To hunt in the spring black bear season, black bear hunters must purchase a license by April 14. Licenses purchased after April 14 can only be used for the fall black bear season. Only one black bear license per year is issued to an individual. The spring black bear season begins April 15. Check the 2007 black bear hunting regulations (fwp.mt.gov) for details.
(Hunting - March 01, 2007)

New fishing and hunting licenses are now on sale at FWP and at all hunting and fishing license outlets.
(Headlines - March 01, 2007)

Registration for the Whitefish Hunter Education Course will be held Thursday, March 1, 5-8 p.m., and Saturday March 3, noon-4 p.m., at the Whitefish City Library.
(Headlines - March 01, 2007)

Montana’s spring turkey gobbler season runs April 7 to May 20 this year.
(Headlines - March 01, 2007)

To hunt in the spring black bear season, black bear hunters must purchase a license by April 14.
(Headlines - March 01, 2007)

New fishing and hunting licenses are now on sale at FWP and at all hunting and fishing license outlets.
(Headlines - March 01, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks learned today that the animal likely responsible for a rash of eastern Montana livestock depredations last year was a domestic wolf, and not a wild Rocky Mountain gray wolf.    The domestic wolf was suspected of killing more than 120 sheep and injuring a number of others in eight different incidents in Dawson, Garfield and McCone counties from December 2005 and July 2006.
(Headlines - February 28, 2007)

Thinning operations on approximately 25 acres of Lone Pine State Park will begin this week.
(Headlines - February 27, 2007)

State officials are seeking comments on a proposed supplemental yellow perch stocking in Wadsworth Pond on the west side of Great Falls.
(Headlines - February 27, 2007)

Hunters who wish to hunt in a special turkey permit area this spring must apply by March 15 for a permit and must purchase a spring turkey license before hunting. Special spring turkey permit areas are located in several western and southwestern Montana counties. An additional 100 turkey permits will be available in FWP Region 1 in a portion of Sanders County and in Lincoln County.
(Headlines - February 27, 2007)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 335, 339, and 343, which includes portions of Lewis and Clark and Jefferson counties; and in north-central Montana hunting districts 422, 423, 424, 425, and 442, which include portions of Lewis and Clark and Teton counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, Feb. 27.
(Hunting - February 26, 2007)

On February 21 FWP Warden Steve Magone retrieved a dead adult female wolf from the Libby Area.
(Headlines - February 26, 2007)

Montana's popular SuperTags are available again this year at FWP regional offices, FWP headquarters in Helena and FWP license providers. The SuperTag hunting-license lottery enables resident and nonresident hunters to purchase an unlimited number of   $5 chances to draw a license to hunt one of the Montana's five most popular big game species, including a moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, elk or deer. Hunters need only a conservation license to purchase SuperTag chances.
(Headlines - February 23, 2007)

Last year, about 2,000 Montanans took part in wildlife projects studying the habits of pygmy rabbits, helping conserve cavity-nesting birds, and doing research on bird species dependent upon wetland and riparian habitats. Were they members of a select group? How did they single out these projects? How did they make such a meaningful contribution? The answers are no, they didn’t, and easy—by checking the box on their income tax form marked with the soaring eagle.
(Headlines - February 23, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks now offers a full-color guide to agency-managed programs of interest to private landowners. The guide describes these programs and provides contacts so landowners can learn more. The guide includes information on the Block Management Program, Montana Private Land Fishing Access Program, Livestock Loss Reimbursement Program, the Montana Wetlands Legacy and other programs.
(Headlines - February 23, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking applicants for a committee that will help update the Smith River State Park Management Plan. "We encourage anyone who has an interest in recreation management for the Smith River to apply," said Joe Maurier, FWP Parks Division Administrator.   FWP has used the Smith River State Park Management Plan to manage recreation on the river since 1996.
(Headlines - February 23, 2007)

The hunting of male mountain lions in north-central Montana hunting districts 418, 420 and 448, which includes portions of Judith Basin, Meagher, Fergus and Cascade counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, February 24, 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 districts combined had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.mt.
(Hunting - February 23, 2007)

Snowshoeing may not have the same high profile as skiing, but the number of snowshoe enthusiasts in Montana is growing as it is in other states.   Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' "Becoming An Outdoors Woman" program, the Montana Discovery Foundation and other groups offer classes for beginners and host snowshoe hikes. These new snowshoers are in good company. The number of snowshoe enthusiasts has grown by 93 percent since 1998, according to a national study.
(Headlines - February 23, 2007)

FWP Seeking Comments On Mt. Silcox WMA Grazing Project Draft Environmental Assessment (EA)
(Headlines - February 23, 2007)

Permits for commercial activities on sites managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are now available. The new 2007 commercial-use permits are required for activities beginning March 1. Examples of commercial uses include guided angling and whitewater rafting, guided walks and tours, guided trail rides and commercial filming. The new rules requiring permits for these and other commercial activities were recently approved by the FWP Commission to help manage commercial uses on FWP-managed lands.
(Headlines - February 23, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently adopted emergency fish-import restrictions to help prevent the spread of a deadly fish virus found in several states in the Great Lakes region. The new import rules now in effect restrict the transportation of fish into Montana from eight states and two Canadian provinces. The import restrictions are aimed at preventing game fish for pond stocking, and live and dead baitfish collected from infected waters, from introducing the disease into Montana.
(Headlines - February 23, 2007)

Nonresidents who wish to apply for big game combination, elk combination or deer combination licenses for the fall Montana hunting season can apply online or download applications at Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks website. To request an application, write to:   Licensing Section; Montana FWP; P.O. Box 200701, Helena MT   59620-0701; or call (406) 444-2950. The application deadline is March 15.
(Headlines - February 23, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will buy a permanent conservation easement on 418 acres of state owned land adjacent to the northern boundary of Ulm Pishkun State Park.
(Headlines - February 21, 2007)

Just how far will Montana game wardens go to investigate a poaching case? In this particular case, the answer is over 1,500 miles.
(Headlines - February 21, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is sponsoring a women’s ice-fishing class in Kalispell as part of the its Beyond Becoming an Outdoorswoman (BOW) Program.
(Headlines - February 20, 2007)

Spring course dates for Hunter Education have been set for Columbia Falls, Eureka, Somers and Marion.
(Headlines - February 20, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Snappy Sport Senter of Kalispell and Flathead Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited, are sponsoring a regional competition for the national State-Fish Art Contest.
(Headlines - February 20, 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 Wednesday, February 21, 2007. The closure notice for the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the district had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.mt.
(Hunting - February 20, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking applicants for a committee that will help update the Smith River State Park Management Plan. "We encourage anyone who has an interest in recreation management for the Smith River to apply," said Joe Maurier, FWP Parks Division Chief. FWP has used the Smith River State Park Management Plan to manage recreation on the river since 1996.
(Headlines - February 16, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Region One, has completed an environmental assessment (EA) for West Shore State Park for the purpose of a timber-thinning project to restore the site to the historic stand structure of large, open, park-like stands.
(Headlines - February 16, 2007)

State wildlife officials will hold two public meetings to seek public comment on a proposal to open Ear Mountain and Blackleaf wildlife management areas to the public at noon on May 15.
(Headlines - February 16, 2007)

A leaking earthen dam and concern over possible unsafe ice conditions has led state officials to temporarily close the Lower Carter Pond fishing access site north of Lewistown
(Headlines - February 16, 2007)

A spring bowhunter education class has been scheduled for those interested in the Sidney area.
(Education - February 12, 2007)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for taking wolverine in Wolverine Management Unit 3 in south western Montana will close at midnight on the evening of Wednesday, February 14, 2007. Wolverine Management Unit 3 includes portions of Trapping Districts 3 & 5.
(Hunting - February 12, 2007)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 312 and 393, which include portions of Gallatin, Park and Meagher counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, February 13, 2007.    The closure notice for the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the districts combined had been met.   For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.mt.
(Hunting - February 12, 2007)

The Montana Trappers Association will conduct a free trapper education class in Missoula, Saturday, Feb. 24, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) regional office, 3201 Spurgin Rd.
(Headlines - February 12, 2007)

Forty-two volunteer instructors from across west-central Montana will be honored next week for their many years of volunteer service to the Hunter and Bowhunter Education programs that train hunters to be safe, knowledgeable, ethical and responsible.
(Headlines - February 12, 2007)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will hold a public meeting in Helena on its proposal to remove the gray wolf from the federal list of endangered species. USFWS announced in January that it proposes to delist the northern Rocky Mountain’s gray wolves. The meeting in Helena is set for March 1, at Jorgenson’s Inn & Suites, 1714 11th Ave. An informational public meeting will run from 3-5 p.m. and the official public hearing will follow from 6-8 p.m.
(Headlines - February 09, 2007)

Montana’s fifth grade students will have an opportunity to test their artistic skills this spring and compete for some exciting new prizes by participating in the 2007 Montana State Parks poster contest. This year’s contest theme is "Kids In The Great Outdoors." The deadline to enter is April 6. Prizes include lodging in a Montana State Park, backpacks, equipment and field guides.
(Headlines - February 09, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is again offering college students an opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study by serving as interns.   FWP internship opportunities are in fields such as fish and wildlife management, recreation, education, and state parks interpretation. Students typically receive academic credit and a grade.
(Headlines - February 09, 2007)

Women interested in hunting upland game birds next fall are invited to attend a clinic March 9-10 in Great Falls to help prepare for the hunt. The clinic begins Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. and runs all day Saturday. Clinic participants will practice shotgun shooting, learn about different hunting dogs, learn how to identify upland birds and how to care for birds in the field.   At the end of the clinic, participants will take part in a hunting experience.
(Headlines - February 09, 2007)

Montanans' avid interest in watching wild animals can, for some folks, make the temptation to feed them nearly irresistible. While feeding birds, squirrels, and even raccoons is legal, feeding big game—deer, elk, moose, bear and such—is not. It is the law—big game animals may not be fed. Even feeding wild birds and squirrels is a big responsibility that can have unexpected consequences.
(Headlines - February 09, 2007)

Spring course dates for Hunter Education have been set for the following communities: Whitefish, Libby, Kalispell, Thompson Falls, Polson, and Bigfork. Spring course dates have also been set for bow hunter education in Libby and Kalispell.
(Headlines - February 09, 2007)

By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, the season for taking bobcats in Trapping District 6 in northeastern Montana will close at midnight on the evening of Sunday, February 11, 2007. The district includes portions of Blaine, Chouteau, Daniels, Garfield, Hill, McCone, Phillips, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan and Valley counties. For more information visit FWP's web site at www.fwp.mt.
(Hunting - February 09, 2007)

The hunting season for mountain lions in hunting districts 700, 701, 702, 703, 704 and 705 (all of Region 7 in southeastern Montana), which includes portions of Bighorn, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, McCone, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Treasure and Wibaux counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on the evening of Friday, February 9, 2007.
(Hunting - February 08, 2007)

Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Montana Trappers Association will offer a trapper education course Feb. 24 in Great Falls. This will be the only trapper education course held in north central Montana this winter.
(Headlines - February 07, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will extend the public comment period on a proposal to stock largemouth bass into East Fork Reservoir, south of Lewistown.
(Headlines - February 07, 2007)

Hunters will be afield starting this weekend to participate in a six-day, special management season for elk that have moved onto private land south of Eddie’s Corner and west of Highway 191.
(Headlines - February 07, 2007)

They may not have classrooms or retirement plans, but a group of southeastern Montana educators have accumulated a combined 115 years of teaching experience.
(Education - February 06, 2007)

A spring hunter education class has been scheduled for those interested in the Sidney area. Hunter education is open to the public and is offered at no charge. All students that are 12 years of age or those who will be turning 12 during the coming hunting season and wish to hunt are eligible for the class. All individuals born after January 1, 1985, are required by Montana state law to complete a hunter education class before they can hunt in Montana.
(Education - February 06, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is recruiting volunteers who enjoy Montana State Parks, being outdoors and working with people to apply to be a campground host at Cooney State Park for the 2007 summer season. Campground hosts primarily provide information and are vital to maintaining positive relationships with park visitors.
(Headlines - February 06, 2007)

The hunting of all mountain lions in Montana hunting district 314, which includes portions of Gallatin and Park counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, February 6, 2007. The closure notice for the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the district had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.mt.
(Hunting - February 05, 2007)

The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting district 331, which includes portions of Beaverhead, Silver Bow and Madison counties, will close at one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, February 6, 2007. The closure notice for the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the district had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.mt.
(Hunting - February 05, 2007)

The public is invited to spend a few minutes or a few hours at FWP's Winter Festival on Saturday, Feb. 24 at the City Hall Gymnasium in Malta
(Headlines - February 05, 2007)

Students enrolled in a Montana college or university who are looking for rewarding summer work are encouraged to apply for an internship with FWP.
(Headlines - February 05, 2007)

Seventeen Hunter Ed and Bowhunter Ed instructors in Region 6 will be recognized Feb. 17 for their cumulative 240 years of service to the program that trains beginning hunters in safety and ethics.
(Headlines - February 05, 2007)

The hunting of mountain lions in western Montana hunting districts 202 and 203, which includes portions of Mineral and Missoula counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, February 6, 2007. The closure notice for the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for these districts combined had been met. For more information, visit FWP's web site at fwp.mt.
(Hunting - February 05, 2007)

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Feb. 13 at the FWP Helena Headquarters, 1420 East 6 th Ave., beginning at 9:30 a.m.
(Headlines - February 02, 2007)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public comment on the proposed purchase of a permanent conservation easement from Montana Department of Natural Resources (DNRC) on 418 acres of land formerly known as the Eustance Ranch, which is along the northern boundary of Ulm Pishkun State Park.
(Headlines - February 02, 2007)

A spring hunter education class has been scheduled for the Miles City area March 17th and 18th. A registration night is planned for March 6th.
(Education - February 01, 2007)