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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.
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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…
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Free Fishing Day for Kids at Ninepipes Reservoir
Catch the fun at the Ninepipes Kid’s Fishing Day on May 2nd! Free for K-12 students in Charlo, MT. No license or registration required.
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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…
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Clark Fork River: Access During Bridge Repairs
Starting April 15, the Clark Fork river area near Triple Bridges will close for bridge replacement, affecting access but allowing river floating. Closures persist until Fall 2027 due to construction.
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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.
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Bird hunting, Bird watching, Birds, FWP, Montana Hunters and Anglers Action, Montana Hunting, Upland Bird HuntingBiologists observe leks to estimate bird populations
Mountain grouse males, such as the dusky grouse, ruffed grouse and spruce grouse, perform their breeding displays in forested areas, usually on their own or in small groups, and aren’t…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Montana Fishing Reports April 4th Missed it, listen here
April 4th, the ice is pretty much gone and the rivers and lakes are opening up. So if you Missed it, listen here. Montana Outdoor Radio Show · April 4th
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Montana Outdoor Radio Show – April 4th Recap
If you missed it, you can catch the full episode now for statewide fishing updates, spring conditions, and all the latest Montana outdoor talk. Montana Outdoor Radio Show · Montana…
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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.
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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…
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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 with blow darts in Billings. Wardens responded to and verified multiple…
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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.
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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 of the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission, the otter trapping…
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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.
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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.
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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 you. The annual pilgrimage to the Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area…
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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.
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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 “illegal” neighbors moving in next door and some very questionable…
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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…
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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 far north, there’s a herd of bighorn sheep. To the…
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Montana Deer & Elk Permit Application Deadline, April 1
If deer or elk hunting is on your Montana to-do list this year, remember that the deadline to apply for deer and elk permits—and nonresident combination licenses—is April 1. Instead…
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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.
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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!
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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:…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Montana Wolf Harvest Update: 241 Taken So Far (Out of 452) — Regional Breakdown, Open Units, and Season Dates
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reports 241 wolves harvested statewide so far this season out of a 452 quota (excluding WMUs 313 and 316). Here’s the regional breakdown, which units…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Montana Shed Antler Hunting Rules for 2026: $50 Nonresident WMA License + 7-Day Waiting Period
Montana’s 2026 shed antler rule updates mainly affect nonresidents on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): a new $50 WMA shed hunting license and a seven-day wait before picking up sheds after…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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Montana LMU 680 Closing to Female Mountain Lion Hunting After Sunset (Feb. 23, 2026) — What to Know
By order of the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission, LMU 680 will close to all hunting of female mountain lions one-half hour after sunset on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. Get…
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Montana Closes Female Mountain Lion Harvest in LMU 320 & LMU 121 After Sunset Feb. 21, 2026 (Quota Update)
Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission announces female mountain lion harvest closes in LMU 320 and LMU 121 one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, as part of the…
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Montana FWP Reminder: These Hunting and Trapping Seasons Continue After the Feb. 28 License Deadline
Most Montana licenses wrap up Feb. 28, but a few seasons keep going. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says mountain lion and wolf hunting continue past the license-year close, and…
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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…
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