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montana department of fish

‘Change is hard’: Legislators point to issues with new FWP licensing system

A state licensing system that no longer accepts cash in most places has caught the attention of legislators, who peppered Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director Christy Clark with questions about the change at the Legislature’s Environmental Quality Council meeting this week. FWP launched its “License Ambassador Program” earlier this

Montana spring turkey hunting season kicks off April 15

MONTANA — This year's spring turkey hunting season is set to begin on April 15, according to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). Hunters interested in participating can purchase a license through various channels, including FWP offices, license ambassador locations or online. A new regulation established

Streamlined system highlights FWP changes to hunting, fishing regs

New hunting and finishing laws passed during the 2025 Legislative session, along with adopted regulations by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission mean some significant changes for hunters and anglers, with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks highlighting the changes in a post this week. One of the biggest is FWP’

Montana FWP seeks public input on local environmental projects

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is inviting public comment on two environmental projects aimed at enhancing local recreational sites. The first project, the Spotted Eagle Lake Tree Reef Habitat, involves continuing efforts to improve fish habitats in Spotted Eagle Lake. Originally a gravel barrow pit, the lake lacks

Changes to MT hunting and fishing licenses ahead of sale date

MONTANA — Outdoor enthusiasts in Montana are gearing up for an important date this Sunday, March 1, as hunting and fishing licenses for 2026 become available for purchase. One significant change this year is a reduction in the number of nonresident deer licenses by 2,500. Chrissy Webb from Montana Fish,

Montana FWP reminds nonresidents of new shed hunting license, restrictions

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is reminding shed hunters from other states about a new law passed during the most recent Montana legislative session. House Bill 897, sponsored by Helena Democrat Jill Cohenour and passed by the 2025 Montana Legislature, is the law that ushered in changes to shed antler

Montana FWP struggles with more hunters as there are fewer private lands to hunt

Much like the current U.S. economy, Montana’s most-prized hunter access program is facing a K-shaped conundrum. On the one hand, the Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Block Management Program is seeing increased demand, rising from around 250,000 hunters in 1999 to close to 700,