Articles written by Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks


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  • Anglers, Skaters, Others Encouraged To Practice Safety On Ice

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Jan 17, 2024

    Helena – It took a while to get here, but winter finally hit Montana. That means winter enthusiasts will be heading out to recreate. Whether ice fishing, ice skating, hunting, snowmobiling, or just taking a walk, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff reminds recreationists that safety should be the number one concern during a day out on (or near) the ice. Here are some safety tips: • Anglers and other recreationists should be familiar with the water body they plan to fish or recreate on. Pay close attention to the changing conditions of the ice...

  • Keep Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention In Mind When Recreating On Water

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Aug 30, 2023

    Helena - So far this year, FWP and its partners have inspected 66,000 watercraft for aquatic invasive species. Of those, 35 were mussel-fouled and more than 200 were found with aquatic weeds. FWP and partner agencies, which include tribes, counties and conservation districts, operate more than 17 road-side watercraft inspection stations across the state. To find a watercraft inspection station or to learn more, go to CleanDrainDryMT.com or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440. A July survey for Eurasian watermilfoil...

  • Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program Projects Access Guide Available Online Starting Aug. 10

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Aug 30, 2023

    Helena - The upland game bird season is less than one month away, and hunters will soon be able to refer to the Projects Access Guide, published annually by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program (UGBEP). Beginning Aug. 10, hunters can view and download the new guide and maps online. Click UGBEP Projects Access Guide. The guide contains all active projects administered through the UGBEP including Open Fields, habitat management leases, food and cover plots, CRP...

  • Reminder: Leave Baby Animals Alone, Be Mindful Of Diseases

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Mar 29, 2023

    Helena - Each spring, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks receives calls from people who have picked up deer fawns or other wildlife. It’s important to remember that FWP does not accept, hold or rehabilitate moose, deer, elk and most other animals. Often times, people think they are rescuing an orphaned animal. However, it’s important to understand that wildlife care for their young much differently than humans. They have strategies to provide the highest chance of survival for their young. One strategy that some species, particularly those speci...

  • Deadline For Deer & Elk Permit Applications Is April 1

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Mar 29, 2023

    Helena - Hunters have until April 1 to apply for deer and elk licenses, but they shouldn’t wait for the last minute. Get it done now. Hunters who are applying for special licenses and permits need to have a valid email address. Hunters can apply for permits on the FWP website. If hunters want to apply in person, FWP offices are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Hunters and anglers can also take advantage of the MyFWP mobile app, if they haven’t already. The app holds and displays licenses, permits and E-Tags, which can be dow...

  • Commission Approves Fishing Regulation Change For Paddlefish In Lower Yellowstone River

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Mar 1, 2023

    Helena - During its meeting on Feb. 22, the Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted a new regulation that prohibits snagging of paddlefish within the intake fish bypass channel on the Yellowstone River. The intake fish bypass channel is part of a Yellowstone River intake diversion dam project. The project’s objectives are to improve upstream and downstream fish passage for pallid sturgeon and other native species, including paddlefish, while maintaining water diversions into the lower Yellowstone project main canal. Snagging for paddlefish is v...

  • Court Order Changes Wolf Hunting Season, Effective Immediately

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Dec 7, 2022

    Helena - A District Court in Lewis and Clark County issued a temporary restraining order impacting some of Montana’s wolf hunting and trapping regulations. The changes go into effect immediately. The changes outlined in the temporary restraining order are as follows: • Reinstitutes wolf management units (WMU) 110, 313, and 316 as they existed in the 2020 wolf regulations. WMU 110 borders Glacier National Park and WMUs 313 and 316 are north of Yellowstone National Park. • Reinstitutes the quotas for WMU 110, 313, 316 as they existed in the 2...

  • Access Restored To Some Southeast Montana Rec Sites

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Jul 6, 2022

    Miles City – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has lifted access restrictions at some recreation sites in southeast Montana that were prompted by flooding along the Yellowstone River. Drive-in access to Rosebud West and Rosebud East Fishing Access Sites near Forsyth has been restored, and the Rosebud East campground has reopened. Full access is restored to Isaac Homestead and Amelia Island Wildlife Management Areas near Hysham, but the Amelia Island fishing access is still restricted to walk-in traffic. Walk-in-only access to Intake Dam FAS in Daw...

  • State Agencies Advise Recreators to Avoid Flood Events

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Jun 29, 2022

    Helena —River recreators should avoid contact with water during and for at least two weeks after flood events. Floodwaters have already impacted communities in the Yellowstone River basin, and more flooding is anticipated elsewhere in the state, such as in the Flathead River basin and Missoula County. Floodwaters can carry potentially dangerous debris and may contain chemicals and bacteria from damaged or overwhelmed wastewater treatment facilities and flooded homes, businesses, and agricultural fields. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has i...

  • More Than 2,000 AIS Inspections Conducted Over Memorial Day Weekend

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Jun 8, 2022

    Helena – Although the weather wasn’t ideal for outdoor recreation, aquatic invasive species stations around the state conducted more than 2,000 inspections over the Memorial Day weekend. So far this year, FWP and its partners have inspected 14,000 watercraft, 21 of which were mussel-fouled. One of those detections happened Saturday when a mussel-fouled boat was intercepted at Wibaux. The boat was a recent purchase and was being commercially transported from Michigan to Seattle. The driver failed to stop at the inspection station and was int...

  • Upper Missouri River Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan Update Meeting April 20

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Mar 30, 2022

    Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will hold its annual update meeting on the Upper Missouri River Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan on Wednesday, April 20. The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Montana WILD Education Center in Helena and will update anglers and the public on population trends of principle game fish in the plan area. The Upper Missouri River Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan guides fisheries management for Canyon Ferry, Hauser and Holter reservoirs and the Missouri River from Toston to Canyon Ferry and...

  • Hunting & Fishing License Year Began March 1

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Mar 2, 2022

    The 2022 license year opened March 1, which means you can buy new hunting and fishing licenses and begin applying for permits and special licenses. The deadline to apply for deer and elk permits is April 1. Applications for most species – deer, elk, antelope, deer B, elk B, antelope B, moose, sheep, goat, bison, bear, turkey – can now be done. This spring Fish, Wildlife & Parks will be launching the new MyFWP mobile app that will store and display licenses, permits, and digital carcass tags, known as E-Tags, which can be used in the field witho...

  • Landowners Have Until March 15 To Apply For FWP Public Access To Public Lands Programs

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Feb 16, 2022

    Landowners have until March 15 to submit applications to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for enrollment in the Unlocking Public Lands (UPL) Program or the Public Access Land Agreement (PALA) Program. These programs are designed to provide recreational public access to state (Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation) or federal (Bureau of Land Management or United States Forest Service) land where no or limited legal public access currently exists. For enrollment in UPL, landowners will receive a tax credit in the amount of $750 p...

  • Register Now For Hunter Education Classes

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Feb 2, 2022

    Helena - Several in-person hunter educations classes have been scheduled around the state over the next several months. While online classes are also available, there are several advantages to in-person classes, including: hands-on experience, mentoring and the opportunity for students to ask questions and hear advice from experienced hunters. “We value our hands-on classroom courses and field days, all done with the dedication of our excellent volunteer instructors,” said FWP outdoor skills and safety supervisor Wayde Cooperider, “We feel...

  • Public Comment Period Extended For Hunting Regulation Proposals

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Dec 29, 2021

    Helena - The deadline for public comment on the 2022/20223 hunting regulation proposals has been extended from Jan. 14 to Jan. 21. Those interested can view the proposals and provide comment online at fwp.mt.gov/regproposals. Comments also can be submitted by email to [email protected]. This is a second opportunity for the public to provide input on 2022/2023 draft hunting regulation proposals. Earlier this fall, Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists offered science-based regulations\proposals that combine some hunting districts, reduce some license an...

  • As Ice Recreation Season Begins, Anglers, Others Encouraged To Practice Safety

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Dec 29, 2021

    It’s that time of year when ice anglers and other recreationists head out to Montana’s “hard” waters for the winter season. Whether ice fishing, ice skating, hunting, snowmobiling or just taking a walk, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff reminds recreationists that safety should be the number one concern during a day out on (or near) the ice. And when on the ice, remember: • Anglers and other recreationists should be familiar with the water body they plan to fish or recreate on. Pay close attention to the changing conditions of the ice. • If...

  • Start Your New Year Off Right With A First Day Hike

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Dec 29, 2021

    Helena – Start 2022 off on the right foot with a First Day Hike at a state park near you. On Jan. 1, Montana State Parks will host First Day Hikes at Flathead Lake State Park (Wayfarers, West Shore, and Lone Pine units), Travelers’ Rest State Park, Spring Meadow Lake State Park, First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park and Makoshika State Park. Being immersed in nature has never been more important for your mental health and physical wellbeing. These fun and informative hikes are open to all ages and are family friendly. Montana State Parks First...

  • Lower Yellowstone Committee Presents Recommendations To FWP

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Dec 22, 2021

    The Lower Yellowstone River Corridor Advisory Committee (LYRC Committee) fulfilled its chartered commitment by presenting a final report of recommendations to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Hank Worsech and staff during a recent meeting in Miles City. The LYRC Committee is a citizen group sponsored by Gov. Greg Gianforte and convened by FWP. The Montana Legislature approved an initial $4 million investment by FWP into the lower Yellowstone River corridor. The group was tasked with providing recommendations to FWP on how to use the...

  • Lower Yellowstone Committee Makes Significant Headway

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Nov 24, 2021

    Miles City - The Lower Yellowstone River Corridor Advisory Committee (LYRC Committee) has made substantial progress since its first meeting in late August. The committee met Nov. 8 in Miles City and is preparing to submit its final recommendations for improving public access along the river. The LYRC Committee is a citizen group sponsored by Gov. Greg Gianforte and convened by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. The group was tasked with exploring new access, recreation and habitat conservation opportunities along the Lower Yellowstone,...

  • AIS Inspectors Encounter Unusual Situation At Wibaux

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Sep 15, 2021

    Helena - Watercraft inspectors at the Wibaux inspection station intercepted a motorboat entering Montana with mussels attached. The Wibaux inspection station, located on the Montana-North Dakota border on Interstate 94, has intercepted 12 of the 54 mussels boats intercepted so far this year. This boat was unique in how the mussels were attached to the boat. Invasive mussels have byssal threads they use to attach to underwater surfaces. The threads or “hairs” are an adaptation found on invasive zebra and quagga mussels but are not found on North...

  • Lower Yellowstone Committee To Meet Aug. 26

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Aug 25, 2021

    The Lower Yellowstone River Corridor Advisory Committee (LYRC Committee), a group tasked with exploring additional access and recreation opportunities along the lower stretches of the river, will meet for the first time on Thursday, Aug. 26 in Miles City. The committee will meet at the Sleep Inn, 1006 S. Haynes Ave., from 8-11:30 a.m. In addition to the 13 committee members, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Hank Worsech and FWP staff will attend. While the public is welcome to attend, there will not be any opportunity to participate or...

  • FWP To Take New, More Inclusive Approach To 2022-2023 Hunting Regulations Seasons

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Aug 25, 2021

    HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is beginning the biennial hunting regulations review process, and this year the department is looking to take a fresh approach. In the past, the biennial hunting regulation process typically had few changes to the existing regulations. This year, FWP will tackle more significant changes such as combining hunting districts and simplifying license structures, while still keeping focused on statewide wildlife population management goals. "Hunters have told u...

  • Hunters Encouraged To Check For Restrictions & Closures On Block Management Areas Before Heading Out

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Aug 25, 2021

    Helena - Despite recent rains, high fire danger conditions persist throughout much of Montana. As a result, hunters may encounter closures or restrictions at Block Management Areas. Closures could change daily. The best resource for hunters making plans for late summer trips is the BMA closures and restrictions webpage at https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/access/blockmanagement/restrictions. This page will be updated as closures or changes occur. Changes will also be shown on the Hunt Planner Map on the FWP website. Hunters and landowners with questions...

  • Reminder: Boating Under The Influence Is Illegal

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Jul 21, 2021

    Don’t Drink and Drive. It’s a message you hear all the time. But what about Don’t Drink and Boat? Boating under the influence, or BUI, is dangerous and illegal. In Montana it is unlawful to operate or be in actual physical control of a motorboat, personal watercarft, sailboat, water skis, surfboard or similar watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. According to the United States Coast Guard, the use of alcohol is involved in about a third of all recreational boating fatalities. Boating, fishing and other water sports are f...

  • When Recreating On The Water This Summer, Be Safe And Follow The Law!

    Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks|Jul 21, 2021

    Unseasonably warm weather is occurring early in Montana, and many boaters and anglers have been going to the local reservoirs and other waterways to get some relief from the heat. However, along with having fun, folks need to follow all the laws while out and about. Wardens have been checking a slew of boaters and anglers recently, and some common issues are recurring as summer is getting underway: • License possession while fishing: Many anglers contacted this spring and summer have not had the...

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