Articles written by Erin O Connor


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  • Makoshika Seeks Comment On Archery Range Upgrades

    Erin O Connor|Jul 5, 2023

    Miles City - Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is proposing to make improvements at the archery range in Makoshika State Park in Dawson County. Public comment is being sought on this proposal. The improvements will include new targets, a new vault latrine, road repairs and an additional storage shed. The archery course dates back to the 1960s and needs upgrades to improve safety and increase amenities while visitors use the course. The project will open access to archery recreation for visitors to Makoshika State Park. A draft Environmental...

  • Harvest Reporting Now Mandatory for Paddlefish Anglers

    Erin O Connor|May 4, 2016

    Before hitting the river, paddlefish anglers should be aware of a new requirement this year. Anglers harvesting a paddlefish anywhere in Montana are now required to report their harvest within 48 hours. Anglers not reporting a harvested paddlefish will not be eligible to purchase a paddlefish tag the following year. Options for reporting a harvested paddlefish include on-site where the fish was harvested (like the fish cleaning station at Intake Fishing Access Site) or a phone hotline. Those wishing to report their harvest by phone must call 1-...

  • Wardens Seek Information on Poached Deer Dumped Near Glendive

    Erin O Connor|Feb 17, 2016

    Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Game Wardens are asking for the public's help in leading them to those responsible for multiple deer recently poached and found dumped near Glendive. Three white-tailed deer and two mule deer were discovered south of Glendive just off of Marsh Road in the OHV area. Both of the mule deer were bucks while two of the whitetail deer were bucks and one was a fawn. The mule deer bucks had their heads cut off while one of the whitetail bucks had its skull cap and...

  • Public Comment Sought on Navratil Channel Migration Easement

    Erin O Connor|Jan 20, 2016

    Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MDFWP) invites the public to comment on a proposal to fund the purchase of a perpetual channel migration easement on 89.5 acres in Richland County along the Yellowstone River near Sidney, MT. A channel migration easement (CME) is a conservation easement that includes land bordering a stream or river where the Landowner agrees not to riprap or otherwise stabilize the river bank, thereby allowing the river’s natural erosive processes to continue. Montana Aquatic Resources Services (MARS), after entering into an a...

  • Deadline For Pheasant Release Applications Due Jan.15

    Erin O Connor|Dec 30, 2015

    It’s not too late to submit your application for 2016 pheasant releases through Montana’s Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program. Landowners interested in raising and releasing ring-necked pheasants have until Jan. 15, 2016 to submit an application. Under Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Upland Game Bird Release Program, landowners may apply annually for up to five consecutive years to establish pheasants. Landowners may either raise their own pheasants with the appropriate state permits or contact a pheasant raiser to provide pheasants for rel...

  • Shooting Range Development Grant Deadline Nears

    Erin O Connor|Dec 16, 2015

    Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds shooting range enthusiasts that the new deadline to apply for range development grants is Feb.1, 2016. Montana’s Shooting Range Grant Program, administered by FWP, provides funding to shooting clubs, organizations, local governments, and school districts to build and improve public shooting ranges throughout the state. “The new application deadline will allow FWP to distribute grant awards this spring so projects can begin earlier in the construction season,” said Wayde Cooperider, FWP’s Shooting Range G...

  • 'Open Fields' Enrollment Is Now Open

    Erin O Connor|Dec 16, 2015

    It’s time for landowners in a select list of counties to enroll in the state-sponsored “Open Fields for Game Bird Hunters.” The voluntary program offers extra incentives aimed at further conserving productive game bird habitat enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program. Nearly 44,000 acres have been enrolled in Open Fields since 2012. The $5-per acre incentive, offered through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program, is available to private landowners who have a minimum of two years left on their federal...

  • Deadline For Pheasant Release Applications Due Jan.15

    Erin O Connor|Dec 16, 2015

    It’s not too late to submit your application for 2016 pheasant releases through Montana’s Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program. Landowners interested in raising and releasing ring-necked pheasants have until Jan. 15, 2016 to submit an application. Under Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Upland Game Bird Release Program, landowners may apply annually for up to five consecutive years to establish pheasants. Landowners may either raise their own pheasants with the appropriate state permits or contact a pheasant raiser to provide pheasants for rel...

  • 2015 Deer Hunting Outlook

    Erin O Connor|Oct 7, 2015

    Hunters who witnessed a drop in mule deer numbers in many areas of Montana a few years ago will see improving populations this year as favorable weather and habitat conditions kicked in in 2014 and 2015. Additionally, in many areas of the state, fawn recruitment has been excellent and populations are doing well. Even if you didn’t draw a special permit this year, remember Montana offers numerous opportunities to hunt for deer with just a general hunting license. Montana’s archery season for deer will close Oct. 18. The general deer season ope...

  • 2015 Antelope Hunting Outlook

    Erin O Connor|Oct 7, 2015

    Montana antelope populations are continuing to recover and grow from previous years’ winter kills and low fawn numbers in central and eastern Montana. This year, there are even a few more special licenses available reflecting that improving status. Successful antelope-license applicants may recognize increased fawn production in many areas as populations respond to this year’s favorable weather and habitat conditions. Montana’s antelope archery season will close Oct. 9. The general rifle season for antelope will run Oct.10-Nov. 8. As alway...

  • 2015 Deer Hunting Outlook

    Erin O Connor|Sep 30, 2015

    Hunters who witnessed a drop in mule deer numbers in many areas of Montana a few years ago will see improving populations this year as favorable weather and habitat conditions kicked in in 2014 and 2015. Additionally, in many areas of the state, fawn recruitment has been excellent and populations are doing well. Even if you didn’t draw a special permit this year, remember Montana offers numerous opportunities to hunt for deer with just a general hunting license. Montana’s archery season for deer will close Oct. 18. The general deer season ope...

  • New Permits Required for Snowmobile and Off-Highway Vehicle use in Montana Effective October 1st

    Erin O Connor|Sep 30, 2015

    Montana State Parks announced today that changes to the Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) registration and Snowmobile trail use laws will go into effect on October 1, 2015. Last spring, the 2015 Montana Legislature passed HB 167 and HB 300. The new legislation updates snowmobile and OHV permits in order to increase funding for trail maintenance and grooming programs across Montana. HB 167 raises the current Off-Highway Vehicle Nonresident Temporary Use Permit from $5 to $27 per year. Increased revenues will help support OHV trail maintenance, noxious w...

  • 2015 Antelope Hunting Outlook

    Erin O Connor|Sep 30, 2015

    Montana antelope populations are continuing to recover and grow from previous years’ winter kills and low fawn numbers in central and eastern Montana. This year, there are even a few more special licenses available reflecting that improving status. Successful antelope-license applicants may recognize increased fawn production in many areas as populations respond to this year’s favorable weather and habitat conditions. Montana’s antelope archery season will close Oct. 9. The general rifle season for antelope will run Oct.10-Nov. 8. As alway...

  • Be Prepared For Fire Danger

    Erin O Connor|Jul 8, 2015

    (Miles City) – With hot, dry weather about to bear down on Montana, campers, hikers and anglers need to be prepared to prevent wildfires statewide. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds everyone who plans to be outdoors to be cautious of fire danger on public and private lands. “If you’re planning to hike, camp, or fish use caution this summer,” said Ron Aasheim, FWP’s spokesman in Helena. “Above all be careful with fire and be prepared to prevent wildfires.” FWP offers these tips to help prevent wildfire: • Carry in vehicles a shovel, bucke...

  • Adult Online Hunter Ed Field Course Scheduled in Miles City

    Erin O Connor|Jun 24, 2015

    (Miles City) – Adult online Hunter Education students looking to complete their certification should plan to attend a field course scheduled in Miles City on Saturday, July 18th. The course, open to students 18 years and older, will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the FWP Region 7 office, 352 I-94 Business Loop. This field course is designed for students to demonstrate their proficiency with and ability to safely control a firearm’s muzzle in field situations, safely navigate and cross obstacles in the field, safely store, remove and tra...