Apr 29, 2026 · Angela Montana

Big Bucks and Bigger Fines: Montana’s 2025 Poaching Recap

Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks reported over $120,000 in fines for poaching and hunting violations, highlighting the importance of compliance. Community tips helped, earning $28,000 in rewards, promoting conservation efforts.

Apr 24, 2026 · Angela Montana

Missed the draw? Montana’s nonresident backup list opens May 1

Montana’s Nonresident Alternate’s List opens for a second chance at hunting tags from May 1 to June 1. Join for free, with no risk to preference points, and wait for possible openings.

Apr 23, 2026 · Angela Montana

DPHHS, DEQ, FWP release PFAS fish consumption advisories and study results

Montana authorities released new PFAS fish consumption advisories due to detectable pollution levels in select waterbodies. The recommendations aim to inform the public about potential health risks while promoting safe fish consumption.

Apr 16, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP Draw Results: Check Your Deer and Elk Permits

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has released the results for deer, elk, and nonresident combination licenses. Hunters can check results online or by phone, with upcoming application deadlines approaching.

Apr 15, 2026 · Angela Montana

Fort Peck Walleye Spawn: What to Expect in 2026

The 2026 walleye season at Fort Peck has begun amidst unpredictable weather. Biologists report rising water temperatures, capturing primarily male walleye, with hopes for a productive spawn in warmer days ahead.

Apr 13, 2026 · Angela Montana

Ultimate Guide to Fishing at Holter, Canyon Ferry, and Hauser

Local fishing spots are thriving, with excellent catches of rainbow trout at Holter and walleye at Lake Helena and Canyon Ferry. Diverse bait options are leading to successful outings for anglers.

Apr 9, 2026 · Angela Montana

Peace Out, Pesky Stickers: Montana’s Boating Bureaucracy Just Walked the Plank

Montana has eliminated the requirement for colorful boat validation stickers, streamlining vessel registration to a one-time licensing process, allowing owners more leisure time on the water without bureaucratic hassles.

Apr 8, 2026 · Angela Montana

Translocated female grizzly emerges from den with two cubs

A female grizzly bear, released in Wyoming, emerged with two cubs, demonstrating successful genetic exchange between ecosystems. This effort marks a significant milestone in grizzly bear management and conservation.

Apr 6, 2026 · Angela Montana

Surplus nonresident spring hound licenses available

Hunters can purchase leftover nonresident hound licenses starting April 8 at 5 a.m. Limited availability; first-come, first-served online or at FWP offices.

Mar 30, 2026 · Angela Montana

Join the Public Meeting on Missouri River Bridge Closure in Craig

Lewis and Clark County warns of an upcoming closure of the Missouri River Bridge on April 8, 2026. A public meeting will discuss details and updates on local projects.

Mar 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Scout Troop 214 Collected 1,600 Christmas Trees to Build Perch Habitat at Canyon Ferry

Scout Troop 214 sank 1,600 Christmas trees into Canyon Ferry for perch habitat. Here's what anglers need to know before ice-out this spring.

Mar 16, 2026 · Angela Montana

Special Youth Turkey Hunt Opportunity in Flathead Valley, Montana

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a free youth turkey hunt on May 2-3, 2026, for ages 10-15, including safety training and mentorship. Applications are due soon.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Why Montana Hunters Are Losing Their Best Spots to Out-of-State Pressure

Montana hunters face growing pressure from out-of-state crowds on public lands. Why protecting local hunting traditions and giving resident voices priority matters now.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

What Every Montana Hunter Loses by Skipping FWP Meetings

Montana hunters who skip FWP meetings may lose hunting opportunities. These hearings decide tag allocations, district changes, and seasons that directly impact you.

Mar 12, 2026 · Angela Montana

Central Montana game wardens report an increase in illegally taken mountain lions

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens reported a rise in illegally harvested mountain lions in central Montana in 2025, including hunters who shot lions first and only purchased hunting licenses afterward.

Mar 11, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Hunter Education Classes (2026): Spring & Summer Dates in Central and Eastern MT + How to Register

Ready to hunt in Montana? Montana FWP is listing in-person hunter education classes and online-student field days across central and eastern Montana this spring and summer. Seats can fill fast, and students must be registered before class begins—here’s how to sign up plus the full schedule of dates and towns.

Feb 28, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP’s New License Ambassador Program Replaces License Providers March 1 — What Hunters & Anglers Need to Know

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is rolling out big licensing and regulation changes on March 1, including a new License Ambassador Program to replace the longtime License Provider system in local sporting goods stores. Here’s what the Montana Outdoor Podcast revealed—and where to learn more, find ambassadors, and submit questions.

Feb 27, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP’s Block Management Squeeze: 700,000 Hunters, Fewer Acres—and a Plan to Bring Landowners Back

Montana’s Block Management Program is seeing far more demand even as enrolled private-land acres shrink. FWP is surveying landowners—and considering new incentives and outreach—to ease crowding and rebuild access.

Feb 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

Blackfoot-Clearwater WMA Shed Hunting Opening Day 2026: May 15 Noon Access, Vehicle Entry Registration, and New Nonresident Rules

Headed to Montana’s Blackfoot-Clearwater WMA for opening day shed hunting? Here’s the May 15, 2026 noon access plan, how vehicle entry registration and lineup work, where walk/bike/horse users can enter, and what the new seven-day nonresident restriction and $50 WMA shed-hunting license mean.

Feb 19, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP 2026–2027 Conservation & Recreation Permit Season: Expiration Date, Renewal Timeline, and New License Ambassador Program

The current conservation and recreation permit season ends Feb. 28, 2026, and permits must be renewed for the new season beginning March 1, 2026. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is also launching a License Ambassador program for external sales, with a hotline for help during normal business hours. Here’s what to know, how to apply, and who to contact for assistance.

Feb 18, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Hunter Ed Registration Is Opening Now: Grab a Spring Seat Before the Summer Rush

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.