Montana"s big game archery hunting seasons will be wrapping up soon, with the bow and arrow only season for antelope set to end Saturday, Oct. 9. The following week, archery season for deer and elk will close Oct. 17.
(Hunting - October 01, 2004)

Hunters will find plenty of antelope in Montana when the general rifle season opens Oct. 10, 2004.
(Hunting - October 01, 2004)

With several Montana hunting seasons in full swing and others to open soon, hunters are reminded that Montana law requires permission for all hunting on private land. No matter whether pursuing upland game birds, antelope, waterfowl,   coyotes, gopher or any other wildlife, hunters must have permission from the landowner before hunting on private property.
(Hunting - October 01, 2004)

TIP-MONT, Montana's fish and wildlife “crime stopper” program offers substantial rewards to callers who report valuable information on natural resource crimes. A call to 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668) may lead to a cash reward of up to $1,000. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens rely on hunters, landowners, and citizens to report crimes they observe involving wildlife or fish, private land, and violations in State Parks and on U.S. Forest Service lands.
(Headlines - October 01, 2004)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold a public hearing Oct. 27 in Helena to discuss big game hunting-season extension procedures and objectives. The hearing, which will be held at FWP Headquarters, 1460 E. 6 th Ave., is set for 7 p.m.
(Hunting - October 01, 2004)

Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a proposed land exchange that would allow a railroad spur to connect with the malting plant north of Great Falls. The International Malting Company wants a rail spur to hook up with a Burlington Northern rail line near Rainbow Dam on the Missouri River. The spur would cross 3 acres of PP&L land that is also part of the Lewis & Clark Heritage Greenway Conservation Easement.
(Headlines - October 01, 2004)

Leaves changing color and fat yellow busses of children headed back to school are undeniable signs that summer has slipped into fall. But that doesn’t mean one of summer’s best activities--fishing with family and friends--also has to end. In fact, autumn is ideal for indulging in some quiet time fishing.   You may find you have the water nearly to yourself since the crowds have deserted the waters edge to watch televised football games.
(Fishing - September 30, 2004)

Montana's duck and goose hunting seasons open statewide Saturday, Oct. 2. Duck and goose seasons in western Montana’s Pacific Flyway will run Oct 2-Jan. 14. Duck and goose hunting in the eastern half of the state, in the Central Flyway will also begin Oct. 2. The duck season in the Central Flyway will close Jan. 6, and the goose season will close Jan. 14. The 2004 Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations are available on the FWP web site at www.fwp.state.mt.
(Hunting - September 30, 2004)

Local public outdoor recreation projects may be eligible for up to $75,000 in federal 2005 Land & Water Conservation Fund grants.
(Headlines - September 30, 2004)

Montana’s pheasant hunters will have more days to hunt this fall. This year the season will open   Oct. 9, 2004 and close Jan. 1, 2005, rather than on Dec. 15.
(Hunting - September 30, 2004)

With drought conditions and low stream flows continuing to take a toll in southwestern Montana, state fish and wildlife officials announced today that they will close a 30-mile stretch of the upper Beaverhead River to fishing and reduce the fishing limits on Clark Canyon Reservoir to protect wild and native fish populations. The closure of the upper Beaverhead River--from Clark Canyon Dam to the Selway Bridge in Dillon--to all fishing will be effective from Oct. 4 through Nov. 30.
(Fishing - September 29, 2004)

Final action on the 2004-2005 fishing regulations tops the Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission meeting agenda set Thursday, Oct. 7 in Helena. The meeting is set to begin at 9 a.m. at FWP Headquarters, 1420 East 6 th Ave. The commission will also be asked to approve the final river recreation administrative rules and to endorse FWP's decision notice and final environmental assessment on bison hunting.
(Commission - September 27, 2004)

State wildlife officials have released a draft environmental assessment and proposed revisions to Montanas 12-year-old elk management plan. Statewide meetings to discuss and review the documents are set for October.
(Hunting - September 23, 2004)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host a series of 23 public meeting beginning on Oct. 2 in Great Falls and ending on Oct. 21 in Billings and Dillon to take comment on the state's draft environmental assessment and proposed revisions to Montana's 12-year-old elk management plan. The 90-page draft environmental assessment presents two elk management alternatives for public comment.
(Headlines - September 23, 2004)

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 Wednesday, September 22, 2004.   The order halting the hunt came after the pre-established harvest quota for the district had been met.
(Hunting - September 20, 2004)

Six years ago, bow hunter Clint Thomas was in the remote Missouri Breaks, more than 50 miles from the nearest paved road, when he severed the femoral artery in his right leg with a broadhead arrow, a potentially fatal accident. He and his nephew J.C. Taylor had set up a blind where they’d seen elk come to drink. After taking a few practice shots, Thomas tossed the arrows in the blind. Returning later, he slid down an embankment into the blind, landing on the feather end of an arrow.
(Headlines - September 16, 2004)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission has approved final regulations for the 2004-2005 duck, goose and swan seasons. Duck and goose seasons in western Montana’s Pacific Flyway will be Oct 2-Jan. 14. Duck and goose hunting in the eastern half of the state, in the Central Flyway will also begin Oct. 2. The duck season in the Central Flyway will close Jan. 6, and the goose season will close Jan. 14. Here are details on the regulations.
(Headlines - September 16, 2004)

In the past couple of years the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks web site has become a favorite Internet destination for hunters, anglers and those who enjoy state parks and wildlife viewing. Now, just in time for big game hunting season, a new page has been added featuring Montana’s big game records.
(Headlines - September 16, 2004)

The Private Land/Public Wildlife Council announced 11 final recommendations that will be offered to the Governor and 59th Legislature calling for continuing and enhancing Montana’s Block Management Hunting Access Enhancement Program. Council members also voiced support for continuing two other Fish, Wildlife, & Parks programs, the Private Land Fishing Access Program and Habitat Montana.
(Headlines - September 16, 2004)

Individuals and organizations planning open-water fishing contests in 2005 are reminded that applications need to be filed with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks by Oct. 31.   Once all applications are received, FWP will process them, include them in public news releases and provide a public comment period.   For details and application forms, go to the FWP website at www.fwp.state.mt.
(Fishing - September 16, 2004)

Women interested in hunting deer or elk this fall are invited to attend an educational clinic sponsored by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The Deer and Elk Hunting Clinic will be Friday evening through Sunday noon, Oct. 15 - 17 near Charlo.   Participants will learn about deer biology and habitat, hunting techniques and equipment, hunting regulations, and field dressing.
(Headlines - September 16, 2004)

Pheasant hunter will see their longest season this fall and hunting opportunities will be good in some areas and not so good in the northeastern portions of the state hit by a severe winter.   Montana"s pheasant hunting season will open Oct. 9 and close Jan. 1, 2005, rather than on Dec. 15, offering hunters an additional two weeks of hunting.
(Hunting - September 15, 2004)

That old saying real estate agents use, “It’s about location, location, location, ” applies to duck hunting, too. You don’t need to have lots of decoys or be a skilled caller with an expensive call when most waterfowl hunting opens statewide on Oct. 2, but you will need to scout for good hunting spots and get permission in advance if you hope to hunt on private land. With a good hunting location secured, you’re on the way to a successful hunt.
(Hunting - September 15, 2004)

You can hunt Canada geese over water with floating goose decoys, but most of the goose hunting in Montana is done in fields .   Field hunting for Canada geese is a skill best learned at the side of a veteran goose hunter who will teach you the tricks of the hunt and help you put them into practice. To prepare, plan to be where the Canada geese want to be. That means scouting in advance and getting permission to hunt on private land where necessary.
(Hunting - September 15, 2004)

You can hunt Canada geese over water with floating goose decoys, but most of the goose hunting in Montana is done in fields .   Field hunting for Canada geese is a skill best learned at the side of a veteran goose hunter who will teach you the tricks of the hunt and help you put them into practice. To prepare, plan to be where the Canada geese want to be. That means scouting in advance and getting permission to hunt on private land where necessary.
(Hunting - September 15, 2004)

Waterfowl hunters face safety challenges the average land-based hunter does not.   Water is the complicating factor. To prepare young waterfowl hunters, FWP’s Youth Waterfowl Hunting Safety workshops teach firearm safety, weather and water safety. These lessons are a good starting point for any hunter interested in learning more about safe waterfowl hunting practices. The waterfowl hunting season begins this year on Oct. 2, except Swans hunting in the Pacific Flyway begins Oct. 16.
(Hunting - September 15, 2004)

Montana sets aside a full weekend just for young duck hunters. The state's "Special Statewide Youth Waterfowl Hunting Weekend" is set for Sept 25-26.   The regular duck season opens on Oct. 2 statewide. Legally licensed hunters ages 12 through 15 may hunt ducks, geese, coots and mergansers on the special weekend, but must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult at least 18 years of age.
(Hunting - September 15, 2004)

Despite deer declines in northeastern Montana following a harsh winter, deer populations in most of the state are thriving. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks surveys generally show good winter fawn survival, and good forage throughout the summer as a result of well-timed precipitation.
(Hunting - September 15, 2004)

This fall promises some very good antelope hunting in most of Montana, in spite of populations east of Malta and north of Glasgow being down by over 40 percent in some places.
(Hunting - September 15, 2004)

In preparing for a hunt it is critical to educate yourself about he game you plan to pursue. Understanding your quarry will increase your success and add interest and enjoyment to the hunting experience. Study Your Quarry A prepared hunter studies the quarry and learns about the animal’s habits, food preference, habitat and other characteristics. Knowledge of the animal’s anatomy is also essential to placing a good, killing shot. Practicing spotting game sign is a good way to begin.
(Hunting - September 15, 2004)

Tree stand hunting is a hunting style and discipline of its own. It is all about remaining perfectly still for hours on end, while remaining alert and focused. What it is not is an easy way out of the hiking that hunting entails. Scouting for a perfect site for your tree stand with the best odds of bagging game calls for almost as much legwork as traditional hunting.   For those interested in giving tree-stand hunting a try, here are some basics.
(Hunting - September 15, 2004)

Here are some important safety precautions when using tree stands: * u se a fall restraint system, preferably a full-body harness, any time your feet leave the ground.   This includes climbing and descending the tree. * m ake sure there is no slack in the fall restraint tether when in a sitting position. * c hoose a harness that will keep you upright and will not restrict your breathing. * a void permanent stands; they weaken with age, damage trees and are eyesores.
(Hunting - September 15, 2004)

For the 2004 hunting season, hunters in Montana will have access to over 8.5 million acres of land statewide through the Block Management Program administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.   The program assists landowners in managing hunting activities and provides hunters with free public hunting access to private and isolated public land.
(Hunting - September 15, 2004)

To help hunters determine who owns the land where they want to hunt, FWP has developed a Directory of Montana Maps that explains how to find maps that identify both public and private land ownership.     "Identifying land ownership is a necessary part of hunting in Montana nowadays," says Alan Charles, FWP coordinator of landowner/sportsman relations.   "Hunters have to do their homework, know where they are, and ask local people about ownership and property boundaries.
(Hunting - September 15, 2004)

Reporting violations observed in the field immediately is part of ethical hunting.   Montana’s 1-800-T-I-P-M-O-N-T (1-800-847-6668) call-in line is open 24 hours a day.   Callers can remain anonymous and may receive a cash award for their tip.   In past hunting seasons TIP-MONT has received many 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 - September 15, 2004)

The Montana Natural Resource Information System of the Montana State Library has completed a cooperative project with Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks to produce new electronic private and public land ownership map resources for the State of Montana. New mapping technology and data resources have enabled FWP to work cooperatively with NRIS staff to develop accurate Montana land ownership maps.
(Hunting - September 03, 2004)

Women interested in hunting upland game birds this fall are invited to attend an educational clinic sponsored by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The Upland Bird Hunting Clinic will be Friday evening and all day Saturday, Sept. 24 and 25 near the Nine Pipes area south of Ronan.   At the clinic participants will learn to identify birds, practice shooting their shotguns, and experience hunting with pointing and flushing dogs.
(Hunting - September 03, 2004)

Upland game birds such as pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse and Hungarian partridge find agricultural land an ideal habitat that provides food, shelter, and sanctuary from predators and weather. Sage grouse also use agricultural lands to some extent, but depend more on native range and sagebrush prairie.
(Hunting - September 03, 2004)

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet in Missoula, Sept. 8-9, beginning both days at 8 a.m. at the FWP Missoula regional headquarters, 3201 Spurgin Rd. Wednesday, Sept. 8 will be a work session followed by the regular business meeting on Thursday, Sept. 9.    The commission will make final decisions Sept.
(Headlines - September 02, 2004)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will make a final decision on whether to remove all or a portion of the Lone Pine Game Preserve at the FWP Commission Meeting on September 9 at the FWP Headquarters on Spurgin Road in Missoula. The Commission is scheduled to consider the decision during the morning. The Preserve is a 4,000-acre portion of Hunting District 120, southwest of Kalispell, described as within the boundaries of Foys Canyon Road, Foys Lake Road, and Airport Road.
(Headlines - September 01, 2004)