Archive for the ‘Hunting’ Category
How to Have a Safer Hunting Experience Without Spending Too Much
If you want to ensure that your next hunting excursion is the fun and safe getaway of your dreams, read on to know more.... more
Surplus Drawing Licenses and Permits Handled in New Way
Hunters interested in purchasing licenses or permits left over from the special license and permit drawing will find a different process this year.... more
Hunting Basics Every Aspiring Hunter Should Know
Here are some hunting basics every aspiring hunter should know.... more
Changes to Surplus License Process for 2020
To give residents and nonresidents a more equitable opportunity for surplus licenses, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has developed a new system for issuing surplus licenses.... more
Top 4 Hunting Weapons You Can Use Easily
We’ve created a list of the top 4 weapons you can easily start with to become a better hunter. ... more
How To Improve Your Hunting Skills
It takes time, dedication, and guidance but anyone can become a safe and efficient hunter. ... more
Man Injured in Grizzly Bear Attack on Sun River
A man was attacked by a female grizzly bear on Sunday morning near the Sun River. The attack left the man with non-life-threatening injuries.... more
Beartooth Wildlife Management Area Opens May 15 to Day-Use Only
To coordinate with local and federal partners, Beartooth WMA opens May 15 to day-use only; other WMAs open as usual with social distancing protocols in place.... more
FWP Announces Updates to COVID-19-Related Closures and Suspensions
People looking to get outside and enjoy spring will continue to have ample opportunities with Gov. Steve Bullock's phased approach to re-opening the state.... more
Hunting Permit Drawing Results Now Available
Hunters can now check the results of the 2020 nonresident combination and elk and deer permit drawing to see if they were successful.... more
State Lands Remain Open For Day Use
Fish Wildlife and Parks adjusts facility management in response to COVID-19; and state lands remain open for day use. ... more
Big Game Hunters Need to Be Bear Aware on Front
By BRUCE AUCHLY - Grizzly bear sign on the Rocky Mountain Front has led to a Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologist to remind hunters to be bear aware.... more
Local Snowmobile Store to Host Annual Avalanche Training Event
Gull Boats & RV will host a free annual avalanche traiing event at Big Sky Brewing on October 30 at 6pm featuring instructor Mike Duffy from the American Avalanche Association.... more
Bird Hunters Need to be Bear Aware
By BRUCE AUCHLY - With the Oct. 12 opening of pheasant season, bird hunters around western Montana should be prepared for an encounter with a grizzly bear.... more
Hunting Permit Drawing Results Now Available
By JOLEEN TADEJ - The wait is over. Hunters can now check the results of the 2019 nonresident combination and elk and deer permit drawing to see if they were successful.... more
Archery Hunter Breaks Arm in Grizzly Bear Attack Near Gardiner
By JOLEEN TADEJ - An archery hunter was attacked by a grizzly bear Saturday near Gardiner, sustaining wounds to his arm and face.... more
Bird Hunter Shoots, Kills Charging Grizzly Near Front
By BRUCE AUCHLY - A pheasant hunter shot and killed a grizzly bear Nov. 4 near Pendroy along the Rocky Mountain Front that charged him.... more
Bird Hunters Need to be Bear Aware
By BRUCE AUCHLY - Upland bird hunting began Sept. 1 and hunters along the Rocky Mountain Front, especially in riparian areas, need to be aware they are in bear country.... more
Hunters Must Expect to See Bears
By GREG LEMON - With hunting season upon us, it is important to remember that slow moving, quiet and camouflaged hunters are sharing the landscape with the state's even stealthier bears.... more
Hunting Elk in August
By BRUCE AUCHLY - Elk shoulder seasons this year will allow hunters in some hunting districts to go after antlerless elk starting Aug. 15.... more
That First Gun
By BRUCE AUCHLY - Just the other week, I gave my granddaughter and grandson their first firearms; a .22 rifle and .410 shotgun.... more
Is Spring Early or Late?
By BRUCE AUCHLY - The warm weather of February and early March could lead one to believe in an early spring, which feels nice but is not necessarily a good thing.... more
Will Winter Wither?
By BRUCE AUCHLY - Is winter done? Kaput, finished, terminated? It would seem so, though you may not want to bet the farm subsidies on it.... more
2016 Hunting & Fishing Licenses On Sale Monday With Change In Fees
By JEANNE CONNOLLY - Montana's 2016 hunting and fishing licenses go on sale Monday, Feb. 1, under a new fee structure passed by the state legislature. ... more
That Thing Called Elk Hunting
By BRUCE AUCHLY- To those who don’t hunt, it can be hard to understand the strength and depth of the passion known as Elk Hunting.... more
Elk Shoulder Season Generates Lots of Interest
By BRUCE AUCHLY-A pilot program, the shoulder season for antlerless elk runs Nov. 30 through Feb. 15 in hunting districts 445, 446, 452 and 449. ... more
Elk Harvest at Augusta Check Station Best in 20 Years
By BRUCE AUCHLY-Hunters on a portion of the Rocky Mountain Front this fall took home more elk than any year in the past 20.... more
Hunters: Dispose of That Carcass Legally
By BRUCE AUCHLY-A frequent complaint to Fish, Wildlife and Parks this time of year centers on carcasses dumped after someone has removed the venison.... more
Remember: Hunting is Fun
By BRUCE AUCHLY - Somehow we have forgotten that hunting today is about being outdoors, perhaps companionship, enjoying nature.... more
For Third Week: Elk Harvest Improving on Front
By BRUCE AUCHLY - It’s a mixed bag at the end of the third weekend of Montana’s big game general season on the Rocky Mountain Front.... more
Five Region 4 Districts With Deer Hunting Changes in November
By BRUCE AUCHLY-Deer hunters need to be aware of changes taking place this month in five hunting districts in Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 4, north central Montana.... more
Hunters Report Self Defense in Two Grizzly Bear Deaths
By JOLEEN TADEJ-Montana wildlife officials said today that two grizzly bears were killed last week in separate incidents reported by hunters in southwestern Montana.... more
Elk, Mule Harvest Down, Whitetails Up On Rocky Mountain Front
Elk and mule deer taken by hunters remain below average on the Rocky Mountain Front, but the white-tailed deer harvest is up at the end of the second weekend of the 2015 general big game season.... more
Avoid These 10 Common Hunting Mistakes
By BRUCE AUCHLY Each fall tens of thousands of Montana men and women spend anywhere from a few hours to a several weeks hunting. Most have a wonderful time; a few run afoul of the law. Here are 10 problem... more
Elk, Mule Deer Below Average Opener on Rocky Mountain Front
By BRUCE AUCHLY - Hunters hit the Rocky Mountain Front for the opening weekend of Montana’s general big game season, taking home fewer elk and mule deer compared to the past five years.... more
Opening Day of General Hunting Seson Renews Montana Traditions
By JOLEEN TADEJ-In Montana, a weekend like none other awaits. young and old are filled with the anticipation that only comes with the opening day of Montana's general deer and elk hunting season.... more
2015 Elk Hunting Outlook
By JOLENE TADEJ - These are good times for elk hunters as Montana elk populations continue to be strong across most of the state.... more
The Effects of Fire on Animals
By BRUCE AUCHLY - Summer’s fires are over, right? Or so we hope. To fish and wildlife fires can bring dire short-term and beneficial long-term consequences.... more
2015 Deer Hunting Outlook
By JOLENE TADEJ - Hunters who witnessed a drop in mule deer numbers in many areas of Montana a few years ago will see improving populations this year.... more
Donate a Hunting License to Disabled Veterans & Armed Forces Members
By JOLEEN TADEJ - Montana residents and nonresidents can show support for members of the military who have given the ultimate sacrifice by donating their hunting license.... more
Early Season Hunters: Make Fire Safety A Top Priority
By JOLEEN TADEJ - All early season hunters need to make wildfire prevention a top priority.... more
Becoming an Outdoors Woman Summer Workshop August 7-9
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' popular Becoming an Outdoors-Woman summer workshop is set for Aug. 7-9 at Lubrecht Forest, east of Missoula.... more
Brisk Sales for Nonresident Big Game Combo Hunting Licenses
By TOM PALMER - Montana's surplus nonresident elk and deer combination hunting licenses for this fall are selling at a brisk pace.... more
Fewer Surplus Nonresident Elk and Deer Hunting Licenses Available
Beginning Monday, May 4, nonresident hunters can choose among Montana's surplus deer, elk and big game combination hunting licenses and purchase them online or the FWP office.... more
Tales and Trails: Love in the Time of Cold
By BRUCE AUCHLY - One day it’s warm and sunny, the next day cold and snowy. Welcome to that time on the calendar between winter and spring. ... more
New Year for Hunting & Fishing Licenses Begins March 1
March 1 begins the new 2015 license year for Montana hunters and anglers. The new license year is especially important for early-season anglers, and for those who enjoy ice fishing.... more
FWP Access Program Offers Tax Credits to Landowners
Landowners have until March 15 to submit applications to Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks for enrollment in a program that may qualify them for up to $2,000 in annual tax credits.... more
Mount Jumbo Wildlife Closure Begins December 1
Mount Jumbo's North Zone is closed from December 1 until May 1. Trespassing during the wildlife closure is prohibited and violators may be fined up to $500. ... more
The Rut Kicks in as Hunting Season Reaches Final Weeks
By DILLON TABISH - With the rut in full swing, the annual big game hunting season is counting down in Montana. The last day to hunt deer and elk is Nov. 30.... more
Two Dog Years
By ROB BREEDING - I’m in my early 50s and I’ve begun to measure my time in bird dog years. My current hunting partner, Doll, is 5 and I can reasonably expect another 5 to 7 years with her.... more