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 7, 2026 · Angela Montana

The Feathered Midwives of Fort Peck: Montana’s Wildest Spring Tradition

Montana's walleye spawning process relies on human intervention due to fluctuating water levels, involving the use of barges and turkey feathers to ensure the survival of millions of eggs.

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.

Apr 6, 2026 · Angela Montana

Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report 4.6.26

Rainbow fishing is thriving at Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs, with successful methods including various flies, jigs, and worms. Anglers are also catching occasional walleye.

Apr 2, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission Announces Closure of Otter Trapping in Region 1

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has closed otter trapping in Region 1 due to approaching harvest quotas, effective April 4, ensuring species sustainability.

Mar 31, 2026 · Angela Montana

Game wardens seek information on mule deer fawn killed in Roundup

Gemini said Montana FWP seeks information regarding a mule deer fawn illegally killed by a blow dart in Roundup. Similar incidents involving ducks occurred in Billings. Report tips to tipmont.mt.gov for rewards.

Mar 31, 2026 · Angela Montana

Game wardens seek information on blow-darted ducks in Billings

BILLINGS – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are seeking the public’s help in gathering information on a series of potentially related instances of ducks shot […]

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 29, 2026 · Angela Montana

Region 3 Otter Trapping Closure

If you’ve been keeping a close eye on the riverbanks in Southwest Montana, it’s time to shift gears. By order […]

Mar 27, 2026 · Angela Montana

Yellowstone River island in Paradise Valley offered to FWP

A proposal to donate an 82-acre island in the Yellowstone River to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks aims to preserve its wildlife habitat, named Pine Siskin fishing access site, for public benefit.

Mar 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

Shoreline Restoration Underway at Cooney State Park This Spring

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is initiating a stabilization project at Cooney Reservoir to address erosion caused by 2022 flooding, leading to temporary closures from April 6 to May 13.

Mar 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

Join the Grizzly Bear Meeting in Big Timber

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a meeting in Big Timber on April 7 to discuss the recent increase in grizzly bear sightings and provide safety tips for residents.

Mar 25, 2026 · Angela Montana

The Antler Hunger Games: How to Score Your Spot at Blackfoot-Clearwater This Spring

If your idea of a perfect spring morning involves trekking through the brush in search of antlers, this is for […]

Mar 23, 2026 · Angela Montana

Opportunity for Anglers: Shape Montana’s Fishery Future

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks seeks a "Licensed Angler" for its Citizen Review Panel to assist in restoring wild fish habitats. Meetings happen in June and December, with applications encouraged.

Mar 20, 2026 · Angela Montana

Goldfish, Pike, and the “Wrong” Kind of Romance: Montana’s 2026 Underwater Eviction Notice

If you thought your dating life was complicated, try being a Westslope Cutthroat Trout in the Big Hole Drainage. Between […]

Mar 18, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana’s Wolf Season: That’s a Wrap for 2025-2026

The Montana wolf season ended on March 15, with 243 wolves harvested out of a quota of 452. Region 1 led with 98 harvests, while Regions 6 and 7 reported none. Future seasons are scheduled, but dates may change due to federal court orders. Data serves vital conservation purposes. Stay informed for updates.

Mar 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

The Great Madison Range Meet-Up: Giving Bighorn Sheep a Lift

In the world of Montana real estate, the Madison Range has a bit of a “middle child” problem. To the […]

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 · Angela Montana

Paddlefish Permit Deadline Approaches: Apply by April 1

Apply for paddlefish permits by April 1 to participate in the unique season. Applications are easy online or in-person at local FWP offices or authorized retailers. Don't miss out!

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.

Mar 11, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP: LMU 422 Will Close to Male Mountain Lion Hunting After Sunset on March 12, 2026

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has ordered LMU 422 closed to all hunting of male mountain lions one-half hour after sunset on Thursday, March 12, 2026. Check the official quota status page for the latest details.

Mar 10, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP Upper Missouri River Fisheries Meeting (March 16, Helena): Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter Updates

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks hosts its annual Upper Missouri River Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan update on March 16 at 6 p.m. in Helena. Hear population trends and management updates for Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter, and nearby Missouri River sections—and learn what keeps these popular fisheries producing year after year.

Mar 10, 2026 · Angela Montana

Free Bozeman Workshop Teaches Dog Owners How to Release a Pet From a Trap (March 26)

Montana K9 Safety is hosting a free trap release workshop for Bozeman-area dog owners on March 26. Expect hands-on demos with multiple trap types, a look at current trapping regulations, and simple tools that can help you safely free a dog if an accident happens on the trail.

Mar 6, 2026 · Angela Montana

New Automated Gate Added at Carter’s Bridge Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River: Hours & Rules

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks installed an automated gate at Carter’s Bridge Fishing Access Site near Livingston to curb overnight use, vandalism, and after-hours issues. Daytime access remains the same: open daily 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; overnight camping is prohibited.

Mar 5, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Crews Return to the Cabinet Mountains to Study Mountain Lions—Building on 25+ Years of Research

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists are back in the Cabinet Mountains near Libby, using hounds to locate mountain lions and collect biological samples. The work adds to more than 25 years of research, helping compare today’s lions with earlier data and informing population estimates, harvest tracking, and long-term management.

Mar 5, 2026 · Angela Montana

Tongue River Reservoir Ice Update: Open Water at Ramps, But Boating Still Limited (FWP Report)

Spring breakup is underway at Tongue River Reservoir, with open water at both ramps and a few boats already out. But ice still blocks key stretches near the dam, between Sand Point and Pee Wee north, and at the far south end—limiting where you can safely travel right now. Here’s the latest access and ice update based on a recent FWP post.

Mar 3, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP Is Hiring a Full-Time Outdoor Job Near Plentywood (Benefits Included, Apply by March 15)

Want a job that keeps you outside? Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hiring a full-time position based in the Plentywood area, with work ranging from state park and fishing access support to maintenance, signage, and hunting-season assistance. Full benefits included; applications due March 15 at 11:59 p.m.

Mar 2, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP’s Spring Electrofishing on 7 Rivers: What Anglers Need to Know About Tagged Trout (and Rewards)

FWP crews are floating seven Montana rivers over the next several weeks for their annual electrofishing “science tour,” collecting trout data and continuing tagging efforts. If you catch a tagged trout on the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Ruby, or Madison, you can help the research—clip the tag, report it online, and you may even qualify for prizes or cash depending on the tag color.

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 27, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP’s New License Ambassador Program: What It Is, Why It’s Replacing the Old System, and What Changes March 1

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is rolling out a new License Ambassador Program ahead of March 1, replacing the longtime License Provider Program due to aging technology. Here’s what we know so far from the Montana Outdoor Podcast—and what to listen for in the full episode.

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 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Big Cat Closures: Region 6 Bobcat Season Ends Feb. 28; LMU 280 Male Mountain Lion Closes Feb. 27, 2026

Montana FWP reports two quota-driven big cat closures: bobcat hunting and trapping in Region 6 ends at midnight Saturday, Feb. 28, and LMU 280 closes to the hunting of male mountain lions one-half hour after sunset Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. Here’s what to know and where to check official quota updates before you head out.

Feb 25, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana State Parks Reservations Now Open for Camping, Lodging & Tours (Plus Blackfoot Float-In Sites Start March 2)

Montana State Parks is now accepting reservations for camping, lodging, and tours. Most sites can be booked up to three months in advance (with a seven-night max per site). Blackfoot River Corridor float-in campsite reservations open March 2 by phone only, with required fire pans, food storage, and portable toilet systems for overnight floaters.

Feb 25, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Elk Don’t Follow a Script—How FWP Uses GPS Tracklogs to Survey Smarter

Montana wildlife surveys have evolved from paper maps and pencils to handheld GPS units and digital mapping tools. As elk shift with mild winters and changing habitat, Montana FWP biologists use detailed tracklogs to verify coverage, avoid double-counting, and improve year-to-year consistency—leading to sharper data and smarter management decisions.

Feb 23, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Closes Male Mountain Lion Season in LMU 123 and LMU 340 After Sunset (Feb. 24, 2026)

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.

Feb 23, 2026 · Angela Montana

Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Final Winter Update + Urgent Ice Safety Warning as Canyon Ferry Opens Up

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.

Feb 23, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Hunting Licenses Go on Sale March 1: What Opens, What Changed This Year, and What to Check Before You Buy

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.

Feb 20, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Expands Hunter Education: FWP Adds 7 Regional Technicians as Youth Participation Declines

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is expanding hunter education support by hiring seven regional education technicians, even as youth participation faces headwinds from overscheduled kids, two-income parents, and volunteer instructors. The technicians will help backstop the required firearm safety program for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1985.

Feb 19, 2026 · Angela Montana

Smith River Permit Lottery Results Are In: How to Check MyFWP, Super Permit Deadline (March 15) + Launch Rules

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.