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Montana’s 2026 shed antler rule updates mainly affect nonresidents on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): a new $50 WMA shed hunting license and a seven-day wait before picking up sheds after WMAs open. Most WMAs open at 12 p.m. on May 15, but verify the specific area’s opening time.

Montana’s Fish & Wildlife Commission ordered the male mountain lion season in LMU 123 and LMU 340 to close one-half hour after sunset on Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. Hunters should check current quota status before heading out.

Final winter fishing report for Helena-area reservoirs before updates resume in April. Ice is highly variable and can change fast, and Canyon Ferry’s south end is seeing expanding open water that’s undermining nearby ice—use extreme caution on any ice.

March 1 is Montana’s “opening day for paperwork”: licenses go on sale and special draw applications open. With multiple rule changes tied to the 2025 Legislature and the Fish and Wildlife Commission, this is the year to double-check requirements before you buy—don’t assume it’s the same as last season.

By order of the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission, LMU 680 will close to all hunting of female mountain lions one-half hour after sunset on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. Get the effective time/date, what’s changing, and where to check official quota status on Montana FWP.

Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission announces female mountain lion harvest closes in LMU 320 and LMU 121 one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, as part of the state’s quota system to support healthy lion populations and sustainable hunting opportunity.

Most Montana licenses wrap up Feb. 28, but a few seasons keep going. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says mountain lion and wolf hunting continue past the license-year close, and some trapping seasons do too. If you use E-Tags, note they’ll go inactive in the app after Feb. 28—FWP recommends picking up an offline license at a regional office. Season dates: fwp.mt.gov/hunt. Licensing hotline: 406-444-2950.

Montana FWP has posted Smith River permit drawing results in MyFWP, and successful applicants will also receive their permit by email. Didn’t draw? Super Permit chances are on sale through March 15 ($5 each), and remaining/cancelled launch dates can be requested by phone starting Monday, March 2. Here’s what to know about updated river rules, registration, and launching.

More than 15 hunter and bowhunter education courses across north-central Montana are open or about to open for registration. Spring is the easiest time to secure a spot, with both classroom and online options available. Don’t wait until late summer or fall, when seats get competitive and classes fill up fast.

FWP reports 229 wolves harvested statewide toward a 452-wolf quota (excluding WMUs 313 and 316). Region 1 leads with 96, followed by Region 2 (73) and Region 3 (49). Region 3 remains open (49 of 60), WMU 316 is open (1 of 3), and WMU 313 has closed after reaching its 3-wolf limit. The general season and trapping run through March 15.

Montana watercraft inspection stations reopen March 7 in Dillon, Ravalli, and Anaconda as Fish, Wildlife & Parks highlights another year of keeping invasive mussels out of state waters. New AIS reports underscore strong prevention statewide—and a growing risk from boats returning from out-of-state waters.

Montana FWP’s latest Helena-area reservoir update: ice is extremely variable, with open water in spots. Here’s where anglers are finding rainbows, walleye, perch, kokanee, and burbot—plus what’s being used and where conditions are unsafe.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, with the Crow Tribe, captured 99 elk to study migration and brucellosis presence. GPS collars were fitted to track their movement and inform wildlife management decisions.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will no longer allow caching supplies at Beartooth Wildlife Management Area, enforcing a leave-no-trace policy starting May 15 for visitors during hunting season.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers various hunter education options this spring, including in-person classes and online courses, required for hunters born after January 1, 1985. Classes fill quickly.

Bobcat hunting and trapping in Montana Region 4 ends on February 11 at midnight. Hunters should check quota status online to ensure compliance with regulations before the season closes.

Anglers should exercise caution due to varying ice conditions. Fishing yields include rainbows at Canyon Ferry and Helena Valley, while Hauser and Holter have mostly open water and unstable ice.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are seeking the public’s help in gathering information on an unlawfully killed bull elk found on private property and left to waste. Only the head and backstraps were removed from the bull and all other meat was wasted.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is investigating the illegal introduction of northern pike into Pine Grove Pond, threatening its trout fishery. Anglers should report and remove pike to preserve the ecosystem.

Anglers are reminded that ice conditions can be extremely variable.  Ice thickness can range from thick enough to support a […]

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has released the 2026 hunting regulations for deer, elk, antelope, and moose, sheep, goat, and bison. Hunters should review them online before the application period.

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has announced a closure to hunting female Mountain Lions in LMU 411 and male Mountain Lions in LMU 391, effective January 27th, 2026, after sunset.

Ice conditions vary greatly, affecting fishing opportunities. Rainbows, kokanee, and perch are being caught with specific baits in various locations.

Ice is here, in different places, and fishing is to be had. Listen here for reports on your favorite spots […]