Oct 29, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP Region 5: Mild season opener brings more hunters and success to much of south-central MT
Montana's big game hunting season commenced on October 24, 2023, with favorable weather and steady hunter participation. Over the weekend, check stations reported an influx of 1,077 hunters, with notable increases in harvested mule deer and antelope. Success rates varied, peaking at 35% in Big Timber, indicating an overall productive season.
Oct 29, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP Region 6 Havre check station results after the first weekend of general hunting season
Montana's antelope harvest numbers have increased, while other big game, such as mule deer and elk, show declines. Cooler weather affected hunting conditions, yet participation remains strong. Pheasant and bird reports are mixed, with upland birds generally below average. All hunters must comply with check station regulations during this season.
Oct 29, 2026 · Angela Montana
BLM, FWP cooperating on new lower Yellowstone River boat launch near Terry
A new fishing access site is proposed on the Yellowstone River near Terry, Montana, featuring a boat launch, parking, and latrine. Public comments are welcomed until November 9. The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks aims to enhance recreational access, addressing existing gaps along the river while complying with environmental regulations.
Oct 28, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP: NOTICE OF BLACK BEAR CLOSURE BMU 420
BLACK BEAR MANAGEMENT UNIT: 420 By order of the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission, the above listed hunting district shall […]
Oct 28, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP Region 2: West-central MT hunter check stations saw steady hunter traffic on opening weekend
The 2026 Montana big game hunting season opened with 2,625 hunters passing through check stations, an increase from 2025. While certain areas reported higher hunter activity, some saw fewer animal checks. Hunters must stop at check stations, contributing to wildlife management, regardless of harvesting success.
Oct 28, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP Region 4: Opening weekend hunter numbers and big-game harvest above average at Augusta game check station
During the opening weekend of the 2026 general rifle season in Augusta, a notable increase in hunters was observed, with 235 visits to the FWP game check station. Hunter success rates for deer and elk also rose, aided by early snowfall. Overall elk harvest exceeded the ten-year average by 83%, while deer harvest increased by 11%.
Oct 28, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP Region 3: Mixed hunter numbers and success over opening weekend in southwestern Montana
During the opening weekend of Montana's general hunting season, hunter numbers and success rates varied across southwestern Montana. Wildlife biologists collected data from six game check stations, interacting with 2,200 hunters. The overall participation and success rates were mixed, but conditions were reported as favorable, with hunters advised to remain bear aware.
Oct 28, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP Region 1: General deer and elk hunting season opens in northwest Montana
Montana's general deer and elk hunting season began with nearly 1,900 hunters participating, yielding a 7.4% success rate. Harvest numbers for white-tailed deer and elk decreased from last year, while mule deer buck harvest remained steady. Additional monitoring and testing for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) are encouraged for hunters.
Oct 27, 2026 · Angela Montana
Before You Head Out, Head to Settings on Your Phone
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks advises hunters to refresh their mapping apps and clear cache before heading out for mule deer. Recent updates to BMA boundaries may not be reflected in old offline maps, causing issues with displays. They recommend checking the FWP Hunt Planner for accurate information.
Oct 26, 2026 · Angela Montana
Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 10.26.26
Canyon Ferry boasts excellent rainbow fishing, especially in the Silos area. Shore anglers find success using worms. Hauser's fishing is good at the Causeway with crawlers or leech flies. Holter also offers great rainbow action with various baits. The Kokanee Salmon snagging season runs until October 31st at Helena Valley.
Oct 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Warden Measures $8,000 Poached Bull Elk — Then Catches Hunters Shooting a Decoy Deer
Montana wardens bust poachers using a decoy deer — and measure a 6×6 bull elk worth $8,000 in trophy restitution. Here’s what every hunter needs to know.
Oct 23, 2026 · Angela Montana
CWD sampling easy, accessible and free in Region 7
CWD technicians are training under coordinator Tyler Nelson to collect lymph nodes from deer at FWP's Miles City headquarters and regional sampling stations in southeast Montana. With the hunting season opening this weekend, hunters can have their animals tested or submit samples themselves. More details are available on FWP's website.
Oct 23, 2026 · Angela Montana
Montana FWP considers stocking bighorns on private land
Montana is exploring the restoration of bighorn sheep in central and eastern regions, focusing on areas with significant private land. A recent public panel, convened by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, aims to develop recommendations for managing bighorn populations while addressing challenges like disease transfer from domestic livestock and landowner participation.
Oct 22, 2026 · Angela Montana
Fleecer BMA Opens Doors One Final Time
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announces a final opportunity for hunters to sign up for Fleecer Cattle Co.'s Block Management Area (#143) this Friday, Oct. 23, from 12 to 2:30 p.m. Registration is required for access, as it's a Type-2 BMA. Check the FWP Block Management Guide for details.
Oct 22, 2026 · Angela Montana
Roundup mule deer management hunt scheduled to begin late November
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will sell 50 archery licenses for a mule deer management hunt in Roundup starting November 4. The hunt addresses urban deer overpopulation, running from November 30 to February 15, 2027. Hunters need proper licenses and permission to hunt, with management measures in place to ensure public safety.
Oct 21, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP: NOTICE OF BIGHORN SHEEP CLOSURE HD 500
Hunting District 500 will be closed to all Bighorn Sheep hunting starting at half an hour after sunset on Thursday, October 22, 2026, as per the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission's order. For more information, refer to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.
Oct 20, 2026 · Angela Montana
Are You or Do You Know a High Schooler Who Has Opinions About MT Rivers?
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking one high school student for a two-year position on the Future Fisheries Citizen Review Panel, which influences approximately $1 million annually for fish habitat restoration projects. The student would vote on funding proposals and attend two meetings each year. Applications are open until filled.
Oct 20, 2026 · Angela Montana
Fishing closure on section of upper Big Hole River lifted
A fishing closure on the upper Big Hole River, from Saginaw Bridge to the North Fork confluence, has been lifted due to improved flows. The closure, which began on August 12 to address low water levels, follows the Big Hole River Drought Management Plan. Spawning-related closures still apply in other areas.
Oct 19, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP: Fish and Wildlife Commission approves new fishing regulations during October meeting
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved new fishing regulations for 2027-2028, including updated limits and methods, and established a 99-year conservation easement on Hannah Ranch. They banned motorized watercraft on Mitchell Slough, reflecting public input and scientific assessment in the regulatory process. Additional topics like trout regulations and frog relocations were also addressed.
Oct 19, 2026 · Angela Montana
Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 10.19.26
As the boating season ends, fishing at Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Reservoirs is thriving. Walleye and rainbow trout are actively biting, with specific techniques yielding great results. The kokanee salmon snagging season continues through October, offering ample opportunities for anglers. Campgrounds are closed, and docks are removed for the year.
Oct 16, 2026 · Angela Montana
NOTICE OF BIGHORN SHEEP CLOSURE IN HD 303
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission announces the closure of the specified hunting district to all Bighorn Sheep hunting. This prohibition will be in effect beginning one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as outlined in the legal descriptions provided.
Oct 16, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP: Reminder: New HD 101-50 bull elk permit area
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announces a new bull elk permit for HD 101-50 (North Tobacco) for the 2026-2027 season, allowing only permit holders to hunt antlered elk in that area. General license holders may hunt antlered elk elsewhere in HD 101, excluding North Tobacco. Regulations are available for review.
Oct 16, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP: Hemorrhagic Disease Causing Deer and Antelope Deaths in South-Central Montana
FWP reports a rise in dead and dying deer and antelope, particularly near rivers, due to hemorrhagic diseases like EHD and BT. These diseases, not harmful to humans, typically decline with colder weather. Hunters are advised not to harvest sick animals. FWP is monitoring the situation and public reporting is limited.
Oct 15, 2026 · Angela Montana
Draw Your Tag, Not a Blank: FWP Expands Where You Can Buy Licenses
Montana's big game hunting season begins on October 24, with early youth deer hunt on October 15-16. Hunters can purchase licenses online, at FWP offices, or through local "License Ambassador" locations. Important details include card-only transactions at ambassadors, possible fees, and options for email or E-Tag licenses through the MyFWP app.
Oct 14, 2026 · Angela Montana
Sunday of antelope rifle opener cold and rainy in southeast MT, but hunters report improved antelope numbers
During the opening weekend of the antelope rifle season in southeast Montana, weather varied from sunny to cold and rainy. Harvest success for antelope hunters ranged from 53 to 61 percent across check stations, with adequate numbers reported. Upland bird hunters faced challenges due to poor bird numbers, impacting overall success rates.
Oct 14, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP: Winter weather brings mixed hunter numbers and harvest for south-central Montana antelope opener
The general antelope hunting season in Montana opened on October 10, with check stations reporting varied attendance and success rates. Cold weather and snow impacted hunting, leading to fewer hunters at some stations. Upcoming youth deer hunts are scheduled for October 15-16, with regulations available online. The antelope season runs until November 8.
Oct 13, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP: Region 4 commissioner proposes amendment to 2027-2028 Fishing Regulations
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold a virtual meeting tomorrow at 8 a.m., adding two items to discuss proposed amendments to the 2027-2028 Fishing Regulations. A special closed meeting will follow to address litigation strategy. Public comments on the amendments will be accepted until 4 p.m. today.
Oct 13, 2026 · Angela Montana
Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 10.13.26
Cold weather kept boat anglers away from Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter this past weekend, yet trout fishing thrived along shorelines. With stable weather expected, walleye fishing should improve at Canyon Ferry. Additionally, kokanee snagging is yielding larger fish at Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir, continuing through October 31st.
Oct 11, 2026 · Angela Montana
Woman injured in moose encounter near McAllister
MCALLISTER – A woman was injured by a moose earlier this month on private land near McAllister. On Oct. 3, […]
Oct 11, 2026 · Angela Montana
Partial closure at Makoshika State Park for noxious weed spraying next week
Makoshika State Park in Miles City will partially close from the switchbacks and above from October 13-16 for noxious weed spraying, pending weather conditions. The visitor center will remain open, and the Lower Group Use Shelter and trails below the switchbacks will still be accessible during this period.
Oct 10, 2026 · Angela Montana
MT Outdoor Podcast Goes Inside Region 2: More Elk—and Access You Might Be Missing
In this episode of the Montana Outdoor Podcast, host Downrigger Dale and FWP Region 2 Access Manager Trenton Heisel discuss elk hunting in central-western Montana. They cover hunting strategies, bear encounters, and access tools, emphasizing the importance of planning and resources like the Montana Hunt Planner before heading into the field.
Oct 8, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP seeking early input on Gallatin WMA management plan
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are gathering early public input to develop a management plan for Gallatin Wildlife Management Area, covering 8,611 acres near Big Sky. The plan will focus on habitat conservation, infrastructure maintenance, and managing human use to protect wildlife, with feedback requested by November 6.
Oct 7, 2026 · Angela Montana
General antelope season opens October 10
The general antelope season in Montana opens on October 10 and runs until November 8. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers resources including an online hunting forecast, a Block Management Program for accessing private land, and an interactive Hunt Planner. Hunters are advised to verify regulations as they may change annually.
Oct 6, 2026 · Angela Montana
North-Central Montana Hunting Regulation Changes Explained
New rules for Hunting Districts 426, 447, and 471 in north-central Montana affect mule deer and antlerless elk hunting. From fall 2026, general licenses will allow mule deer bucks only until November 15; a special permit is required afterward. Antlerless elk cannot be taken on National Forest lands without a specific Elk B-license.
Oct 6, 2026 · Angela Montana
Pheasant hunting season to open October 10
Pheasant season in Montana opens on October 10, with over 15,000 birds released across state lands. Nonresident hunters may begin hunting on October 20. This initiative, ongoing since 2021, aims to promote hunting and conservation among new hunters. Safety tips for bear encounters and fire risks are advised for hunters.
Oct 5, 2026 · Angela Montana
Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 10.5.26
Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report – October 5, 2026 Early October is one of the most productive times of year […]
Oct 2, 2026 · Angela Montana
Bass illegally stocked in Livingston pond
Illegal smallmouth and largemouth bass have been found in Sacajawea Lagoon, connected to the Yellowstone River, threatening the local trout fishery. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks proposes to remove these bass through a dewatering process. A public meeting will be held on Oct. 1 to discuss the project and gather feedback.
Oct 1, 2026 · Angela Montana
A Ramp-tastic Repair on the Bighorn
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced the reopening of the boat ramp at Two Leggins Fishing Access Site on the Bighorn River after repairs. This popular site allows for fishing and float trips, restoring access for boaters. Users are encouraged to follow all posted regulations and boating safety practices.
Sep 30, 2026 · Angela Montana
55 Degrees and Feelin’ It: Fort Peck’s Egg Take Gets Underway
As Fort Peck's Chinook season transitions, the lower dam-end bays will offer snagging and archery opportunities starting October 1. Anglers and bow-fishers are encouraged to respect etiquette and avoid dock-side fish-gutting. Meanwhile, electrofishing crews are collecting Chinook for hatchery breeding, vital for maintaining the fish population.
Sep 30, 2026 · Angela Montana
The paddlefish season’s over — now your tag tells the rest of the story
As the 2026 paddlefish season concludes in Montana, MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks will survey selected anglers through phone calls and online surveys. The feedback, whether from successful trips or blank years, is essential for managing paddlefish populations. Non-responders will be contacted multiple times for their input.
Sep 30, 2026 · Angela Montana
Block Management: Forty Years of Handshakes
Block Management, initiated in 1985 and expanded in 1996, fosters positive relationships between landowners, hunters, and resource managers in Montana. The Hunter Landowner Stewardship Program offers online training to promote ethical hunting on private land. Participants can enter a raffle for hunting gear and guided hunts, encouraging responsible practices.
Sep 29, 2026 · Angela Montana
Montana Wants Your Two Cents Before Halloween
This week, FWP opened public comment on eight projects, including controlled burns at Spotted Dog WMA, new amenities at Travelers' Rest, and bank repairs for Smith River boat camps. Additional topics include bass removal from Sacajawea Lagoon and a 99-year easement at Hannah Ranch. Deadlines range from Sept. 30 to Oct. 25.
Sep 28, 2026 · Angela Montana
Five Hours, Two Nos, One Green Light
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission held a five-hour meeting where two citizen petitions were unanimously declined: one for 24-hour trap checks on public land and another mandating bear spray in grizzly areas. However, a proposal to draft a predator management policy passed, allowing further public review and comment.
Sep 28, 2026 · Angela Montana
Sit Through the Course, Show Up for the Fun Part
Montana's outdoorsmen can participate in a final hunter education field day on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Fire Hall in Bainville. Open to individuals aged 11 and older, this event covers firearm safety and hunting ethics. Pre-registration is required, and participants must complete the online course first.
Sep 25, 2026 · Angela Montana
Game wardens seek information on deer killed out of season south of Billings
Witness images show white flatbed truck at scene BILLINGS – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are looking for […]
Sep 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
Meeting scheduled in Livingston to discuss removal of illegally introduced bass in Sacajawea Lagoon
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks plans to remove illegally introduced bass from Sacajawea Lagoon in Livingston and will hold a public meeting on October 1 at 5 p.m. to discuss the project. The meeting aims to inform the public about the initiative and long-term management plans for the fishery. Public comments are welcome until October 2.
Sep 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
Keeping Tabs on Montana Wolves
Monitoring wolves in Montana requires keen observation, patience, and resilience against cold. This episode of FWP Field Trips, featuring specialist Sarah Zielke, explores the practical aspects of tracking wolves, checking dens, and searching for pups, showcasing the realities of wolf conservation beyond mere data collection.
Sep 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
NOTICE OF WOLF CLOSURE – WMU 313
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has announced that the designated Wolf Management Unit has reached its hunting and trapping quota for wolves. Consequently, the area will be closed to such activities starting 24 hours from the notice, specifically at 11 A.M. on Friday, September 25, 2026.
Sep 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
Friday Night Lights Out for Black Bear Season in BMU 700
Black bear management unit 700 will close to hunting one-half hour after sunset on September 25, 2026. Hunters are advised to review regulations before heading out, as this is the final opportunity to hunt bears in this area. Stay safe and good luck!
Sep 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
Breaking News: Local Gets Lost, Town Loses Its Mind
A yearling male mountain goat wandered into Bozeman, causing a stir by settling in a church parking lot. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff deemed it healthy but confused. After safely transporting it back to the Gallatin Range, locals appreciated the coordination that ensured its safe return without disturbance.