Early Migratory Bird Seasons Set

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission has adopted final 2012 hunting regulations and season dates for “webless” migratory game birds.

The hunting seasons for Montana’s webless migratory game birds—mourning doves, common snipe and sandhill cranes—are set within federally provided frameworks for migratory birds and remain similar to last year.

The hunting season for the Rocky Mountain Population of sandhill cranes with permits already obtained in a special drawing will be Sept. 8-Sept. 30. The season for mid-continent sandhill cranes in eastern Montana outside the special permit area will be Sept. 29-Nov. 25. A free permit is needed for this hunting opportunity, with the permit available at FWP offices and national wildlife refuges in eastern Montana, as well as the FWP Helena office.

Mourning dove season will be Sept. 1-Oct. 30, while common snipe season will be Sept. 1-Dec. 16.

For more information on the early migratory bird seasons, visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov on the Hunting page. Printed regulations should be available at FWP offices and license providers by late August.