Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) in conjunction with DNRC and CS & KT fire crews will be periodically burning slash piles on Wild Horse Island over the next 3-4 weeks.
(Headlines - November 01, 2007)

November is when most big game hunting seasons close in Montana. In general, antelope hunting ends Nov. 11. Hunting seasons close Nov. 25 for bighorn sheep, black bear, deer, elk, moose, mountain goat and mountain lion. Winter mountain lion season begins Dec. 1. In all cases, hunters are responsible for checking the 2007 hunting regulations for season dates, exceptions and other regulations that apply in the specific hunting district where they plan to hunt.
(Hunting - November 01, 2007)

Montana's top wildlife official was recently named “Professional of the Year” by group of western states conservation agencies. Jeff Hagener, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, was chosen as the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies' top professional at its annual meeting.   Hagener, 53, joined FWP in 2001 as agency director after a 20-year career with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
(ALS - November 01, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ annual game harvest survey will begin Dec. 3 and continue into early April of next year. FWP wildlife biologists and managers use the information collected during the survey to estimate the annual wild game harvest and to recommend quotas for upcoming hunting seasons. FWP harvest statistician Justin Gude in Helena said that about 80,000 Montana households are generally contacted over the course of the survey.
(Hunting - November 01, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks requests that hunters report any sightings or signs of wolves.  A gray wolf is about 2.5 feet tall, 5-6 feet long, and weighs between 70-120 pounds. Wolves have a broad snout, round ears and fur ranging from gray, black or tan to white. FWP must prepare annual reports to document the recovered status and distribution of the Montana wolf population.
(Hunting - November 01, 2007)

After five hunter-bear encounters in southwest Montana since early September, FWP officials remind hunters in grizzly bear country to be aware of bears out looking for food before winter denning. A hunter was injured on Tuesday morning by a bear near Mulherin Creek about 5 miles northwest of Gardiner. Officials have not yet been able to determine what type of bear it was. In the surprise encounter, the hunter was struck by the bear and sustained multiple serious facial injuries.
(Hunting - November 01, 2007)

The secrets of skunks were hidden behind a shroud of human miscalculation and reluctance to work around striped skunks until very recently.   "The skunk is unique among North American mammals in using scent as a defense. Skunk spray is also one of the few wildlife defenses that remain effective in today's world," said Kristi DuBois, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks native species coordinator.
(Hunting - November 01, 2007)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 319 and 341, in portions of Silver Bow and Deer Lodge counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, November 3, 2007. The closure notice for the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest sub-quota for the district had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.mt.gov.
(Hunting - November 01, 2007)

Hunter numbers during the opening days of the 2007 big game season in southeastern Montana were slightly higher than last year according to total number of hunters passing through the Hysham check station in Region 7. Hunter success rate was high and most folks were successful.
(Hunting - October 30, 2007)

A domestic cow was likely killed by wolves on public land in the northern Gravelly Mountains. USDA Wildlife Services investigated the incident on Oct. 20 and determined it was a probable wolf depredation.
(Headlines - October 30, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, in collaboration with USDA Wildlife Services and several other state and federal agencies, is sampling waterfowl across Montana as part of a national effort for the early detection of avian influenza. Testing on ducks at Anaconda’s Washoe Park Duck Pond will begin in November and continue intermittently through December.
(Headlines - October 30, 2007)

Before heading to the field for week two of Montana’s big game season, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials ask that hunters avoid common violations by remembering the following tips.
(Headlines - October 30, 2007)

The number of hunters passing through FWP's Havre check station increased in the second weekend of the season, and the number of harvested deer was also up over last year's pace.
(ALS - October 30, 2007)

LOW ELK, HIGH MULE DEER NUMBERS MARK THE SECOND WEEK OF HUNTING Most check stations reported high mule deer numbers through the second weekend of hunting, some significantly higher than last year. Elk harvest was down, however, and lower than the previous 4 years. The antelope harvest also revealed lower numbers than the last 4 years and whitetails were just slightly higher than last year at this time.
(Headlines - October 30, 2007)

Troy Falcon of Billings and Jonathan Kelly of Laurel bagged their first deer on opening day—a 4x5 and a 4 pt mule deer buck respectively.
(Headlines - October 29, 2007)

The deer and elk harvest in northwest Montana is running about average through the first week of the big game season.
(Headlines - October 29, 2007)

Biologists report that the project to sample the lake trout population in Swan Lake came off successfully.
(Headlines - October 29, 2007)

Deer harvest has been slow to pick up pace this big game season in west-central Montana, with totals that are 30 percent behind last year’s first week for white-tailed deer and mule deer. The elk harvest for week one was right in line with the first week tally from last season and just shy of the five-year average.
(Headlines - October 29, 2007)

Hunters in grizzly bear country need to be aware of bears out looking for food before their winter sleep. That advice from state wildlife officials comes in the wake of a second grizzly bear incident in two weeks along the Rocky Mountain Front. On Tuesday an East Glacier elk hunter killed a charging female grizzly at about eight feet after he surprised the bear and its cub near the South Fork of the Two Medicine River.
(Headlines - October 26, 2007)

Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Region One, has prepared a draft environmental assessment (EA) for the purpose of purchasing a fishing access site on the Clark Fork River in Sanders County near Paradise, Montana (T19N, R25W, S28, SW1/4, SW14, S21).
(Headlines - October 26, 2007)

A young male wolf was killed by Federal Wildlife Services on October 23 in a control action west of Brown’s Meadow. According to FWP Wolf Management Specialist Kent Laudon, the wolf was a member of the Hog Heaven Pack that ranges west and southwest of Kalispell.
(Headlines - October 26, 2007)

The winning designs of the 18th annual Montana State Parks Poster Contest are on display at the Fish, Wildlife and Parks office in Miles City. Come see the nature-inspired work of talented young artists while the traveling exhibit is in the area.
(Education - October 25, 2007)

A grizzly bear cub was hit and killed on Highway 2 west of Essex last night about 8:30 p.m
(Headlines - October 25, 2007)

Hunter numbers during the opening days of the 2007 big game season in southwest Montana were similar to last year. Harvest of elk and mule deer were down slightly from 2006, while white-tailed deer harvest was noticeably lower.
(Headlines - October 25, 2007)

Vernon Pacovsky's 2.8-pound white bass caught earlier this month in the Missouri River is not only the largest in the state, it's the Bainvill man's third state record.
(ALS - October 25, 2007)

Malta meeting will begin work on identifying focus areas for prairie dog conservation and management efforts.
(ALS - October 25, 2007)

More hunters came through the check stations on opening day this year than last, but, overall, fewer game animals were harvested. "In Columbus, we had the largest number of hunters come through since 2003," was the report from Shawn Stewart, Columbus wildlife biologist.
(Headlines - October 24, 2007)

Stillwater River: A subadult male grizzly was found dead near the Stillwater River south of Stryker this week. The cause of death is under investigation. Kraft Creek: A large adult male grizzly was hit by a vehicle and killed on October 9 at approximately 4:30 a.m. near Kraft Creek south of Condon.
(Headlines - October 24, 2007)

Kalispell’s great neighborhood state park just got even better. With a recent 40-acre addition, a newly remodeled interpretive center and a completed forest health project, Lone Pine State Park is stepping up to meet the growing needs of the community and visitors alike.
(Headlines - October 24, 2007)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, hunting district 303, which includes portions of Park County, will be closed to all hunting of bighorn sheep, effective one-half hour after sunset on Friday, Oct. 26, 2007. The order halting the hunt came after the pre-established harvest quota for the district had been met.
(Hunting - October 24, 2007)

Hunting is a way to connect to things that are important to people who enjoy the outdoors. Hunting connects people to the land, whether to enjoy nature, share the experience with family or friends, or for the challenge.
(Headlines - October 23, 2007)

Wildlife habitat improvement projects underway at Blue-Eyed Nellie Wildlife Management Area, west of Anaconda, will temporarily limit vehicle access to the area.
(Headlines - October 23, 2007)

While early returns indicate a good year for upland and migratory bird hunters in north central Montana, some hunters are forgetting parts of the law, state game wardens say.             A recent game check station at Rogers Pass west of Great Falls found lots of hunters and lots of birds. But a few individuals forgot to leave an identifying wing or leg on their birds.
(Headlines - October 22, 2007)

The grizzly bear that mauled a bird hunter near the town of Dupuyer along the Rocky Mountain Front was captured and relocated last week, state wildlife officials announced.             The 2-year-old male bear was captured Oct. 18 in a culvert trap near the spot on Dupuyer Creek where a week earlier the animal attacked a bird hunter.
(Headlines - October 22, 2007)

Hunters took to the field yesterday across northwest Montana for the opener of the general deer and elk season.
(Headlines - October 22, 2007)

Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Region 5 will once again be asking hunters returning from the field with Deer and elk to deposit the heads in barrels provided at various locations in Billings for CWD testing. Barrels will be located at 4th Avenue Meats, Pat's Butcher Block, the Meat and Poultry Palace, and the regional headquarters in Billings, and Trails End in Lockwood. Hunters may also deposit heads as they go through the Laurel and Columbus check stations on weekends.
(Headlines - October 22, 2007)

Harvest numbers were about average for west-central Montana’s big game opener Oct. 21. Although deer and elk harvest fell below the 2006 opening day, the numbers were right in line with the five-year average.
(Headlines - October 22, 2007)

Montana’s 2007 general big game hunting season—or rifle season—for deer and elk opens Oct. 21 and generally ends Nov. 25. For details on Montana’s fall hunting seasons, regulations, and specific season dates by hunting district, please see the print regulations available at all FWP offices and license providers, or go to the Hunting page on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov .  Also be sure to visit FWP’s Hunt Planner for district regulations and maps.
(Hunting - October 19, 2007)

Montana’s sage-grouse hunting season closes Nov. 1. Hunting for partridge, pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse and turkey will continue, with some exceptions, until Jan. 1, 2008. For details on these hunting opportunities, regulations, and specific season dates by hunting district, please see the print regulations available at all FWP offices and license providers, or visit the Hunting page on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov .
(Hunting - October 19, 2007)

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Oct. 25 at the MSU Northern Applied Tech Center in Havre beginning at 8:30 a.m.
(Commission - October 19, 2007)

Montana's news has been unusually full of stories about hunters encountering grizzly bears. "There has been a lot of bear activity this fall, with everything from a grizzly being shot in the Bitterroot Mountains, the first known grizzly in those parts since 1946, to a number of recent bear and hunter encounters where the hunter was injured," said Ron Aasheim, Montana Fish, Wildlfie & Parks Communications and Education Division administrator.
(Hunting - October 19, 2007)

TIP-MONT, the “crime stopper” program managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, rewards callers who report natural resource crimes to 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668.) A caller may remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 if their information leads to an arrest. TIPMONT takes calls on crimes involving big game, fish and vandalism on private land,   State Parks, BLM, Forest Service and other public lands.
(Hunting - October 19, 2007)

Giving up is not an option if you're going to be a good hunter, Matthew Sekerak, a 12-year old in Helena who just took his first buck with a bow and arrow, advises other young hunters. Sekerak was humble about his success when he was asked for his advice. He credited family friends who set up a blind in a "really good spot" and who helped him track the buck. Credit, he said, also goes to his dad, who has taken him on numerous outdoor trips; to his hunter education instructors; and to hard work.
(Hunting - October 19, 2007)

In the past century, pheasants, though not native to Montana, have become well established as prized game birds. The problem with pheasants is they are short-lived. Studies indicate that about 80 percent of the rooster and 60 percent of the hen population are lost every year. The abundance of pheasants in any single hunting season is the result of how many survive winter and even more importantly, how successfully those birds reproduce.
(Hunting - October 19, 2007)

With big game hunting season here, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds hunters who use off-highway vehicles that off-highway doesn't mean off-road or off-trail. Simply put, taking an OHV "cross country" on most public lands is illegal, and most landowners don't allow it. As the number of off-highway vehicles in Montana grows, so are complaints from some landowners and hunters about illegal and irresponsible use.
(Hunting - October 19, 2007)

A large male grizzly bear was killed by a pickup truck on Highway 200, just outside of Lincoln, early on Wednesday morning. The driver of the vehicle was not injured.
(Headlines - October 18, 2007)

A draft environmental assessment (EA) is available for public review of a proposed amendment to the Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Management Plan.
(Headlines - October 17, 2007)

Deer and elk hunters are encouraged to submit the heads of harvested ungulates to be tested for presence of chronic wasting disease. Head-collection sites are being set up in Glasgow and Havre in Region 6 and in Jordan, Winnett and Bohemian Corners in adjacent regions.
(ALS - October 17, 2007)

The Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet in Havre's MSU-Northern Applied Technology Center on Thursday, Oct. 25 starting at 8:30 p.m.
(ALS - October 17, 2007)

Montana teachers seeking new tools to connect students to Montana's natural world can now turn to a new interactive website created by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
(Headlines - October 17, 2007)

A Stevensville bird hunter was mauled by a grizzly bear Monday afternoon along Dupuyer Creek about 15 miles southwest of Valier.             The hunter, whose name and age were not immediately available, was taken by ambulance to Benefis Hospital in Great Falls. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening. The bear also was apparently not injured or shot during the brief encounter.
(Headlines - October 16, 2007)

Here's a thumbs up on the hunting outlook for elk, deer, antelope and upland birds in south-central Montana for hunters preparing to head out on Sunday, October 21. According to Ray Mulé, FWP Game Manager for Billings-based region 5, spring population surveys show that elk numbers are near or well above the population objectives set in the elk management plan. With some of the most liberal ek seasons we have ever had, good bull numbers, and high populations of elk, hunters should expect a season that is as
(Headlines - October 16, 2007)

BOZEMAN —Thirty-eight Montanans were drawn from among 4,402 applicants for a license to hunt bison in Montana this winter.   In accordance with state law, a total of 16 of the licenses could be allotted to Montana’s eight Indian Tribes. Three tribes agreed to participate in the upcoming season and will be offered six licenses.   New for this year, 96 residents and four nonresidents were placed on a cow/calf license roster.
(Hunting - October 16, 2007)

Thirty-eight Montanans were drawn from among 4,402 applicants for a license to hunt bison in Montana this winter.
(Headlines - October 16, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announces improvement projects starting next week at Black’s Ford and Erwin Bridge fishing access sites.
(Headlines - October 16, 2007)

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Oct. 25 at the MSU Northern Applied Tech Center in Havre beginning at 8:30 a.m.
(Commission - October 16, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) and the Lolo National Forest have again agreed to a limited mountain lion season in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area. The hunt was initiated in 1998 as part of an effort to reduce mountain lion encounters in the north Missoula area.
(Headlines - October 15, 2007)

Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks (FWP) fisheries crews began implementation of the South Fork Flathead Westslope Cutthroat Trout project with rotenone treatments of Black and Blackfoot Lakes in the Jewel Basin.
(WCT Project - October 12, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Region One, has completed an environmental assessment (EA) for West Shore, Lake Mary Ronan, and Finley Point State Parks in Lake County for the purpose of completing a forest-thinning project.
(Headlines - October 12, 2007)

A 15 year-old adult female bear and her three cubs were relocated from Missoula’s Rattlesnake neighborhood this week after becoming conditioned to food from garbage cans.
(Headlines - October 12, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is now accepting applications from one-boat outfitters for temporary client days on the Beaverhead and Big Hole Rivers for use in 2008.
(ALS - October 11, 2007)

Despite a date change, rutted roads from a muddy, cool, and wet Saturday, and an outbreak of bluetongue along the Musselshell and Yellowstone rivers, hunters enjoyed a successful antelope opener. Broadview reported no antelope were checked from the east side of Region 7 or district 530, areas that were impacted heavily by the bluetongue outbreak, while Big Timber received no reports of dead antelope due to bluetongue. The check station in Billings had a few reports of dead antelope but no sick or recently d
(Headlines - October 11, 2007)

Deer numbers in north central Montana range from stable to up, up and away. “We have good deer numbers, both whitetails and mule deer,” says Gary Olson, Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologist in Conrad. “Our population counts on mule deer in the mountains were up, up, up.”             Montana’s general deer season runs Oct. 21 – Nov.
(Headlines - October 09, 2007)

Perhaps the biggest guessing game in north central Montana elk hunting circles this year is what will last summer’s forest fires mean for elk on the Rocky Mountain Front.             “Hunters may not find game in the typical spots,” says Brent Lonner, Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologist in Fairfield. Says Gary Olson, FWP wildlife biologist in Conrad, “Traditional migration patterns might be more variable.
(Headlines - October 09, 2007)

Thanks to a succession of easy winters and ample forage, the numbers of deer and elk on the landscape of northeastern and north-central Montana is well above long-term average populations.
(ALS - October 09, 2007)

You may be feeling pretty secure this time of year if your automobile is serviced and ready for winter. It is a good feeling, but don't get too comfortable, warns Ron Aasheim, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks communications and education division manager. "Watching for wildlife as we drive to and from work in winter is an important part of a safe driver's routine," Aasheim said. Collisions with wildlife are always a possibility in Montana.
(Hunting - October 05, 2007)

Montana's bears are appearing in new places and seeking out new sources of food after an extremely dry summer and shortened berry season. Recent callers to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices around the state are reporting numerous signs of bears in rural and urban areas. Callers from towns large and small are reporting bear sightings: under an apple tree in a residential area, a bear eating chokecherries growing in a neighbor's yard, signs of bear scat with sunflower seeds in it.
(Hunting - October 05, 2007)

There are a surprising number of commercial activities that involve native or nonnative wildlife that are, in most cases, born and raised in captivity for many generations. Many people do not realize that a permit is necessary for these activities.   "Commercial activities can cover anything from raising and selling upland game birds to the operation of a zoo or a roadside menagerie," said Tim Feldner, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' commercial wildlife permitting manager.
(Enforcement - October 05, 2007)

Approximately $310,000 in funding was approved recently by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park Commission for 15 Future Fisheries Improvement Program projects. The funding will be matched by nearly $600,000 from outside sources. The FWP Commission made its final decision on funding requests based on recommendations from a 14-member citizen panel. Sponsors of approved projects enter into an agreement with FWP to maintain project improvements through responsible land-management practices.
(Fishing - October 05, 2007)

While Montana's much admired big game species get all the attention this hunting season, deer mice are everywhere, busily preparing for winter. Why should we care? Deer mice are small but mighty. These mice, weighing in at about half the weight of a penny at birth, are an important food source for many of the animals Montanans like to watch in the outdoors.
(Comprehensive Fish & Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CFWCS) - October 05, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comment on the 2008 Nonresident Combination hunting license tentative annual rule . The FWP Commission adopted the tentative rule at its Sept. 27 meeting.
(Hunting - October 05, 2007)

The campground at Harpers Lake Fishing Access Site will be closed through May 1, 2008 for rehabilitation efforts following use of the site as a temporary firefighter camp. The day-use area will remain open, and anglers and other visitors will be able to access the lake.
(Headlines - October 04, 2007)

The hunting of all black bears in the Deer/Elk Hunting District 510 portion of Bear Management Unit 510, in portions of Carbon County, will close one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, October 6, 2007.   The order halting the hunt came shortly after Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest sub-quota for the district had been met.
(Hunting - October 04, 2007)

Montana hunters have the opportunity to take part in some of the finest hunting opportunities found anywhere. But each fall, some individuals unwittingly or knowingly violate the state’s game laws.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

Recently a Forsyth angler caught quite a unigue fish and had an angling experience he'll not soon forget.
(Fishing - October 03, 2007)

  2007 Upland Game Birds Species Start Date* End Date* Mountain Grouse September 1, 2007 December 15, 2007 Partridge September 1, 2007 January 1, 2008 Pheasant October 13, 2007 January 1, 2008 Sage Grouse September 1, 2007 November 1, 2007 Sharp-tailed Grouse September 1, 2007 January 1, 2008 Turkey - fall September 1, 2007 January 1, 2008 Turkey - spring April 7, 2007 May 20, 2007 *These dates represent the "general" season dates. Be sure to check the 2007 Montana Hunting Regulations for the most accurate, hunting district/species-specific season dates and regulations. …
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

Pheasant hunters in Montana should be in for some good hunting this year, especially in eastern and north-central Montana, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials say. The pheasant season in Montana is Oct. 13—Jan. 1, 2008. "Statewide pheasant numbers are expected to be average to above average, with some exceptions due to hail,” said Rick Northrup, FWP game bird coordinator.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

The seven-year itch has caught up with Montana’s 2007 antelope and pheasant hunting seasons. This year the pheasant season will open Oct. 13 and run through Jan. 1, 2008. The general antelope season will run Oct. 7 through Nov. 11. In Montana, 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.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

2007 Montana Big Game Seasons Species Start Date* End Dates(s)* Antelope - 900 series August 15, 2007 November 11, 2007 Antelope - archery September 1, 2007 October 13, 2007 Antelope - general October 7, 2007 November 11, 2007 Bighorn Sheep September 15, 2007 November 25, 2007 Bison November 15, 2007 February 15, 2008 Black Bear - fall September 15, 2007 November 25, 2007 Black Bear - spring April 15, 2007 May 31, 2007 Deer & Elk - archery September 1, 2007 October 14, 2007 Deer & Elk - backcountry HD's 150, 151, 280 & 316 September 15, 2007 November 25, 2007 Deer & Elk - general October 21, 2007 November 25, 2007 Moose September 15, 2007 November 25, 2007 Mountain Goat September 15, 2007 November 25, 2007 Mountain Lion - fall October 21, 2007 November 25, 2007 Mountain Lion - winter December 1, 2007 April 14, 2008 *These dates represent the "general" season dates. Be sure to check the 2007 Montana Hunting Regulations for the most accurate, hunting district/species-specific season dates and regulations. …
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

Got elk? Montana does, and thousands of elk hunters are already planning for the hunt. Montana's general elk hunting season opens Oct. 21. "Hunters are going to see very healthy populations of elk and liberal hunting opportunities. If the weather works in hunters' favor and they do some advance work to gain access where it's needed, we should see a very successful harvest,” said Quentin Kujala, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife division management bureau chief.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

Deer hunters in Montana can expect to find abundant hunting opportunities across the state when the general deer season opens Oct. 21. "Conditions have been good the past several years and deer have responded with good winter survival and good fawn production," said Quentin Kujala, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife management bureau chief. Wildlife managers say winter survival of deer and fawns is in part due to the generally mild winters the past couple of years.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

Taking Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Hunter Education course with a child or spouse is one way to set the stage for a lasting family hunting partnership. Some parents may start even earlier with backpacking and camping trips, deer and antelope scouting trips and other good excuses to have fun in the outdoors while teaching young people the basic skills they will need as hunters and outdoor enthusiasts.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

If you are new to hunting or have never hunted Montana before, you can learn you way around fast by using Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' newly expanded online hunt planner at fwp.mt.gov   on the Hunting page. The hunt planner's mapping feature can map a specific set of hunting districts and search for important information such as the distribution of big game species or upland game birds, land ownership, and locations of Wildlife Management Areas and highways.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

It's time for hunters who plan to hunt on private land to be thinking about securing permission from landowners. Montana law requires hunters to obtain permission for ALL hunting on private land.   Whether pursuing upland game birds, coyotes, gopher or big game, hunters must ask permission from the landowner before hunting on private property.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

  For the 2007 hunting season, hunters will have access to more than 8 million acres of land statewide through the Block Management Program administered by Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The program provides hunters with public hunting access to private and isolated public land free of charge, while assisting landowners in managing hunting activities. There are two types of Block Management Areas.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

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 - October 03, 2007)

Hunters interested in learning more about the lands enrolled in FWP's Block Management Program may contact the regional FWP office in the area where they plan to hunt, or check the "Hunting" pages on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov . Gaining access to hunt on a Block Management Area is easy. Just follow these steps. ·         Contact the FWP regional office where you plan to hunt.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

Montana’s hunter education manual, combined with the teaching skills of 1,200 hunter education instructors, is at the core of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Hunter Education Program. The program annually trains about 6,500 prospective hunters. Here are the four basic fire-arm safety rules that the manual states should be followed at all times: 1.             Always point the muzzle of a firearm in a safe direction.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

Although hunting is not a "team sport," sportsmanship and ethics are as important in hunting as they are in any other outdoor activity.   If hunters keep a few simple thoughts in mind, they can hunt safely and set a good example for other hunters.   ·         Follow the rules of safe gun handling. ·         Be proficient in the use of your equipment.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

Officials at game check stations gather information needed to manage the state's wildlife resources. When hunters stop at check stations, they may be asked a variety of questions including how many deer, elk or antelope they saw and in which drainages or general locations their hunting took place. Hunters should remember that state law requires them to stop at all game check stations on their routes of travel to and from hunting areas, whether they have harvested an animal or not.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

Montana hunters have the opportunity to take part in some of the finest hunting found anywhere.   But each autumn, some individuals unwittingly or knowingly violate the state’s game laws.   Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials ask that hunters take the time to review Montana's hunting rules and regulations to ensure they act within the law and are prepared to recognize when others violate the law.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

As the number of off-highway vehicles in Montana grows, so are complaints from some landowners and hunters about illegal and irresponsible use. Last year, the Montana Wildlife Federation asked the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission to adopt additional regulations to reduce the "negative impacts from improper use of ATVs while hunting." The group sought to establish a number of OHV restrictions and to increase penalties for violations.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

Before going afield to hunt, it is always wise to review the proper ways to handle and transport wild meat.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

Montanans who plan to travel out-of-state or to Canada to hunt deer, elk and moose should know that it is now illegal to bring heads and spinal cords from harvested game animals back with them from a state that is known to have CWD in either wild animals or game farm animals.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

When planning a hunting trip this fall, hunters need to be mindful of the regulations associated with using State School Trust Land. A $2 state lands access fee is now included in the price of the FWP conservation license, however hunters must still know the boundaries of state lands they use and abide by the land use rules.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks requests that hunters report any sightings or signs of wolves.  A gray wolf is, on average 2.5 feet tall; 5-6 feet long; 70-120 pounds with a broad snout, round ears and fur ranging from gray, black or tan to white. FWP must prepare annual reports to document the recovered status and distribution of the Montana wolf population.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

Montana requires the use of certified weed-free hay, grain, straw, mulch, cubes and pellet feed on wildlife management areas and federal lands. Contact the Montana Department of Agriculture at 406-444-5400 for more information. Infestations of noxious weeds reduce the amount of available food for wildlife and livestock.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

Bear pepper spray is not just for summer use when hiking or camping. Hunting in Montana is a prime time to encounter a bear, especially if your are calling game and using scents. If you plan to hunt alone, let someone know about your plans, or better yet, hunt with a partner. While you are out, pay attention to fresh bear sign, and keep the golden rule of hunting in mind: "get the game animal out of the area as quickly as possible.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

About thirteen million youngsters age 16 years and older go hunting each fall according to a U.S. Fish and Wildlife survey. Those with the best chance of a successful experience and memories that will lead them to hunt for their lifetimes are those accompanied by an adult willing and able to mentor the young hunter. To assist in getting Montana's future hunters afield, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers a variety of cost-saving options for young and first-time hunters.
(Hunting - October 03, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) will host a meeting to present a draft management plan for Rosebud Battlefield State Park and kick-off public review of the plan and comment period. This third and final Town Hall meeting will be held Thursday, October 11, 2007.
(Parks - October 01, 2007)