HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks released proposals for 2026/2027 deer, elk and black bear regulations for public comment.
These proposals will ultimately go to the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission for a final decision at its meeting Dec. 4.
The rest of the biennial hunting regulation proposals were released for public review and comment Oct. 29.
FWP’s biennial hunting season setting process is a lengthy effort to identify potential changes needed in the hunting regulations. This process involves formal scoping meetings around the state as well as efforts to solicit feedback from hunter, landowners and other members of the public.
Public meetings
FWP will be hosting public meetings around the state to discuss the regulation proposals, and answer questions. Formal comment on the proposals must be done online or via mail to the Fish and Wildlife Commission. These meetings will be held at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the following dates. The meetings at FWP regional offices will have a virtual option. More information on the meetings, including links for virtual options, can be found on the FWP website.
Nov. 3
- Kalispell at FWP’s regional office
- Fort Benton at the Fort Benton Fire Department
Nov. 4
- Libby at Ponderosa Room, Libby City Hall
- Billings, at FWP’s regional office
- Stanford at City Hall
Nov. 5
- Eureka at the Lincoln County Annex Building
- Lewistown at the Yogo Inn
- Missoula, at FWP’s regional office
Nov. 6
- Thompson Falls at the High School Library
- Great Falls, at FWP’s regional office
Nov. 10
- Conrad at the Pondera Shooting Sports Complex
- White Sulphur Springs at the Meagher County Shooting Range
Nov. 12
- Miles City, at FWP’s regional office
- Choteau at the public library
Nov. 13
- Bozeman, at FWP’s regional office
Nov. 18
- Glasgow, at FWP’s regional office
Public comment
Commenting on commission items can be done two ways, either through the online portal via the commission webpage or by mailing comments to Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission, P.O. Box 200701, Helena MT 59620-0701.
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