all big game animals, an elk gets a hunter's blood racing and pulse pounding.   With the general hunting season for deer and elk opening Oct. 27, a lot of Montana hunters have elk on their minds. Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists, who have elk on their minds 12 months of the year, say elk populations are thriving after several mild winters and less than ideal hunting conditions.
(Hunting - October 15, 2002)

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, few things cause Montana's generous private landowners more grief   than watching someone who has just been granted permission to hunt drive off the ranch road with a trail of open gates in the dust. Hunters that gain permission to hunt on private land, should obey all the ranch rules--stay on established roads and close every gate they pen. It may look like wide-open spaces, but the roads and gates are there for good reason.
(Hunting - October 15, 2002)

Fall hunting season can spell fire danger in much of Montana, and especially on private lands. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says hunters can help prevent wild fire by driving only on established roads and making sure their vehicle's fuel emissions systems, which can get quite hot and ignite dry grass, are in good repair. Hunters should carry an axe, shovel and sand bucket in their vehicles.
(Hunting - October 15, 2002)

Noxious weeds, like knapweed, leafy spurge and Canada thistle are spreading across the Montana's public and private lands. Hunters need to be aware. “Weeds can out-compete most of our native vegetation, deplete crucial wildlife habitat, reduce the productivity of croplands and range lands, and increase erosion along our waterways,” said FWP spokesman Ron Aasheim. “Hunters have an opportunity to help protect our lands if they are weed-aware while they’re afield.
(Hunting - October 15, 2002)

In Montana, “Ask First” is the law for all hunters who like to hunt on private land. Landowners can grant permission in a number of ways: with a handshake, by telephone, in writing, or by posting signs that explain hunting is allowed and under what conditions. To assist private landowner, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks can furnish signs for those who allow public hunting, and tailor the signs to reflect specific ranch rules or permission requirements.
(Headlines - October 15, 2002)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on a package of fee increases that are based on a citizens' committee recommendation to help Montana better maintain its sate parks and public fishing access sites. "Montana's state parks and fishing access sites, even with today's conservative management and maintenance, continue to cost more than we can generate with fees and existing funding sources," said Doug Monger, FWP Parks Division administrator.
(Headlines - October 11, 2002)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, hunting district 500-20, which includes portions of Park and Sweet Grass counties, will be closed to all hunting of bighorn sheep, effective one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, October 12, 2002.
(Hunting - October 10, 2002)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks River Recreation Advisory Council will meet in Helena, Oct. 17-18, to continue its work to develop recommendations to manage recreation on the state's rivers.   At the meeting the council will address the framework, principles and policies that could be used to address the impacts river recreation has on fish and wildlife, public facilities, private landowners and the overall outdoor experiences Montana's rivers offer.
(Headlines - October 10, 2002)

The hunting of all black bears in Hunting District 520, in portions of Park, Sweet Grass, Stillwater and Carbon counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on Wednesday, October 9.       Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials said the harvest quota was reached.
(Hunting - October 09, 2002)

With general deer and elk rifle season opening Oct. 27, hunters are wondering how the state's mule deer population fared this year and how the hunting will be. Wildlife officials with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks generally agree mule deer populations are looking good.
(Hunting - October 04, 2002)

  This could be the winning play in a trivia game, or may save you the embarrassment of a possible $520 fine for shooting the wrong elk in the right place, or the right elk in the wrong place.   So listen up!             An antlered bull elk is any elk with an antler or antlers at least four inches in length measured from the top of the skull.
(Hunting - October 04, 2002)

White-tailed deer populations in eastern and central Montana, hit hard last fall with a deadly disease common to white-tailed deer, are in the process of recovering and no incidences of the insect-borne disease have emerged this year, according to FWP wildlife bureau chief Glenn Erickson. "The disease occurs where whitetail populations are denser and when frost doesn't occur until late in the fall," Erickson said.
(Hunting - October 04, 2002)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking public comment on fee increases proposed for Montana State Parks, including increases to entrance and camping fees, fees related to Smith River use and a new camping fee for the Thompson Chain-of-Lakes FAS in northwest Montana.
(Fishing - October 04, 2002)

  Backcountry Deer & Elk        Sept. 15 – Dec. 1 Deer & Elk general             Oct. 27 – Dec. 1 Antelope general                Oct. 13 – Nov. 10 Bighorn Sheep                       Sept.
(Hunting - October 04, 2002)

  Beaver, Mink, Muskrat, Otter                  Nov. 1 – April 15, 2003 Fisher, Marten, Wolverine                      Dec. 1 – Feb.
(Hunting - October 04, 2002)

FWP's new Automated Licensing System faces one of the year's peak license sales periods between now and Oct. 27 when the general deer and elk hunting season opens. FWP advises license buyers to plan to purchase licenses early and to allow extra time. "We've upgraded the software and the capacity to handle the traffic we're anticipating, but this is still a new system and unexpected things can happen, " said Ron Aasheim, FWP Conservation Education division administrator.
(Hunting - October 04, 2002)

Although hunting is not a “team sport,” sportsmanship and ethics are as important as they are in any sport.   If hunters keep a few simple thoughts in mind, they can hunt safely and set a good example for any up and coming hunters.   FWP asks hunters to: Be aware of your surroundings and positive of targets before they pull the trigger.   Watch for signs that others may be in the area throughout the day to avoid being surprised.
(Hunting - October 04, 2002)

Reporting violations observed in the field immediately is part of ethical hunting.   Montana’s 1-800-T-I-P-M-O-N-T call in line is open 24 hours a day.   Callers may remain anonymous and may receive a cash award for their tip.   This past hunting season TIP-MONT received a record number of calls with useful information enabling FWP enforcement to better enforce Montana’s game laws and provide follow up on U.S. Forest Service violations.
(Hunting - October 04, 2002)

  With grizzly bear numbers growing and populations expanding FWP strongly recommends that hunters review the new brochure "How to Hunt Safely In Grizzly Country."   The brochure, available at all FWP offices, illustrates how grizzly territory has expanded making it more likely today's hunters will encounter grizzly bears.   Elk bugling, game calls and cover scents may increase the risk of encountering a grizzly bear unintentionally.
(Hunting - October 04, 2002)

  Hunters heading out for Montana's upcoming deer and elk general season should be aware that they are required by law to leave proof of the species and sex of all harvested big game animals attached to the carcass. According to Jim Kropp, Administrator of the Enforcement Division for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, evidence of an animal's species and sex must remain attached to the carcass until it is processed (cut up).
(Hunting - October 04, 2002)

  It's time for all hunters who haven't already asked permission from private landowners to hunt to do so as soon as possible.   Montana law requires hunters to obtain permission for ALL hunting on private land.   No matter whether pursuing upland game birds, coyotes, gopher or any other wildlife, hunters must have permission from the landowner before hunting on private property.
(Hunting - October 04, 2002)

  Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), a fatal ailment in deer and elk, is not known to be transmissible to humans or to cause disease in humans.   However, recent national stories have increased speculation about human health and are raising questions about hunting in states where CWD has been found among wild deer or elk.   CWD has not been found in any wild animals in Montana.
(Hunting - October 04, 2002)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks today reopened a 19-mile stretch of the upper Big Hole River that was closed to angling for about six weeks due to low water conditions that threatened the survival of the river's native Arctic grayling population.   The reopened section of the upper Big Hole River flows from Rock Creek Road to the mouth of the North Fork near Wisdom. It includes most of the river's critical grayling spawning and rearing habitats.
(Fishing - October 03, 2002)