Jun 16, 2026 · Angela Montana
Wanted: Thinkers, Hunters, and Landowners to Talk Sheep (The Horned Kind)
Montana's bighorn sheep restoration efforts face challenges due to property lines on private land. To address this, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is forming a five-month advisory panel to find solutions. Interested individuals can apply by July 3, providing their contact details, representation, and conservation insights.
Jun 15, 2026 · Angela Montana
Top Fishing Spots in Montana: Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter 6.15.26
The latest FWP report highlights excellent fishing opportunities across Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs. Walleye are biting well in specific areas using various techniques, while rainbow trout and perch are also being caught. Shore fishing, evening hours, and trolling remain effective for multiple species, enhancing the outdoor experience.
Jun 12, 2026 · Angela Montana
Possible grizzly bear detected near Rotary Pond in Beaver Creek County Park south of Havre
Trail cam footage near Rotary Pond captured a possible grizzly bear sighting. While there have been no conflicts, outdoor enthusiasts in the area should stay vigilant. To ensure safety, they should follow bear awareness guidelines, such as securing food, using bear spray, traveling in groups, and avoiding low-visibility times.
Jun 11, 2026 · Angela Montana
Montana Online Registration for Game Damage Hunts Opens June 15
Starting June 15, Montana hunters can register online for the annual Game Damage Hunt Roster through MyFWP, aimed at curbing damage from deer, elk, and antelope. Registration runs until July 15, with an additional roster for bison. Hunters must choose one district and may not be guaranteed a hunting opportunity.
Jun 8, 2026 · Angela Montana
Trade the Office Cubicle for the Great Outdoors: FWP is Hiring in Havre
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hiring a full-time Maintenance Worker 2 in Havre. The role involves maintaining outdoor spaces and offers competitive pay, benefits, and flexible qualifications. Apply by June 21.
Jun 8, 2026 · Angela Montana
Prime Time Fishing: Helena Area Reservoirs Report, 6.8.26
The Missouri River reservoirs are thriving with walleye and rainbow trout action, particularly in Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter. Conditions are excellent for diverse fishing opportunities this week.
Jun 2, 2026 · Angela Montana
The Second-Chance Lottery Just Got a Live Leaderboard
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has randomized the June 1 Alternates List for nonresident combo licenses. Hunters can check their rank online through MyFWP. If selected, they have five days to purchase the license. Availability continues until December 1, so keeping your email updated is crucial.
Jun 1, 2026 · Angela Montana
NOTICE OF SPRING BLACK BEAR CLOSURE BMUs 300, 301, 319, 580
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has announced that hunting districts 300, 301, 319, and 580 will close for all black bear hunting due to exceeding a 37% female harvest. The closure will take effect one-half hour after sunset on June 3, 2026.
May 30, 2026 · Angela Montana
NOTICE OF SPRING BLACK BEAR CLOSURE BMU 440
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has announced that the Black Bear Management Unit 440 will be closed to all black bear hunting starting one-half hour after sunset on June 1, 2026. This order applies to the designated hunting district to ensure wildlife management and conservation.
May 29, 2026 · Angela Montana
Love ’Em or Loathe ’Em, They’re Here: Face Your Fears at First People’s Buffalo Jump
Snakes provoke mixed reactions, seen as either fascinating creatures or terrifying threats. As summer approaches in Montana, First People’s Buffalo Jump State Park offers a guided hike on June 6, 2026, led by expert Dan "The Snake Man" Waitt. Limited spots require pre-registration starting May 30. Join to learn and coexist.
May 28, 2026 · Angela Montana
Director requests PLPW take up corner crossing issue at June meeting in Glasgow
The following is a press release by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks shared on Montanaoutdoor.com as a courtesy to our […]
May 27, 2026 · Angela Montana
State Seeks Your Blueprint for Shooting Ranges
Montana is enhancing its shooting facilities through House Bill 899, led by Representative Kerri Seekins-Crowe. The newly formed Montana State Shooting Facilities and Improvements Task Force seeks input from residents to identify needs and improvements for shooting ranges. A survey is available for public feedback to shape future developments.
May 26, 2026 · Angela Montana
Join a Bear Aware Meeting in Fort Belknap
Grizzly bears are expanding their range eastward, prompting a community Bear Aware Meeting hosted by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Fort Belknap Fish and Wildlife. Scheduled for May 27 at the Bingo Hall, the event will provide practical tips on bear safety, including a hands-on bear spray demonstration. All are welcome.
May 21, 2026 · Angela Montana
2026 Upper Missouri Paddlefish update IV, May 21, 2026
Paddlefish activity is increasing as Memorial Day approaches, with elevated river flows prompting movement in the upper Missouri. Biologist Cody Nagel reports that current flows are 7200 cfs, enhancing angling success. Anglers should expect busy conditions at the Fred Robinson Bridge, where catching paddlefish is on the rise.
May 19, 2026 · Angela Montana
Calling All Habitat Heroes: Montana FWP Just Dropped a $1.8 Million Eco-Budget
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting applications for the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program until June 19, offering up to $1.8 million for projects enhancing local ecosystems.
May 18, 2026 · Angela Montana
Impact of Tagging on Montana’s Trout Fisheries
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is collaborating with Montana State University on trout research in the upper Jefferson River basin, revealing mixed trout population growth in recent sampling and offering rewards for reporting tagged fish.
May 15, 2026 · Angela Montana
2026 Northeast Montana Rainbow Trout Stocking Update I
Fish culturist Ryan Lott and his hatchery crew have commenced the 2026 stocking season, distributing rainbow trout across Northeast Montana, including over 30,000 fingerlings via helicopter to various reservoirs.
May 11, 2026 · Angela Montana
Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report, May 11, 2026
Canyon Ferry shore fishing has slowed, but boat anglers are successful with various methods. Hauser and Holter also report good catches of rainbows, walleyes, and occasional perch.
May 8, 2026 · Angela Montana
REMINDER: Lottery for three available upper and West Fork Bitterroot Commercial Use Permits open for entry through May 18
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has opened a lottery for three commercial fishing permits on the upper and West Fork of the Bitterroot River, accepting applications until May 18, 2026.
May 6, 2026 · Angela Montana
Have opinions on fishing? FWP wants your two cents.
Montana FWP is seeking public input on the 2027–2028 fishing regulations, featuring 41 proposals. Anglers can participate by attending a meeting on May 13, joining online sessions on May 26, or submitting comments via email or mail before the May 31 deadline. Share your insights to influence fishing rules.
May 4, 2026 · Angela Montana
NOTICE OF SPRING BLACK BEAR CLOSURE BMU 520
Montana hunting district will close to all black bear hunting half an hour after sunset on May 6, 2026.
May 4, 2026 · Angela Montana
Fishing Conditions in Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter Reservoirs
Fishing activity is increasing in Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter reservoirs as warmer weather brings better success rates for anglers targeting rainbow trout and walleye, with various effective techniques reported.
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.