The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced expanded opportunities for hunting and fishing across the country, including several new options in Montana.
The changes open or increase access at selected sites within the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Fish Hatchery System. In Montana, these updates will provide new opportunities for hunters and anglers starting September 2, just in time for the upcoming seasons.
New Montana Access Includes:
- Black Coulee National Wildlife Refuge – snipe hunting
- Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge – snipe hunting
- Creedman Coulee National Wildlife Refuge – snipe hunting
- Hewitt Lake National Wildlife Refuge – snipe hunting
- Lake Thibadeau National Wildlife Refuge – snipe hunting
Officials say the new rule is intended to better align federal land use with state regulations, offering greater consistency and clarity for sportsmen and women.
Nationwide, the rule adds 42 new hunting and fishing opportunities on over 87,000 acres of public land. Currently, these activities are already allowed on more than 430 national wildlife refuges and 370 individual units, as well as at more than 25 national fish hatcheries.
According to the Service, these updates are designed to promote sustainable wildlife management and expand public access to outdoor recreation.
A full list of updates is available in the Federal Register under docket number FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-0031.
