Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana

Articles written by morgan e. jacobsen


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  • Summer Events Continue at Lewis & Clark State Park

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|Aug 2, 2023

    Several events have been scheduled at Lewis & Clark Caverns state parks. There is no cost to Montana residents to attend these programs. An $8 entrance fee applies at Montana state parks for all nonresident vehicles. Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park has more fun interpretive programs planned in August that highlight the wildlife, night skies, and more from Montana’s first state park. Each of these programs will begin at the campground amphitheater. Join park ranger Ramona Radonich for the following: August 5 at 8 PM: “Goodness Snakes Ali...

  • License Required for Training Bird Dogs Using Birds Not Raised in Captivity

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|Aug 2, 2023

    Anyone training bird dogs using game birds not raised in captivity needs to hold a bird dog training license, whether on private or public land. If you are training dogs with captive-reared birds, a license is not required. These licenses can be purchased online through the FWP Online License Service, any FWP regional office or any license provider. The license is $5 for residents ages 18 and over and $10 for nonresidents 18 and over. For residents and nonresidents ages 12 to 17, the license is free. Bird dog training season with wild birds on...

  • Hoot-Owl Restrictions on Multiple Rivers

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks|Jul 26, 2023

    Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is advising anglers that portions of the Beaverhead River, Bitterroot River, and the entire Jefferson River are closed to all fishing daily from 2 PM to midnight, effective Wednesday, July 19. The restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve. The hoot-owl restrictions are issued for: Jefferson River – the entire river, from the Missouri River to the confluence of the Big Hole River and Beaverhead River Beaverhead River –from the confluence of the Big Hole River to Anderson Lane. Bitterroot River – f...

  • Hunter Education Classes, Trapper Education Field Days Scheduled

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks|Jul 26, 2023

    Hunter Education classes and a Trapper Education field day are scheduled in several areas of southwestern Montana next month. All in-person classes are free. HUNTERS EDUCATION: • Livingston begins Aug. 2 • Butte begins Aug. 14 • Bozeman begins Aug. 21 Trapper Education field day in Livingston on August 25. Registration is required to attend these classes. To sign up or to see other classes happening in Montana, visit register-ed.com/programs/montana. Hunter and Trapper education classes are taught by skilled volunteer instructors, offer...

  • Bannack State Park to host Bannack Days July 15-16

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|Jul 12, 2023

    Bannack State Park's signature event, Bannack Days, is scheduled for the third weekend in July, with many traditional activities, displays and re-enactments celebrating Montana's first territorial capital. Bannack Days are scheduled to happen Saturday, July 15, from 9 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday, July 16, from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Admission is $5 for individuals ages 6 and older, or $20 per family. Admission is free for children ages 5 and younger. Food and drinks can be purchased from vendors during the...

  • FWP's Response to Trout Declines in Three Major Rivers

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|Jul 12, 2023

    Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is launching several research efforts in response to trout declines in the Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Ruby Rivers. FWP, in partnership with Montana State University, has a four-pronged approach, including the following three studies: Fish mortality study: A mortality study on the Big Hole, Beaverhead, and Ruby Rivers, as well as the Madison River, will include tagging adult fish to assess how flows, water temperatures, angling, and disease influence survival. This study would also help measure the success of...

  • Conservation License Required to Access Most State Lands

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|Jul 5, 2023

    Working with the 68th Legislature, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) simplified licensing requirements on state lands as part of Governor Gianforte’s Red Tape Relief Task Force. The two agencies consolidated the conservation license and state lands recreational use license into one annual conservation license, supporting the maintenance of places like fishing access sites (FAS), wildlife management areas (WMA). On Montana school trust lands, conservation license sales...

  • FWP Seeks Comment on Draft of New Elk Management Plan

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|Jul 5, 2023

    Elk hunters interested in how Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks manages elk will get a chance to weigh in on the new draft elk management plan starting today. The plan will be available on FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/public-comment-opportunities/draft-elk-plan. The public is invited to comment on the plan; deadline for comments is July 31. “We’re anxious for public input on this new draft plan, particularly on the hunting district objectives and the suite of management tools we have laid out,” said FWP Director Dustin Temple. The plan wa...

  • FWP's License Donor Program Benefits Disabled Vets

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|Jun 28, 2023

    Hunters who will not be able to use their license this season have the opportunity to donate that license. Residents and nonresidents can donate their hunting license to a disabled military veteran or disabled active-duty service member who is working with an organization that uses hunting as part of the rehabilitation process. The license donor program began in 2013, and each year between 40 and 60 hunters donate their licenses. Reasons vary, but according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks...

  • Sign-ups Open for Surplus Drawing Licenses and Permits

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|Jun 28, 2023

    Hunters can sign up for leftover licenses and permits that were not distributed by the drawing through MyFWP on the FWP website. The resulting Surplus License List will be randomized with hunters at the top of the list contacted via email with instructions to finalize their purchase within a specified time. To be placed on the Surplus License List, resident, and nonresident hunters can sign up through the MyFWP portal. This process requires hunters to keep their email address current in their ALS records. Payment of the license fee is not...

  • Emergency Fishing Restrictions For 3 Rivers

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|Jun 21, 2023

    New emergency fishing regulations are in place for the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby rivers. The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted the new regulations during its June 8 meeting. These restrictions limit angling during the brown trout spawning season and harvest in some stretches of the rivers. Trout abundances in several areas of the three rivers have steadily declined since 2011 and are at or near historical lows. Meanwhile, fishing pressure in these areas has increased. The emergency fishing regulations aim to be responsive to...

  • FWP Begins Biennial Hunting Season-Setting Process

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|Jun 14, 2023

    Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will kick off the biennial hunting season-setting process earlier to allow for more public engagement and greater transparency. Public involvement will begin in June and end in November. In the past, public involvement happened primarily in December and January. FWP will conduct scoping meetings around the state from June 15 to July 15. FWP staff will look to hunters to provide broad input on regulation changes they’d like to see. Staff will also look for feedback on a few specific proposals. These scoping meeting...

  • Hunter Kills Grizzly Bear in Self-Defense Encounter in Madison Range

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|Jun 14, 2023

    A hunter killed a grizzly bear in self-defense last week in the Madison Range southeast of Ennis. The person was hunting black bears in a remote parcel of private land in the backcountry on June 5 when he was charged by a grizzly bear. The hunter shot and killed the bear with a pistol and was not injured. The hunter notified Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks the same day. Officials from FWP, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest conducted a field investigation with help from the landowner and confirmed the...

  • Fish and Wildlife Commission to Meet June 8

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks|Jun 7, 2023

    The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will meet on June 8 in Helena at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks headquarters. The meeting will begin at 8:30 AM. The meeting will be streamed live on the FWP website and YouTube. The public can participate in person or via Zoom. To make a comment via Zoom, you must register by following the link here by noon on June 7. The commission will make final decisions on the following items: • Elk Hunting Access Agreements for 2023 • Private Land Recreation Management Area biennial rules • Consolidated publi...

  • Portion of Jefferson River Closed to Recreation

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks|Jun 7, 2023

    A small portion of the Jefferson River is closed to all recreation. The closure extends from Williams’ Bridge Fishing Access Site to the bridge on Meridian Road. High river flows coupled with ongoing repairs to Meridian Bridge have created a hazardous obstruction for people floating on the river. The closure will remain in effect until further notice. For updated information on restrictions and closures of lands managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and waterbodies, visit fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions....

  • Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park Announces June Interpretive Programs

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks|May 31, 2023

    Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park is kicking off its summer interpretive programs next month with talks that highlight the flora, fauna and night skies of Montana's first state park. The park's Saturday evening events will each begin at 8 PM at the campground amphitheater and last about an hour. Join park ranger Ramona Radonich for the following programs: June 3: Birds of a Feather: See what birds make their home at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. Binoculars will be available. June 10: Flower...

  • Nonresident Hunters Eligible for Alternate List

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|May 17, 2023

    Beginning May 15 and running through June 30, nonresident hunters can register their name to the Alternate’s List on MyFWP. Every year, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks gets several unused nonresident combination licenses (big game, general elk, and general deer combination licenses) returned by customers. FWP resells these returned licenses through the Alternate’s List. The Alternate’s List is an option for nonresident hunters to express their interest in purchasing one of these returned licenses by registering their name to this listing. A hun...

  • FWP to Host Free Beginner Fly Fishing Classes

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|May 17, 2023

    Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will host several fly fishing classes in Bozeman next month. These classes will be free and geared toward helping new anglers become familiar with the basics. Topics will include fly casting, fly tying, fishing knots, and how to choose the right fly. All class equipment will be provided, but participants should be prepared to be outdoors for much of the class. Space is limited, and participants must sign up in advance. Classes for adults will be on these dates: June 10 June 17 June 24 Classes for youth will also...

  • Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park announces '23 Tours

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN|May 3, 2023

    Staff at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park are pleased to reopen the cave for the 2023 season. Tours will be offered from May 1 through Sept. 30. Both first-come-first-served tours and reservable tours will be offered. Visitors are encouraged to visit the state parks website frequently as tour options, times and availability may change throughout the season. Reservable tours are available from May 25 through Labor Day. To make those reservations, call 1-855-922-6768 or visit fwp.mt.gov/stateparks. During the season the upper visitor area will...

  • Watercraft Inspection Stations Open Across Montana

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|May 3, 2023

    With the exception of Eureka, watercraft inspection stations are open. All vehicles transporting any type of boat, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and rafts are required to stop at all inspection stations they encounter. Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of AIS, which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways. More than 2,400 watercraft have been inspected so far this year. Of those, 13 boats were found to be transporting invasive mussels. Recently, a pontoon boat was i...

  • FWP Embarks on Mule Deer Monitoring, Research, and Outreach Initiatives

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|Apr 26, 2023

    Hunters in Montana, along with Fish, Wildlife & Parks, are concerned about declining mule deer populations in much of the state. In response to this concern, FWP is embarking on research efforts to look into the declines and engage hunters about their attitudes on mule deer management and hunting. Mule deer numbers have typically been tracked over large areas using aerial surveys and declines can be attributed to several different things including winterkill, short-term habitat changes, like those that result from drought to potentially...

  • Hunting Permit Drawing Results Now Available

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks|Apr 19, 2023

    The drawings for Montana deer and elk permits and for nonresident combination licenses are complete and applicants can find their results online. You can see your results by visiting fwp.mt.gov, click on MyFWP Login in the upper right hand corner, then click on Lookup Draw Results, Register for Lists tab on the left-hand menu, or login to your MyFWP account. You may also sign up for an account at myfwp.mt.gov. Applicants may also call any FWP Regional office or the licensing office at 406-444-2950. For unsuccessful applicants, refunds will...

  • Hunting/Fishing License Year Begins March 1

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|Feb 22, 2023

    The new license year opens on March 1, which means that is the day you can buy your 2023 hunting and fishing licenses and begin applying for permits and special licenses. The deadline to apply for deer and elk permits is April 1. Applications for most species – deer, elk, antelope, deer B licenses, elk B licenses, antelope B licenses, moose, sheep, goat, bison, bear, and turkey – can be made beginning March 1. Hunters and anglers can also take advantage of the MyFWP mobile app if they haven't al...

  • March 15 Deadline for Landowners to Apply for FWP Public Access to Public Lands Programs

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks|Feb 8, 2023

    Landowners have until March 15 to submit applications to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for enrollment in the Unlocking Public Lands (UPL) Program or the Public Access Land Agreement (PALA) Program. These programs are designed to provide recreational public access to state (Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation) or federal (Bureau of Land Management or United States Forest Service) land where no or limited legal public access currently exists. For enrollment in UPL, landowners will receive a tax credit in the amount of $750 p...

  • Public Comment Deadline For Several Wildlife Proposals

    MORGAN E. JACOBSEN, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks|Jan 11, 2023

    Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on several proposals slated to go to the Fish and Wildlife Commission in February. Comment is open through Feb. 3. After public comment, commissioners can offer amendments to the proposals as they see fit. The proposals and supporting documents, commissioner amendments, and collected public comments are available on the FWP website. The commission will make a final decision on these proposals at its meeting on Feb. 22. Fish removal projects for 2023-2026: For 2023 - 2026, there are 26...

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