Briefs for Oct. 11, 2023
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President Signs bipartisan bill to protect hunter safety classes
News from Senator Jon Tester and Senator Steve Daines
U.S. Senate — President Joe Biden recently signed bipartisan legislation into law that protects the use of federal funds for hunter safety and shooting sports classes.
The law requires the Department of Education to restore school districts’ ability to use federal resources for school archery, gun safety, and hunter education programs.
“Montanans sent me to the Senate to protect our rural way of life, and that’s exactly why I stood up to the Biden Administration’s decision to block the use of federal dollars for hunter safety classes,” said Tester. “As a third-generation Montanan, I had the opportunity to learn about the importance of responsible gun ownership and hunting from these longstanding hunter education courses – and it’s critical that our kids and grandkids are afforded that same opportunity. I’m glad to see the President sign my commonsense solution into law, and I’ll continue to go to bat in Washington to make sure D.C. bureaucrats never shoot down our Montana way of life.”
Senator Daines said, “President Biden finally listened to Montanans and today signed a bill reversing his own decision to gut Montana hunter safety and archery courses. Our Montana way of life is not up for negotiation, Mr. President.”
Big game hunting seasons open
HELENA – General antelope season opened on Saturday, Oct. 7, and runs through Sunday, Nov. 12. For information about what to expect this season, check out Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks hunting forecast.
FWP provides online information about hunting access, including our popular Block Management Program, which provides hunting access to more than 7 million acres of private land.
FWP’s interactive Hunt Planner is a mapping tool that allows users to look at information for various species, including hunting districts and regulations. The hunt planner interactive map is a great way to access our block management information. If you’re planning a hunt in a certain region of the state, you can see if there are Block Management Areas available to expand your opportunity.
Remember, regulations may change a bit from year to year depending on hunting district. Double check the regulations to be sure.
FWP’s Hunter FAQ is another great resource to help you prepare to go out into the field.
Upcoming hunting season dates:
Youth Deer-Only: Oct. 19-20
Deer & Elk General Season: Oct. 21–Nov. 26
Deer & Elk Muzzleloader: Dec. 9–17
Fall Mountain Lion: Oct. 21–Nov. 26
Bison: Nov. 15–Feb.15
