Outdoors
News from MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks GREAT FALLS — The deadline for Smith River float applications is Wednesday, Feb. 14. The permit drawing will be held on Feb. 22. Permits are required to float the 59-mile section of river between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge and are issued each year through a lottery. To apply for a Smith River float permit online, go to the FWP Online Licensing System. A $15 nonrefundable permit application fee is required. Successful Smith River applicants will be notified via email shortly after the lottery drawing is conducted. This year is the first-time applicants can buy a bonus point for the Smith River Permit. A bonus point is essentially a...
News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks HELENA — It took a while to get here, but winter finally hit Montana. That means winter enthusiasts will be heading out to recreate. Whether ice fishing, ice skating, hunting, snowmobiling or just taking a walk, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff remin...
News from the Dept. of Natural Resources and Conservation Service BOZEMAN — “Warm temperatures and lack of precipitation over the last couple months have resulted in a bleak start to the seasonal snowpack in Montana and northern Wyoming river basins,” said Eric Larson, USDA Natural Res...
News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks HELENA — Floaters hoping for a Smith River permit can apply through Feb. 14. However, a few changes are coming this year that applicants should be aware of. Celebrated for its spectacular scenery, remote location and excellent trout fishing, the Smith Riv...
News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks HELENA — Kick off the New Year right with a First Day Hike at a state park near you. On Jan. 1, Montana State Parks will host First Day Hikes at Flathead Lake State Park (Wayfarers, West Shore and Lone Pine units), Somers Beach State Park, Missouri Headwater...
News from Western Montana Conservation Commission HELENA – The Western Montana Conservation Commission (WMCC) is proud to announce a groundbreaking initiative aimed at mitigating toxic pollution in the headwaters of the Columbia River Basin. Bolstered by a $7 million grant through the Bipart...
News from MT fish, Wildlife & Parks HELENA – Starting Jan. 1, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will require Hunter and Bowhunter Education students age 12 to 17 who take the online course to pass an in-person field day. Students in that age group must pass both the online exam and the field ...
News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks HELENA – Applications are being accepted for the 2024 pheasant release program through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program (UGBEP). As part of the program, pen-raised birds are released in areas suitable for ring-necked ph...
News from Glacier National Park WEST GLACIER — Glacier National Park is implementing fee rate changes to most frontcountry campgrounds in 2024 and Apgar Group Sites in 2025. The Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act is the legislation that allows the collection of expanded amenity fee...
News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks HELENA — Muzzleloader heritage season opens on Saturday, Dec. 9, and runs through Dec. 17. This season is for heritage muzzleloaders only; no other means of taking game, such as archery, is allowed. Note that some areas have elk shoulder seasons through Feb....
