Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Southwest Montana Stockman’s Association will hold an informational open house on elk-brucellosis surveillance efforts for the 2008 general big game season on Oct. 2 from 3-6 p.m. in the 4-H Building at the Dillon Fairgrounds.
(Headlines - September 29, 2008)
On Saturday, September 20, a young grizzly was hit by a car and killed on the Swan Highway (Highway 83) near the Rumble Creek Road junction.
(Headlines - September 29, 2008)
Pheasant hunting opportunities will vary this year across the state Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials say. The general season is Oct. 11—Jan. 1, 2009.
(Hunting - September 29, 2008)
Hunters, anglers and general park users need to know that camping electricity and water will not be available this fall at Hell Creek State Park, north of Jordan, Montana.
(Parks - September 29, 2008)
USDA Wildlife Services killed two wolves southwest of Philipsburg on Sept. 22 in response to a confirmed livestock depredation and continued wolf presence in the area.
(Headlines - September 29, 2008)
The hunting of all black bears in Bear Management Unit 700 – Region 7, in portions of Big Horn, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, McCone, Musselshell, Prairie, Powder River, Richland, Rosebud, Treasure, Yellowstone and Wibaux counties, will close one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, October 2, 2008.
The order halting the hunt came shortly after Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the district had been met.
(Hunting - September 29, 2008)
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, southwest of Great Falls, switched to winter hours Oct. 1. From Oct. 1 to March 31, the state park formerly known as Ulm Pishkun, will be open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m., Sunday. The top of the buffalo jump remains open everyday and is only closed during deep snow events. First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is located 13.5 miles southwest of Great Falls, MT.
(Headlines - September 29, 2008)
Three improvement projects are under way in Giant Springs State Park next to Great Falls. The largest project is a complete replacement of the irrigation system in the main portion of the park. The work by Wadsworth Construction of Great Falls will continue into the fall. All park facilities are open during the construction. The project is necessary to replace the aging irrigation system, which has been experiencing frequent problems and leaks. Total cost is about $258,000.
(Headlines - September 29, 2008)
A 21-year-old rule governing hunting for mule deer bucks north of Roundup is among the most frequently violated regulations in the region. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wardens believe that an occasional reminder will help well-meaning hunters stay legal.
(Headlines - September 29, 2008)
State and federal wildlife officials captured a 575-pound male grizzly Tuesday night just outside of Simms, west of Great Falls. The 4 and half-year-old bear had been raiding beehives in the area and was caught in a snare. “It was kind of surprising cause it was so far out from the Rocky Mountain Front,” says Mike Madel, Fish, Wildlife and Parks bear management specialist. Simms sits on the Sun River 21 miles east of Augusta and about 30 miles west of Great Falls.
(Headlines - September 26, 2008)
State fisheries crews will be working nights starting Oct. 1 to gather brown trout population estimates on the Missouri River. Twice a year – spring and fall – members of the fisheries division of Fish, Wildlife and Parks electro-fish three sections of the Missouri: downstream of Holter Dam and near the towns of Craig and Cascade. In the spring the work focuses on the river’s brown trout population, because many rainbow trout are in tributaries spawning.
(Headlines - September 26, 2008)
Hunters, whether bird hunters or bowhunters, along the Rocky Mountain Front should be aware that grizzly bears are out and active. “It’s best to avoid riparian areas with dense cover,” says Mike Madel, Fish, Wildlife and Parks bear management specialist in Choteau. “Hunt the edges,” he says, “don’t get into the dense cover.” Grizzlies have been found this fall along Dupuyer Creek east of Dupuyer and along the Sun River near Simms, east of Augusta.
(Headlines - September 26, 2008)
Multiple, but as-yet-unconfirmed, reports of mountain lion sightings in and around Glasgow have prompted Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials to ask citizens to keep their eyes open and play it safe.
(Wild Things - September 25, 2008)
The final meeting of the 2008 Elk Archery Committee, a group formed to recommend regulations in 23 hunting districts outside of the Missouri River Breaks, will meet in Bozeman Oct. 2-3 at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Region 3 office.
(Headlines - September 25, 2008)
The 37th Anniversary of National Hunting & Fishing Day is Saturday, Sept. 27.
(Headlines - September 25, 2008)
Region 7, Wildlife Program Manager, John Ensign has announced a public meeting at Savage Public School on Thursday evening, October 9, 2008. FWP is proposing to purchase this land abutting the current Elk Island WMA. Anyone interested in this purchase is welcome to attend the meeting.
(Headlines - September 25, 2008)
The 2008 fall hunting seasons have begun, starting with an early antelope archery season, followed by the September first opener for sharp tailed grouse, Hungarian partridge, sage grouse, morning doves and fall turkey.
(Hunting - September 22, 2008)
Most resident and nonresident hunters and landowners agree: FWP’s Block Management Program is a win-win for all parties.
(Hunting - September 22, 2008)
Hunters and anglers who need to purchase hunting and fishing licenses this weekend need to plan ahead. The state computer network that hosts Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Automated Licensing System is scheduled for maintenance work from 6 a.m. to noon, Sunday Sept. 21.
(Headlines - September 19, 2008)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on environmental assessments for improvements to Burnt Tree Hole and Raynolds’ Pass Fishing Access Sites on the upper Madison River south of Ennis.
(Headlines - September 19, 2008)
Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet in Helena Sept. 25 and not in Hamilton as originally scheduled.
(Commission - September 19, 2008)
Montana's young hunters will have a special treat Sept. 27-28, the weekend of the special youth waterfowl and pheasant hunting seasons. Legally licensed hunters age 12 through 15 will be able to hunt ducks, mergansers, geese, coots and ring-necked pheasants statewide on these two days.
(Hunting - September 18, 2008)
Montana wildlife officials recently praised the four-year federally funded study aimed at determining the number of grizzly bears inhabiting the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem in northwest Montana, one of the last strongholds of the grizzly bear in the lower 48 states.
(Hunting - September 18, 2008)
Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Sept. 25 at the FWP Helena Headquarters, 1420 East 6th Ave, beginning at 8 a.m.
(Headlines - September 18, 2008)
The Montana Conservation and Restoration Partnership steering committee, a group formed to advise agencies and organizations on how to best carry out new conservation programs, will meet in Lewistown, Oct. 1, at the Yogo Inn.
(Headlines - September 18, 2008)
The Private Land/Public Wildlife Council is seeking public comment through Oct.15 on five draft recommendations regarding several Montana hunting and access issues.
(Hunting - September 18, 2008)
Off-highway vehicles, including motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, quadricycles, dune buggies, amphibious vehicles and air cushion vehicles, have registration and use rules. Snowmobiles, however, are not considered OHVs.
(Headlines - September 18, 2008)
Is upland game bird hunting as good today as it was 20 years ago?
(Hunting - September 18, 2008)
When planning a hunting trip, it is important for hunters to be mindful of the regulations associated with using State School Trust Land managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
(Hunting - September 18, 2008)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently awarded $122,838 in grants to enhance shooting-range facilities in several communities.
(Recreation - September 18, 2008)
Some people say that there are only two seasons in Montana: winter’s coming and winter’s here. For bears those two seasons are: hibernation’s coming and hibernation’s here.
(Headlines - September 18, 2008)
The day-use area at Salmon Lake State Park will close for the season on Tuesday, Sept. 23 so that construction work can begin at the park, however, the Salmon Lake campground will remain open through Sept. 30.
(Headlines - September 18, 2008)
Montana wildlife officials today praised the four-year federally funded study aimed at determining the number of grizzly bears inhabiting the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem in northwest Montana, one of the last strongholds of the grizzly bear in the lower 48 states.
(Headlines - September 17, 2008)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) and USDA Wildlife Services, in collaboration with several other state and federal agencies, is sampling waterfowl across Montana as part of a national effort for the early detection of avian influenza (AI). Testing on ducks at Missoula’s Children's Fish Pond on Bancroft and southwest Higgins will begin around Sept. 22 and continue intermittently through December.
(Headlines - September 17, 2008)
Following additional depredations on cattle, an adult female wolf was lethally removed from the Murphy Lake pack on September 8 for a total of three wolves removed from this pack over the past two weeks. The control action was near Fortine. There were a total of seven dead calves and three injured calves confirmed killed or injured by wolves over the previous month.
(Headlines - September 16, 2008)
Registration is now open for the annual Trapper Education Course in northwest Montana, which will be held Saturday, October 18, 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Lawrence Park in Kalispell. This course is offered earlier in the fall so outdoor education stations can be incorporated into the course, and so that trappers can prepare for the November 1 opening of trapping season.
(Headlines - September 16, 2008)
State and federal wildlife officials had to destroy five black bears this month on the Smith River because they became food conditioned after being hand fed by an area landowner-outfitter, a state game warden says. Gary Anderson, 71, of the Heaven on Earth Ranch on the Smith paid a $135 fine this summer for feeding grain to black bears, says Fish, Wildlife and Parks game warden Bryan Golie.
(Headlines - September 16, 2008)
The Montana Supreme Court has unanimously denied the appeal of an Ethridge man convicted of poaching. Lin Torgerson, who was convicted July 2006 by a Toole County district court jury for possession of an unlawfully killed whitetail deer and unlawful possession of golden eagle parts, had asked the state supreme court to overturn his misdemeanor convictions.
(Headlines - September 16, 2008)
A major construction project is occurring on the dam at Ackley Lake State Park this fall and winter, but shoreline fishing and camping are still available throughout the project. The west side of the park is open to visitors, where they can camp at one of the nine campsites free of charge. Visitors can also fish from the shore of the lake. Ackley Lake is a grassland park about 20 miles west of Lewistown, just south of Hobson.
(Headlines - September 16, 2008)
Montana duck and goose hunters can look forward to some good hunting beginning Oct. 4 in the Central and Pacific flyways. The seasons and bag limits will be similar to last seasons. Montana's youth waterfowl season is Sept. 27-28.
(Hunting - September 15, 2008)
What do ducks eat? Ducks eat different foods, depending on their species and age, including: seeds, roots, stems of wetland plants, grains like barley from a farmer's field, even midges and mayfly nymphs. Are ducks waterproof? Yes. Ducks have a top layer of waterproof feathers. A special gland near the duck's tail produces oil that gradually coats its outer layer of feathers. Underneath its waterproof coat are fluffy, soft feathers that keep the duck warm.
(Hunting - September 15, 2008)
Water is one hazard waterfowl hunters face that land-based hunters don't. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' youth waterfowl hunting safety workshops focus on firearm, weather and water safety for that reason. Montana's waterfowl-hunting season begins Oct. 4. Montana's "Statewide Youth Pheasant and Waterfowl Hunting Weekend" is Sept. 27-28.
(Hunting - September 15, 2008)
Montana's young hunters will have a special treat Sept. 27-28, the weekend of the youth waterfowl and pheasant special seasons. Legally licensed hunters age 12 through 15 will be able to hunt ducks, mergansers, geese, coots and ring-necked pheasants statewide on these two days.
(Hunting - September 15, 2008)
Everyone who hunts doves, ducks, geese, sandhill cranes, snipe, or coots in Montana must be "HIP" certified for the upcoming hunting seasons. HIP stands for Harvest Information Program.
(Hunting - September 15, 2008)
Antelope tend to use landscapes with a 10 percent or less slope, though they can and do occupy steeper terrain. Antelope generally avoid slopes of 20 percent or more.
(Hunting - September 15, 2008)
Antelope hunters in Montana can expect a range of antelope hunting opportunities this fall, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials say.
(Hunting - September 15, 2008)
For the 2008 hunting season, hunters will have access to more than eight 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.
(Hunting - September 15, 2008)
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.
(Hunting - September 15, 2008)
Hunters interested in obtaining access to more than eight million acres of private 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.
(Hunting - September 15, 2008)
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.
(Hunting - September 15, 2008)
Montana hunters may encounter some fire restrictions or closed lands due to fire danger in the state, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials said today.
(Hunting - September 15, 2008)
The Region 6 Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) will hold its quarterly meeting at the Tin Cup Bar and Grill in Malta on Tues., Sept. 23. The public is invited to attend.
(Headlines - September 12, 2008)
The South Fork Flathead Westslope Cutthroat Trout Conservation Program continues this fall with rotenone treatments of Graves Creek and Lower Big Hawk Lake. The following trail and road closures will be in effect during these projects:
(WCT Project - September 12, 2008)
A group of cooperating agencies is conducting a depletion population estimate for lake trout in Swan Lake. The sampling began on September 9 and will continue through September 23. A depletion population estimate requires multiple days of netting while removing all lake trout sampled during this period. As fish are removed from the lake, the average catch rate will decline. Biologists can use the rate of decline in catch to determine what number of fish existed prior to the action.
(Headlines - September 12, 2008)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), Region One, has completed an environmental assessment (EA) for the purpose of establishing an additional campground host site at Logan State Park in Lincoln County (T26W, R27W, S3), providing full hookups and a gravel parking surface for summer campground staff.
(Headlines - September 12, 2008)
Federal Wildlife Services officials are investigating the deaths of eight sheep north of Reed Point that they believe were caused by wolves.
(Headlines - September 11, 2008)
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks on Wednesday released its draft environmental assessment of a project to suppress nonnative fish and enhance Yellowstone cutthroat trout in three south-central Montana streams.
(Headlines - September 10, 2008)
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has released an environmental assessment of its changes in plans to remove nonnative brown trout from Crooked Creek south of Billings. The proposal is part of a plan to enhance the viability of native Yellowstone cutthroat trout in the stream.
(Headlines - September 10, 2008)
One of Cooney State Park’s five campgrounds closed Tuesday for construction. The campground, boat ramp and all internal roads at Marshall Cove, on the southeastern corner Cooney Reservoir, will close for about two weeks.
(Headlines - September 09, 2008)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, in collaboration with USDA-APHIS 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 Helena’s Fairgrounds Pond will begin in the second week of September and extend intermittently through December.
(Headlines - September 09, 2008)
The Private Land/Public Wildlife Council, a group of 15 citizens including hunters, landowners, outfitters, legislators, and an FWP Commissioner appointed by Governor Schweitzer to make recommendations regarding hunting and fishing access issues, has identified the top twelve concerns among landowners related to public hunting access and how hunters could address those concerns.
(Hunting - September 09, 2008)
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, formerly known as Ulm Pishkun State Park, will host the annual First Nations Education Series of programs. The series runs weekends through September and features programs on various aspects of Native American culture and history. · Sept.
(Headlines - September 08, 2008)
A presentation focusing on natural resource law enforcement is scheduled for Tuesday, September 9, 7:30 p.m. at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Headquarters on 490 North Meridian Road in Kalispell
(Headlines - September 05, 2008)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park's automated licensing system has some hunters and anglers assuming hunting is more "high-tech" these days than it is.
(Hunting - September 05, 2008)
Montana’s archery-only hunting season for deer, elk and antelope begins Saturday, Sept. 6.
(Hunting - September 05, 2008)
Montana elk and antelope archery hunters need to keep a sharp eye out for several regulation changes for the 2008 hunting seasons that require many archers to have permits in hunting districts that may not have required them in the past.
(Hunting - September 05, 2008)
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Off Highway Vehicle Advisory Committee will meet Sept. 21 in Helena, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Super 8 Motel conference room, 2200 11th Ave. South.
(Recreation - September 05, 2008)
Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission will meet Sept. 25 at the FWP Helena Headquarters, 1420 East 6th Ave, beginning at 8 a.m. The meeting will not be in Hamilton as originally scheduled.
(Commission - September 05, 2008)
Rural Montana has a lot of good neighbors, and now there is a way to recognize the most outstanding among them.
(Hunting - September 05, 2008)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently awarded $105,000 in grants to enhance shooting-range facilities in several communities.
(Recreation - September 05, 2008)
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks toll-free hotline for reporting wildlife poaching, property damage, and violations of fish and game laws is in operation 24 hours a day.
(Hunting - September 05, 2008)
Some of my best memories are of playing outdoors with my brothers and sisters on the family ranch. We grew up hearing, “Get outside and play!” and we did. I remember whole days spent building forts, tracking animals, fishing and helping out around the ranch.
(Headlines - September 05, 2008)
USDA Wildlife Services Specialists killed two wolves today that were chasing cattle near Fortine.
(Headlines - September 04, 2008)
Fall Hunter Ed classes have been scheduled for Colstrip, Ekalaka, Lame Deer and Broadus. See attached schedule for additional class information.
**NOTE: EKALAKA'S CLASS HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED!
(Education - September 03, 2008)
The registration deadline for hunter education classes at Laurel has been extended to 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5. Laurel students who have not already registered should sign up at the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 5 headquarters at 2300 Lake Elmo Dr. in Billings Heights.
(Headlines - September 03, 2008)
By order of the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, hunting district 300, which includes portions of Gallatin and Park Counties, will be closed to all hunting of bighorn sheep, effective one-half hour after sunset on Friday, September 5, 2008.
(Hunting - September 03, 2008)
With the recent deaths of nearly 300 domestic bison and some free-ranging wildlife caused by naturally occurring anthrax bacteria in southwestern Montana, some hunters have expressed concern about pursuing game in the affected area.
(Hunting - September 03, 2008)
The Private Land/Public Wildlife Council is seeking public comment through Oct.15 on five draft recommendations regarding several Montana hunting and access issues.
(Headlines - September 03, 2008)
Contact: Sara Scott—FWP Heritage Resources Program Manager; 406-444-3797; or visit the FWP web site at fwp.mt.gov Archaelogical Work At Two Western Montana State Parks Bannack Date: September 3-7, 2008 Time: 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Where : Bannack State Park, 25 miles west of Dillon, MT Subject: Historic archaeological excavation project that will mitigate impacts resulting from historic building stabilization at the Meade Hotel.
(Parks - September 03, 2008)
A Dutch oven cooking program scheduled for Sept. 13 at Pictograph Cave State Park is postponed because of restrictions on open fires in most south-central Montana counties. After the fire restrictions are lifted, the program will be rescheduled, probably for some time in October.
(Headlines - September 03, 2008)
Fall Hunter Education courses are scheduled for many communities across west-central Montana. Classes are free, and a student must be at least 11 years old to receive certification. Any person born after January 1, 1985 must present a Hunter Education Certificate in order to purchase a hunting license in Montana.
(Headlines - September 02, 2008)
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 - September 02, 2008)
The Billings Trap Club has been awarded a $120,447 state grant to help pay for upgrades at its facilities northeast of Lake Elmo.
(Headlines - September 02, 2008)
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently awarded $105,000 in grants to enhance shooting-range facilities in several communities.
(Recreation - September 02, 2008)
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