A hunter education and firearms safety class specifically for women, and taught by women, is scheduled in Billings in May.
(Headlines - April 01, 2008)

The Flathead Archery Club will host the 21st annual Lone Pine 3D archery shoot held at Lone Pine State Park on Sunday April 6, 2008
(Headlines - April 01, 2008)

At a recent Hunter/Bowhunter Education Workshop in Kalispell, Bowhunter Education Instructor and High School Teacher Pat Allick highlighted techniques that work when educating young students. Here's Pat's outline of these time-tested tips.
(Headlines - April 01, 2008)

Fish, Wildlife and Parks together with the Missouri River Flyfishers club will hold their annual fly tying night for kids April 23 at FWP regional headquarters in Great Falls, 4600 Giant Springs Road. The free event teaches youngsters the basics of the hobby and how to tie a few simple flies. In addition, the participants learn about aquatic insects, which many flies imitate. No equipment is necessary as everything, including instructors from the club, will be provided.
(Headlines - April 01, 2008)

A warm, sunny afternoon and the sound of a western meadowlark might herald spring for some folks, but for deer spring can bring the toughest days of the year. “We’ve had a pretty good winter with no major die offs,” says Adam Grove, Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologist in White Sulphur Springs. “But deer are at their most vulnerable right now.” That’s because the body fat reserves in a deer are normally about gone by spring.
(Headlines - April 01, 2008)

Great Falls first bowhunter education course for this year has been set. Registration will be 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., April 22, at the regional Fish, Wildlife and Parks office, 4600 Giant Springs Road. Classes will be 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., April 28, 30, May 1, 5, 7, and 8 at CMR high school. A field day will take place on May 10. The course is free. Prospective bowhunters, ages 12 to 17, must take both a hunter and bowhunter education course before they can buy an archery license.
(Headlines - April 01, 2008)

Registration for the Spring Hunter Education course for the Ronan area will be Monday, April 14, in Room 118 at the Beaverhead Math & Science building on the Salish Kootenai College campus, Pablo from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
(Headlines - March 31, 2008)

Montana wildlife officials today welcomed the official removal of the Rocky Mountain gray wolf from the federal list of threatened and endangered species. Wolf conservation and management in Montana is now officially the responsibility of the state. "Montana’s wolf population is healthy, growing and firmly established in Montana," said Jeff Hagener, director of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. "Montanans have shown patience and cooperation with this recovery effort.
(Hunting - March 28, 2008)

Wolves are recovered in the Northern Rocky Mountains ·         The Northern Rocky Mountain gray wolf population met biological recovery criteria in 2002. ·         The decision to remove the wolf from the federal Endangered Species List takes effect Friday, March 28, but legal challenges are already underway.
(Hunting - March 28, 2008)

The Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 5 field test for students who have completed Montana’s online course on bowhunting is scheduled for Saturday, July 19, in Billings.
(Headlines - March 28, 2008)

Fishing outfitters and other commercial users who operate on the Madison River need to obtain a special recreation permit under the new Madison River Special Recreation Permit Program. The deadline for commercial users to apply for a permit is April 15, 2008.
(Headlines - March 28, 2008)

On Saturday April 12, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) will be conducting a trophy wildlife auction at the Region One Headquarters located at 490 North Meridian Road in Kalispell.
(Headlines - March 27, 2008)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission is seeking comment on a proposal that would allow state officials to close waters to recreation during a fire emergency. The new rule seeks to authorize FWP to adopt temporary emergency closures of public waters to boating, floating, swimming, fishing and other uses when firefighting efforts on or near the water creates a danger to public health and safety.
(Fishing - March 27, 2008)

Dangerous intermittent ice on the Smith River has prompted Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission to close the river to floating effective immediately. Wade fishing on the river remains open. "Floaters and others tell us that the Smith River is ice-covered and impassable in several 50 to 300 yard stretches, including the Indian Springs Boat Camp area below Camp Baker," said Roger Semler, FWP Region 4 parks manager in Great Falls.
(Parks - March 27, 2008)

Dangerous intermittent ice on the Smith River has prompted Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission to close the river to floating effective immediately. Wade fishing on the river remains open. "Floaters and others tell us that the Smith River is ice-covered and impassable in several 50 to 300 yard stretches, including the Indian Springs Boat Camp area below Camp Baker," said Roger Semler, FWP Region 4 parks manager in Great Falls.
(Headlines - March 27, 2008)

A domestic calf was confirmed killed by wolves and another calf was probably killed by wolves on private land in the Sage Creek area south of Dillon. USDA Wildlife Services investigated the incidents on Mar. 23.
(Headlines - March 25, 2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on an elk archery hunting regulations advisory committee. The advisory committee will lead a statewide effort to identify, define, and recommend regulations in 23 hunting districts outside of the Missouri River Breaks aimed at resolving wildlife management issues related to hunter harvest, the hunter's relationship with private landowners, related landowner concerns, and outfitting on public and private lands.
(Headlines - March 25, 2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Natural Resource Conservation Service employees along with the Muggli Fish Passage Project Manager and a local landowner recently received Outstanding Fishery Professional and Outstanding Group Achievement Awards from the Montana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.
(Fishing - March 25, 2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) issued a decision notice on March 24 to implement site improvements at the Poker Joe Fishing Access Site (FAS) on the Bitterroot River between Florence and Stevensville. The notice came at the end of a 30-day public comment period.
(Headlines - March 25, 2008)

A rise in vandalism at state parks and fishing access sites in north central Montana has officials asking for help. “We need the public’s help,” says Roger Semler, Fish, Wildlife and Parks regional parks manager in Great Falls. Since the first of the year, parks and fishing access sites in FWP Region 4 experienced eight acts of vandalism with damages exceeding $3,800.
(Headlines - March 25, 2008)

The Old Steel Bridge Fishing Access Site will be partially closed during the Montana Department of Transportation Bridge replacement project.
(Headlines - March 25, 2008)

SPACE STILL AVAILABLE FOR KALISPELL YOUTH BOWHUNTER EDUCATION, REGISTRATION FOR POLSON BOW ED
(Headlines - March 25, 2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) will conduct a public informational meeting on the Westslope Cutthroat Trout Conservation Project on Wednesday, May 14, 5-9 p.m. at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Office on North Meridian Road in Kalispell.
(Headlines - March 25, 2008)

Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Region One, has prepared a draft environmental assessment (EA) for Coal Creek in Flathead County (T34N, R22W, S25 & 26) for the purpose of a restoration project to improve fish habitat for adult and juvenile westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout by adding large wood to a previously altered section of the South Fork of Coal Creek.
(Headlines - March 25, 2008)

A Montanan from Great Falls, whose life was saved because he was wearing a life jacket, is a winner of the national "Be a Survivor!" essay contest sponsored by the National Safe Boating Council in Washington, D.C. Tyson Hajek won third place for his essay describing how a life jacket saved his life during Montana's Spring runoff white-water season. The contest engages boaters nationwide in sharing their personal stories about how a life jacket made a difference in their boating experience.
(Parks - March 21, 2008)

A packed agenda at the State Trails Conference in Missoula, April 17-19, at the Holiday Inn Downtown features state, regional and national experts. Topics include urban and backcountry trails, using trails to link homes with workplaces, the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, access to trails, and trails funding opportunities. The conference will also offer opportunities to explore some of Missoula's urban and backcountry trails. The conference opens April 17 at 9 a.m.
(Parks - March 21, 2008)

Applicants for Montana Fish,Wildlife & Parks' Recreational Trails and Off-Highway Vehicle Program grants may attend a two-hour training session at no charge to assist them in the application process. The grant application deadline for the next funding cycle is July 1.
(Parks - March 21, 2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Richland County Hunter Education Program will hold a free Women’s Spring Turkey Hunting Workshop Saturday, April 19 beginning at 4:30 a.m. and ending by 11:30 a.m. The early start will enable the group to reach the field in time to locate, listen to, and observe turkeys at different roost sites within their habitat.
(Hunting - March 21, 2008)

Montana’s 2008 big game auction licenses drew a total of $246,500 from events held by conservation groups this winter. The Foundation for North American Wild Sheep auctioned the 2008 bighorn sheep auction license for $195,000 and the moose license for $12,500. The Mule Deer Foundation auctioned the 2008 mule deer auction license for more than $13,000. These licenses were auctioned at the Western Hunting and Conservation Expo in Salt Lake City in January.
(Hunting - March 21, 2008)

If you have dodged or collided with a wild animal on Montana’s roads or highways, you’re not alone. Most wildlife collisions occur at dawn and dusk. Deer are most often involved, though collisions with moose, elk, bighorn sheep, bears, coyotes and wolves also occur. What can a driver do to be safe, while also sparing the state’s wildlife? Some   experts suggest making a conscious effort to scan for wildlife on the road, in the ditch, and on the shoulder of the road.
(Headlines - March 21, 2008)

Montana’s spring turkey gobbler season opens April 12. Licenses are available from all Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices, on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov and from FWP license providers across the state. The 2008 spring turkey hunting regulations, with details on turkey hunting in the general and special permit hunting areas, are available online and at FWP regional offices and FWP license providers.
(Hunting - March 21, 2008)

Montana’s spring black bear hunting season begins April 15. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials said all spring black bear hunters must purchase their licenses on or before April 14.  Licenses purchased after April 14 can only be used for the fall black bear season. Black bear hunters are limited to only one black bear license a year. The 2008 black bear licenses and regulations are available on line at fwp.mt.gov and at FWP regional offices and license providers.
(Hunting - March 21, 2008)

Montana's 2008 State Parks poster contest challenges fifth grade students to test their artistic skills this spring and win exciting prizes. This year’s contest theme is "Experience Montana State Parks." The deadline to enter is April 4. Contest prizes include lodging in a Montana State Park, backpacks, equipment and field guides. For contest materials, go to the FWP web page at fwp.mt.gov  , under 'State Parks' click on 2008 Poster Contest.
(Parks - March 21, 2008)

Montana’s TIP-MONT "crimestopper" program receives calls year round because wildlife crimes and vandalism occur at any time. It is a good idea to keep the TIP-MONT number handy. It is 1-800-TIP-MONT, or 1-800-847-6668. The TIP-MONT hotline is a toll free number that is used to report natural resource crimes, hunting and fishing violations, or vandalism on all public lands and in Montana State Parks.
(Fishing - March 21, 2008)

Here’s the answer to the Jeopardy category, fishes of the Missouri River: Goldeye. And the question: What is the most common species caught in the river between Morony Dam downstream of Great Falls and the upper reaches of Fort Peck Reservoir? That’s right, goldeye. That thin, silvery fish with golden eyes that nearly everyone fishing the river in central Montana has caught.
(Fishing - March 21, 2008)

On a conference call today Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Nez Perce Tribe affirmed their commitment to work together on bison hunting issues.
(Headlines - March 21, 2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Region 3 Citizens’ Advisory Committee will meet in Bozeman on Wednesday, Mar. 19. The meeting will be held at the FWP regional headquarters (1400 S. 19th Ave.) from 1-7 p.m. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend.
(Headlines - March 21, 2008)

The dates are set for spring hunter education classes in Belgrade and Bozeman.
(Headlines - March 21, 2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is pleased to announce, after four years in the making, the Cinnabar Tract land acquisition along the Yellowstone River south of Livingston is complete.
(Headlines - March 21, 2008)

A domestic calf was found dead on private land in the Grasshopper Valley west of Dillon. USDA Wildlife Services investigated the death on Mar. 7.
(Headlines - March 21, 2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ personnel euthanized a wolf on March 19 in the Paradise Valley because it had mange.
(Headlines - March 21, 2008)

Pictograph Cave State Park will open for the 2008 season on Tuesday, April 1, 2008.   Park hours during April and May are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Admission to Pictograph Cave State Park is free for Montana residents. Park fees apply to non-residents.     Two of the three rock overhangs at Pictograph Cave State Park provided shelter for prehistoric Indians as long as 10,000 years ago.
(Parks - March 20, 2008)

BILLINGS — Two wolves involved in two incidents of depredation in the East Fork of the Boulder River drainage south of Big Timber were removed by USDA Wildlife Services officials Wednesday. The two remaining members of the Moccasin Lake pack also will be removed after USDA Wildlife Services confirmed earlier Wednesday that two sheep were killed by the same pack on a different ranch. The wolves killed a calf on private property Saturday, March 15, and ran cattle through a fence the following day.
(Hunting - March 19, 2008)

BILLINGS — Wolves killed a calf on private property along the East Fork of the Boulder River south of Big Timber Saturday, March 15, 2008. On Sunday, March 16, the pack returned and ran cattle through a fence. Officials from the USDA Wildlife Services are authorized to remove two wolves from the pack. The landowner was issued a shoot-on-sight permit for as many as two wolves. Only a total of two wolves will be removed from the pack. No wolves had been removed as of Monday afternoon.
(Hunting - March 18, 2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking nominations for an individual to fill a vacant seat on a statewide board that is directing a new program to reduce livestock losses caused by wolves and reimburse ranchers for wolf-related losses.
(Hunting - March 18, 2008)

The deadline for the local State-Fish Art competition has been extended.
(Headlines - March 17, 2008)

Aspiring young artists are reminded that State-Fish Art entries are due at the Kalispell Fish, Wildlife and Parks office by 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 19.
(Headlines - March 13, 2008)

More than 420 wolves now inhabit Montana, nearly equally distributed between the state's northern and southern areas, according to the annual wolf conservation and management   report released by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. FWP’s report, which is available on line at fwp.mt.gov , shows Montana's wolf population increased about 34 percent from last year. The minimum Montana wolf population is estimated at 422 wolves, in 73 verified packs, and 39 breeding pairs.
(Hunting - March 13, 2008)

Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public comment on a proposal to treat Tunnel Lake, along the Rocky Mountain Front, and a tributary stream this spring with rotenone. The project would remove an expanding white sucker population, allowing FWP to restock the lake with hatchery westslope cutthroat trout and transplanted Arctic grayling.
(Headlines - March 12, 2008)

Montana Hunter Education Instructor Pat McVay has completed his 51st year of teaching the Hunter Education course in northwest Montana.
(Headlines - March 12, 2008)

Two abbreviated hunter education classes for adult students will be offered in Missoula this April. Participants must complete a portion of the class by studying materials on their own before attending several required classrooms sessions and a field course.
(Headlines - March 12, 2008)

Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Region One, has prepared a draft environmental assessment (EA) for West Shore State Park in Lake County (T25N, R20W, S4) for the purpose of installing approximately fourteen campsite electrical pedestals within campground Loop B. In addition, the proposed project will require a new transformer box and electrical panel.
(Headlines - March 11, 2008)

Fish, Wildlife & Parks and The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are conducting a joint investigation into the poaching of a grizzly bear found near the intersection of Hillside Road and Post Creek on the Flathead Indian Reservation on or about September 20, 2007.
(Headlines - March 11, 2008)

With Montana's new state-of-the-art fish hatchery operating well below full capacity, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking comment on two funding options that could allow the Fort Peck Multi-Species Fish Hatchery to raise and stock more fish. The Fort Peck Multi-Species Fish Hatchery, completed in 2006, is one of the newest and most advanced hatcheries in the U.S. "The Fort Peck Hatchery is a modern aquaculture facility," said Chris Hunter, FWP's Fisheries Division chief in Helena.
(Fishing - March 11, 2008)

  Great Falls first bowhunter education course for this year has been set. Registration will be 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., April 22, at the regional Fish, Wildlife and Parks office, 4600 Giant Springs Road. Classes will be 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., April 28, 30, May 1, 5, 7, and 8 at CMR high school. A field day will take place on May 10. The course is free. Prospective bowhunters, 12 to 17, must take both a hunter and bowhunter education course before they can buy an archery license.
(Headlines - March 10, 2008)

Permits to float the Smith River are in the mail. This year 5,823 people applied for a permit to float the central Montana river, and 890 received the permit they sought. That is a 15 percent success rate.
(Parks - March 07, 2008)

Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet March 13 at the FWP Helena Headquarters, 1420 East 6th Ave, beginning at 8:30 a.m.
(Commission - March 07, 2008)

Every year about 2,000 Montana's contribute an average of about $12.50 to conserve Montana's nongame wildlife species such as songbirds, raptors and loons through the income tax check off.
(Headlines - March 07, 2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said today that mineral exploration beneath Rosebud Battlefield State Park is on temporary hold thanks to a new agreement between private mineral rights owners and Pinnacle Gas Resources, Inc., an oil and gas exploration and production company.
(Parks - March 07, 2008)

Montana’s spring black bear hunting season begins April 15. All spring black bear hunters must purchase their licenses on or before April 14. Licenses purchased after April 14 can only be used for the fall black bear season. Black bear hunters are limited to only one black bear license a year.
(Hunting - March 07, 2008)

Montana’s spring turkey gobbler season opens April 12. Licenses are available from all Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices, on the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov and from FWP license providers in the state.
(Hunting - March 07, 2008)

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking a new State Snowmobile Advisory Committee member for a three-year term. Applicants must have experience in snowmobiling and be familiar with snowmobiling in their geographic area.
(Parks - March 07, 2008)

Many of Montana's furbearing species are elusive, nocturnal creatures that are hard to spot, let alone count. Despite that challenge, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks must monitor the health and population numbers of these important creatures, including beaver, mink, muskrat, bobcat, wolverine and fisher.
(Headlines - March 07, 2008)

Montana's   Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission may reconsider some elk-archery and antelope-archery hunting regulations outside of the Missouri Breaks that were recently set for the 2008 and 2009 hunting seasons. The regulations will be discussed during the commission's regularly scheduled meeting set for March 13 in Helena.
(Commission - March 07, 2008)

BILLINGS — Wildlife officials have confirmed that a wolf killed five sheep and injured five others in the Two Dot area this week. A landowner saw a black wolf leaving his flock on Wednesday, March 5, and reported the depredation. USDA Wildlife Services officials investigated and confirmed that the sheep were killed by a wolf. It was not known whether the wolf was alone or in a group, although there was no other evidence of wolves in the area.
(Headlines - March 07, 2008)

  While spring-like weather may prompt one to think about getting out for a hike, it’s important to remember that state wildlife management areas do not open until May 15. And the three WMA’s on the Rocky Mountain Front don’t open until noon on May 15. For several years, the Sun River WMA west of Augusta has opened at noon on May 15. Last year, the Blackleaf and Ear Mountain WMA’s joined the noon opener.
(Headlines - March 05, 2008)

By state law, all first time bowhunters must pass the bowhunter education course in order to purchase an archery license in Montana. The following Bowhunter Education courses have been scheduled around northwest Montana.
(Headlines - March 04, 2008)

This article is being republished to correct a typographic error.
(WCT Project - March 03, 2008)