Table Of Content

s 799.2 DEC C 2001 : IWONTAMA ?TME LI3RA":v 1515 E aVE HELENA •WtUI^CSlVatK^ “Sun River Challenge” FWP In 2001, celebrates 100years as a state agency. ” “Sun River Challenge, a commemorative oil paintingby renowned Western artistLarryZabel, depictsMontana’s effort topreservefish and wildlife habitaton the RockyMountain Front that began in 1947 with the creation ofthe Sun River GameRange. 55 3 3 0864 0015 2032 2 V What’s New In 2001? 3 Reminders 3 &5 Licenses Available 4-5 <ôf|toi|a TSsIt, Frequently Asked Questions. 6-7 Who Do Call? Phone Numbers 8-9 I Preparing ForYour Hunt 9-10 Licensing Requirements 11 As you plan your big game hunt this season, take a General Regulations 12-15 moment to give yourselfa pat on the back. Firearm Regulations 1 Thanks to people like you, 2001 marks Montana’s Archery Regulations 13-14 first Century ofConservation. Over the past 100 Procedures to Follow Upon Harvesting An Animal 14-15 years, Montana mustered the courage to restore its elk AfterTheHunt 15 populations, replenish its eastern plains withdeer and Transporting Big Game ‘15 antelope, set aside important winter range for wildlife, Special License/Permit Drawings 16-18 and forge conservation-easement agreements to keep ranches in operation and their open spaces available Licenses/Permits for Hunters With a Disability.. 18 for many ofthe wildlife species that call Montana Deer & Elk Identification 19 home. Deer & Elk 2000 Drawing Statistics 29 Sunrise/Sunset Tables 79 Montana’s hunters have played a vital role in Montana’s Century ofConservation. Thanks to the hard toil, choices, and foresight ofthe past century, Deer, Elk, Lion Hunting District Map, Region 1 20 Montana has some ofthe best big game hunting in the Deer, Elk, Lion Hunting District Map, Region 2 21 country. Our 82 Wildlife Management Areas protect Deer, Elk, Lion Hunting District Map, Region 3 22-23 more than halfa million acres, a legacy that started Deer, Elk, Lion Hunting District Map, Region 4 24-25 with the conservation ofthe Sun River elk winter Deer, Elk, Lion Hunting District Map, Region 5 26 range in 1947. Our Block Management program Deer, Elk, Lion Hunting District Map, Region 6 27 provides free hunting access to more than 7 million Deer, Elk, Lion Hunting District Map, Region 7 28 areas ofprivate land. The conservation foresight ofpeople like you have Deer & Elk Individual Hunting Districts’ Regulations 30-64 helped to shape today’s Montana. About the time Gov. John Rickards—appointed W.F. Deer & Ellc Hunting District Legal Descriptions. 65-77 Scott as Montana’s—state game in 1901 and thereby Closed Areas 77-78 create this agency Montana’s challenge was to turn the tide against a century ofwildlife and habitat destruction. Early steps toward wildlife protection marked the dawning ofMontana’s conservation ethic that was carried through an entire century. Today, as more people pursue the Montana dream, some feel the dream itselfmay be injeopardy. 2001 Montana Big Game Seasons Throughout our briefhistory we have sou—ght the help, Deer&elkarchery September1——October14 advice, and assistance ofpeople like you Montana’s Backcountrydeer&elk September15 November25 — hunters, anglers, landowners, and visitors who have Deer&elkgeneral October21 —November25 come to love this still fine place. And we will continue AAnntteellooppeegaerncehrearly OScetpotbeemrbe7—r1NovOectmobbeerr4s that tradition because when it comes to hunting and Bighornsheep September15——November25 the big country hunting demands, with your help we Moose September15—November25 aim to keep Montana a world above the rest. Mountaingoat Septemb—er15 November25 Blackbearspring ApriHS May15or31 You’ve worked too hard for the past 100 years for Blackbeartall September15—November25 us to do anything less. 2001 Upland Game Birds — Sagegrouse September1—November1 Sincerely, Sharp-tailedgrouse September1—December15 Mountaingrouse September1—December15 Partridge Septembe—r1 December15 Pheasant,Residents October6—December1 Pheasant,Nonresidents October8 December1 Turkeyspring April7—May8 — Turkeyfall September1 December15 DMiornetcatnoar Fish, Wildlife & Parks TheOsNeLdYatAeSsaAreGpUrIoDvEi.ded NEAL & MARY JANE MiSHLER SeasondatesmayvaryfromthoseUstedhere. Checkthecurrentyear'sregulatfonsfdrspectffcs. 2 TurnInPoachers 1-800-847-6668 2001 * with the 2001 hunting season, unsuccesi Look for {and nonresident moose, sheep, and goat -64 who wantto participate in a preference "i ^wilf accwrailate one bonus point forespfe year tofindred lations aê unsoccessfui. Each point will be considered^ newforth 2001 s /inexi^.chance in foture drawings. Bonus pointswift Ibâecumoiated independently for each | ..^jectes- Resident applicants will be , L. ^îa.®essed a $2, per application, annua! to participate. Nonresidents vsffll / Ii'^^s^tatged $20, per applicaticm, annuaHyfeK* same opportunity. FWPanticipates J V-int^ding deer, elk, and ant^cpe in > system in 2002. Rtegicm7Over-The-CounterAntieitessDeerB licensesforffoiêsidents * * Nonresiclêr^^dess w^tetait deer B-i^nses valid i* in a«7#distilââble from l(«iesCityFWP headpaSTters. See page 64 for specfflSs. • Nonresident antlerless mule deer B licenses for state are available onlythrough the drawing process. lucation Requirementsfor Violators 1 violators may be required by the attaid a remedial hunter education class , their sentencing. CHERYONLYEIkPi nting YpBrmits.f# as Archery EquipmentStandards Mule Deer Hunting - Statewide • The FWP Commission adopted new equipment regula- • Because buck numbers have recovered in many areas of tions specific to archery in Montana. New regulations the former “Southwestern 8" (southwestern Montana), requjre that a compound bow’s maximum “let-off not and thus buck-doe ratios are in better shape, deer exceed 80 percent; the bow can be no shorter than 28 management objectives have been met or exceeded in inches and a broadhead is also defined. See page 13. many districts. In those districts where buck-doe ratios Landowner Permission Required are still less than our deer management plan calls for, • Montana law requires that hunters must have permission unlimited permits will be required for buck mule deer of the landowner, lessee or their agent before hunting on hunting. Check individual hunting district regulations for private land. See page 9. specific requirements in that hunting district. Motion Device “TrophyCriteria” forRestitution • Legislation passed by the 1999 Legislature restricts the • Legislation passed by the 1999 Legislature set higher use of motion tracking devices while hunting. Refer to restitution values for persons knowingly or willfully taking page 12. “trophy” animals unlawfully. Visit our website at Social Security Number Requirement fwp.state.mt.us for details. • Resident and nonresident hunters, including youth, Game Damage Opportunity for Deer and Elk purchasing Conservation Licenses and licenses • See pages 17 and 18 for specific details on how to apply. obtained through a special drawing, by law must provide their Social Security number. See pages 7 and 11. fwp.state.mt.us Visit OurWebsite 3 , A Licenses Available 1Z- IkHI mSiS oae lo<U HOI si o•ozj z Iok HsIHiiiszusSS TYPEOFLICENSE/PERMIT LICENSESPECIFICS M Uu3l Q£. du 3u< o 3x1^ RESIDENTOMY FORMOREirffOfHIUTntCAUTH»SL£lfAiNFOmMTHNCENTERAT40M44-253S T T T T T Prerequisiteforall licenses. Residents 12-14yearsofageand 62orolderneedonlya CONSERVATION-GENERAL conservation licensetofish andto huntupland game birds, excludingturkey.Alsoallowsa $4. • • residentwhoisaLegionofValormember, regardlessofage,tofish. Residentscertifiedas permanentlyand substantiallydisabled,asdesignated byFWPrules, CDOINSSAEBRLVEADTRIEOSNI-DENT mustapplyannuallyforthis licensewhich authorizesfishing, hunting ofupland game birds, $4 • excluding turkey, andthe purchaseofdeerAand elklicensesatone-halfprice. SPORTSMAN’S Includesaconservation, deerA, elk, and blackbearlicenseandauthorizesfishing and AV AV $64 (INCLUDINGBEAR) huntingofuplandbirds,excludingturkey. DeadlineApril14andAugust31,2001forblackbear. SPORTSMAN’S Includes aconservation, deerA, and elk license and authorizesfishing and hunting of $54 wA A (WITHOUTBEAR) upland birds, excluding turkey. YOUTHCOMBINATION Includes conservation, fishing, upland game bird, excludingturkey, deerAand elklicenses. $25 • 0 SPORTS Availableonlyto Montana residents 12-17years ofage. Montanaresidents 12-14yearsofageand62yearsandolder, orholdersofaconservation- DEERA disabled residentlicense, may purchaseadeerAlicenseatone-halfprice. $13 • • WDHEIETRETBAAINLT,LSEIRNLGELSESREGION Aonlllyowpsrehruenqtuiinsigteo.faHnutnlteerlresmsuswhtitdee-stiaginlaetdedereegrioonnlyu,pionnopnuercrheagsieo.nonly. Conservationlicenseis $8 • • Montana residents 12-14yearsofageand 62yearsandolder, orholdersofaconservation- ELK disabled residentlicense may purchasea licenseforone-halfprice. $16 • • YOUTHBIRDUPLANDGAME Availableonlyto Montana residents 15-17years ofage. $3 • • cm NONRiiH}BfTONLY FCiRHKWFOfÂTtON SPECIALUCOStNGAT 2002HUNTINGINFORMATIONANDAPPLICATIONS-FWPstartsacceptingnamesandaddressesDecember1,2001 to begin compiling the 2002 mailing list. CONSERVATION-GENERAL Prerequisiteforall licenses.Alsoallowsa nonresidentwhoisaLegionofValormemberto $5 • • fish, regardlessofage. Nonresidents applying foranyothercombination license may not apply. Includes a BÎAGIIGDAIMUAEVEILAKM//DAECEMRCDAI conservation, deerA, and elklicense and authorizesfishing and hunting ofupland game $478 • • • COMBINATION(uENERAL)\ birds, excludingturkey. 11,500 licensesavailable. Deadlinetoapplyis March 15. Nonresidents applying foranyothercombination license may notapply. Includes a BIGGAMEELK conservation and elk license and authorizes fishing and hunting ofupland game birds. A• A• WA COMBINATION(GENERAL) excluding turkey. This license is included in the 11,500 quota ofbig game elk/deer $428 combination license. Deadlinetoapplyis March 15. Nonresidents applyingforanyothercombination license may notapply. Includesa BIGGAMEELK/DEER conservation, deerA, and elk license and authorizesfishing and hunting ofupland game COMBINATIONOUTFITTER birds,excludingturkey.Issuedtoallvalidapplicantssponsoredbyacertifiedoutfitter $975 • SPONSORED received by March 15. Outfittercertificatesshould beobtainedfromyouroutfittersponsor. All huntingwiththis license mustbedonewith a licensedoutfitter. Nonresidents applyingforanyothercombination license may notapply. Includesa BIGGAMEELK conservation and elk license and authorizesfishing and hunting ofupland game birds. COMBINATIONOUTFIHER excludingturkey.Issuedtoallvalidapplicantssponsoredbyacertifiedoutfitterreceived $875 • SPONSORED by March 15. Outfittercertificates should beobtained from youroutfittersponsor.All hunting withthislicensemustbedonewithalicensedoutfitter. Nonresidentsapplyingforanyothercombination license may notapply. Includesa D(GEEENRECROAML)BINATION conservation and deerAlicense and authorizesfishing and hunting ofupland game birds, oo • • • excludingturkey. 2,300 licensesavailable. DeadlinetoapplyisMarch 15. Nonresidents applying foranyothercombination license may notapply. Includesa conservation and deerA license and authorizesfishing and hunting ofupland game birds, (DOEUETRFCIOHMEBRINSAPTOINOSNORED) excludingturkey. Issuedtoallvalidapplicantssponsoredbyacertifiedoutfitterreceived $850 • byMarch 15. Outfittercertificates should be obtainedfrom youroutfittersponsor.All hunting withthislicensemustbedonewitha licensedoutfitter. Nonresidents applyingforanyothercombination license may notapply. Includes a conservation and deerA license and authorizes fishing and hunting ofupland game birds, DEERCOMBINATION excludingturkey. 2,000licensesavailable. Deadlinetoapplyis March 15. Landowner • • • (LANDOWNERSPONSORED) certificatesshould beobtainedfromyourlandownersponsor.All deerhuntingwiththislicense $253 (includingdeerB) mustbedoneon deeded landsofthesponsoring landowner.Thisdoesnot include leased orpubliclands. Fishing and upland game bird hunting maybedone statewide. . . . is Licenses Available to kill M 31 .1alO<-sU •IoI>I no9iOilfgoiili2l:U TYPEOFLICENSE/PERMIT LICENSESPECIFICS OzZg IlU2IUI IoSIikkZ 2isS^0g4o'ii 1% Oq: RESIDENTANDNONRESIOBnr FORMOREINFORMATIONCALLTHEHELENAINFORMATIONCENTERAT406-444-2535 T T T T f DEERB Licenseslimitedtospecificdistricts. DeadlinetoapplyisJune 1 $$1718--RNR • • Nonresidents musthold a big gamecombination licensetoapply. Residents musthold a ELKPERMITS valid elk licensetoapply. State refund policydoes notallow refunds under$5. Ifyou are $$66--RNR • • • unsuccessfulforonlyanelkpermit,arefundwillnotbesent. DeadlinetoapplyisJune1. ELKA-7LICENSE See Deer• Elkregulations booklet, page8fordefinition. Deadlinetoapply isJune 1. $6-R • • • DeadlinetoexchangegeneralelklicenseforanA-7licenseisSeptember1. $6-NR BLACKBEAR DeadlinetoapplyforthespringseasonisApril 14.LicensespurchasedafterApril 14 $15-R • • arevalidonlyinthefallseason. NobearlicensemaybepurchasedafterAugust31. $120-NR MOUNTAINLION DeadlinetoapplyisAugust31 $15-R • $320-NR MOUNTAINLIONTROPHY Must be purchased after mountain lion kill. $$5500--RNR • Residentand nonresidents 12-17yearsofageand60yearsandoldermaypurchasea STATELANDSRECREATION licenseforone-halfprice. Required byanyperson 12yearsandoldertousestatelands $10-R • • 1 $10-NR foranygeneral recreational purposes. ANTELOPE Licenseslimitedtospecificdistricts. DeadlinetoapplyisJune1. S$1145-3R-NR • • ANTELOPEMULTI-REGION Either-sexARCHERYONLYlicense. Licenselimitedtospecificdistricts. Deadlinetoapply $14-R • • ARCHERYONLY isJune 1. $153-NR MOUNTAINGOAT DeadlinetoapplyisMay1. S117487-8R-NR • • • MOOSE DeadlinetoapplyisMay1 i$;47788--RNR • BIGHORNSHEEPLIMITED See page 35fordefinition. Deadlinetoapply is May 1. $S4787-8R-NR • • • BIGHORNSHEEPUNLIMITED See page 35fordefinition. Deadlinetoapply is May 1. $78-R • • $478-NR BOWANDARROW RequiredforspecialARCHERYONLYseasons.Specificrulesapplytopurchaseabowand $8-R • • arrowlicense. Seepages 13and 14forrules. $8-NR Residents 12-14yearsofageand62orolderorholdersoftheconservation-disabled UPLANDGAMEBIRO resident license, need only a conservation license to hunt upland game birds, excluding $6-R • • turkey. Residentsofthe Flathead Indian Reservation should checkthe Upland Game Bird $110-NR regulations forlicensing specifics. TURKEY Upland game bird license prerequisite. Oneturkeylicense maybe purchased each spring $5-R • • and each fall season. $13-NR Federalwaterfowlstampalsorequired.Residents12-15yearsofageneedonlyaconservationlicense; residents16-61andnonresidents16+needaconservationlicense,aMontanamigratorybirdlicense MONTANAMIGRATORY andafederalstamp. Residents62orolderorFWPcertifieddisabledneedonlyaconservation $5-R • • BIRDSTAMP licenseandafederalwaterfowlstamptohunt.ResidentsoftheFlafteadIndianResen/ationshould $5-NR checktheMigratoryBirdregulationsforlicensingspecifics.Eachmigratorybirdstampholdermust complete,atmetimeofpurchase,a“MontanaMigratoryBirdHarvestInformationProgramSurvey Card”asrequiredbytheU.S,Fish&WildlifeService. CRANE DeadlineisfirstpartofJuly. $3-R&NR • • • SWAN DeadlineisSeptember7. $3-R&NR • • • ^HR^înders I*#:'. 5 DEADUNE; • The purchase of a license on or before its deadline date; or A Permit is issued through special drawings and must be an application correctly completed and sent in with a postmark used with a specific hunting license. A permit is NOT a on or before its deadline date. second license and does not allow the holderto kill an additional animal. Rather, itenhancestheiropportunity in a • A Hunting License can be issued either over-the-counter or specific area. through special drawings. It authorizes the holderto hunt the species identified on the license according to the Ifyou lose your license or permit, duplicates may be regulations specified. This hunting license (also referred to obtained from any FWP office, game warden, or some as a "tag") must be attached to the harvested animal to license agents. Hunters mustsign a statementon the show authorization to hunt and harvest that particular duplicate license form declaring their originals were lost and animal. Please referto the section on “Procedures To Follow are no longer in their possession. Iffound, they must be Upon Harvesting An Animal", pages 14 and 15, forcomplete returnedtoFWPimmediately. instructions on what to do when an animal is harvested. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Where can I hunt? notto confront a violator in thefield. Ifit is safe to photo- A Montana offers many hunting opportunities on public and graph orvideo, do so. Do nottryto obtain evidence ofthe private land. Each public land agency administers use violation. Call the local Game Warden, Sheriff’s Office, or differently, so hunters need to contact the appropriate dial 1-800-TIP-MONT as soon as possible. public agency and inquire about hunting use, regulations, and maps. Q: What happens to confiscated game animals? A In the past, these animals were auctioned offat local FWP Hunters must obtain landowner permission in order to offices. In 1997, the Montana Legislature mandated that hunt on private property. Some landowners enroll annually these animals be offered to charitable food organizations in an FWP-administered program called Block Manage- such as Food Banks, Rescue Missions, etc., before being ment (refer to page 9). Regional lists of landowners are auctioned off. available to the public in mid-August each year. To find information about this program, visit Q: I was lucky enough to draw, but an emergency hintdtepx:.\i\nwdwewx..fhwtpm.lstoartec.omntta.cuts/thhuenrteigniqo/nballoocfkfmicaen/closest to A sRietausaotnion has come up. DCeaandlIingeet a refu%ndR?efund where you wantto hunt. Death of licensee 12/31/01 100% Death/family member 12/31/01 90% Q: I drew an antlerless elk permit. Can I still hunt a Medical emergency 12/31/01 90% bull inthis district? A No. You are restricted to hunting only an antlerless elk in Nonresident Combination License holders may call that district during both the ARCHERY ONLY and the 406-444-2950 for further information. GENERAL season. You may hunt elk, as specified in the regulations, in all other elk hunting districts in the state. The appropriate documentation (death certificate, medical statement, etc.) must accompany the unused license and Q: I’m confused aboutthe 01, 02, 03 numbers listed a signed request form certifying the licenses have not aftera hunting district. What do these numbers been used. mean? A The numbers represent different seasons or hunts that Q: Can archery hunt deer, elk or antelope and bear I yliocuencsae.n aTphpelynfuomrbienrasdimsatryictrefforeraenscpeecaiaplorpteiromnitoforthe ahurniftlewiwtihthamgyunbaotwthaendsaamrreotwiwmehe(in.e.b,octahntIhecarry district, different dates the permit is valid, a late season, or firearm and Archery Only seasons are legally open)? sex ofthe species that can be harvested. A Yes. Referto page 13. Q: Wlihcaetnsseh?ould I do ifI lose a hunting orfishing Q: Can I use my bow during rifle season and will I A Duplicate licenses may be obtained from FWP regional need a bow and arrow license? headquarters, area offices, local game wardens, and A Yes. You can use your bow during rifle season, but you some license agents. Hunters must sign a statement must wear hunters’ orange. You do not need a bow declaring their original license was lost and is no longer stamp. Referto page 13. tibnheetrhceeoitsrutrpnooefsdstethsoesFilWoincPe..nseIA,f tdwhuhepilcoirhcieagtvieenarlliicsleinlcesesenss.ies sisolfdoufnodr,$5it omrust AQ: CNoa.nBIuutsyeoua ccarnosusseboonwedduurriinnggrtifhlee saeracshoenr.y season? Q: What provisions does Montana havefornonresi- Q: Can I carry a handgun during bow season? dent hunters with a disability? A Yes. It cannot,be used to finish offan arrow-wounded A Montana has reserved a number of licenses for antelope animal. hunting for hunters with a disability. The deadline to apply iVsehJiucnlee 1w.hiMcohnatlalnoawsaltshoosheasquaalPifeiremdittotogeHtunatsfprecoimala AQ: WFiheladtdrdeossItdhoe aifniImmailsttoakkeeenpiyit fkiriolmasnpoialninigm.alL?eave it stamp on their license and four decals to display on their where it was killed, preferably with a person watching it. vehicle that authorizes that individual to shoot from a As soon as possible, contact the nearest regional FWP vehicle. To request this application call 406-444-2535. office, the local sheriff’s office, game warden’s home or office, or call 1-800-TIPMONT. Report what happened and Q; What if I witness a hunting violation, how do I go wait for instructions from a game warden. about reporting it? A Try to report as much information as possible. Helpful Q: Is it legal to shoot marked animals? information includes: violation date, time, location; nature A It is legal to shoot big game animals that have radio ofthe violation; type ofvehicle used ~ yearand color; collars, neck bands, or markers, but markers and radio license plate number and state; and whether or not you collars must be returned to the nearest Montana FWP witnessed the violation. In nearly all instances it is best office. 6 TurnInPoachers 1-800-847-6668 Frequently Asked Questions Q: Do need to be concerned about Chronic Wasting Q: What opportunities does Montana offerfor non> I Disease? game and predator hunting? A There have been no confirmed cases of CWD in the wild A; As defined below, predators and unprotected nongame in Montana and there is no evidence that the disease is wildlife can be hunted in the state of Montana year round transmissible to humans. However, if you are concerned without a license by both resident and nonresident wear protective gloves while field-dressing game. Mini- hunters. mize handling and don’t eat the brain or spinal cord. Hunters or others observing animals acting unusually or Residents, licensed to do so, can hunt bobcat during appearing to be sick are advised not to harvest or con- established furbearer seasons. No other furbearing sume those animals and are encouraged to report the animals can be hunted. Nonresidents may not hunt location of the animals to FWP immediately using the furbearing animals. telephone numbers provided on page 8. Predators: Coyote, weasel, skunk, civet cat (spotted skunk). License required for nonresident trappers only. Q: CliacnenIsuesdeurmiynggtehneerAaRlCsHeEasRoYnOsNpeLcYiasleapseromni?t or cNloasnsgifaimedebWyilsdtlaitfuet:e oArnyrewgiulldatainoinmianlMnoonttoatnhae.rwiEsxeamlepglaellsy A Hunters who receive a special permit to hunt deer or elk include badger, raccoon, red fox, hares, rabbits, ground during all or any portion ofthe general season (Oct. 21- squirrels and tree squirrels. License required for nonresi- Nov. 25), may archery huntforthe species and sex dent trappers only. indicated on the permit or license during the ARCHERY Furbearers: Beaver, otter, muskrat, mink, marten, fisher, ONLY season unless specifically prohibited in the hunting wolverine, bobcat, lynx, and swiftfox. OnlyMontana district regulations (pages 30-64). residents may hunt or trap furbearers. Furbearer license required. Seasons, species, closures, limits and method Q: aCmanwistohmtehoenme?shoot and kill an animal for me if I oftake are presented in 2001 Montana Furbearer Regula- A No. The person to whom the license is issued must tions. shootand kill the animal. The onlyexception tothis is Q: Why is FWP cdllecting Social Security numbers? granted to holders ofa permitto huntfrom a vehicle, see A The requirement to collect SSN’s on hunting, fishing, page 18. trapping and conservation licenses was passed by the 1999 Montana Legislature (SB76), to comply with the Federal Welfare Reform Law. A Be Montana Hunted Followthe rules ofsafe gun handling. Be proficient in the use ofyourequipment. Know and obey laws and regulations. Develop hunting skills and knowledge. Develop a personal code ofconduct. Respectthewildlife you huntand the land itinhabits. Respectotherhunters and the rights ofnon-hunters and landowners. Relaxand enjoyyourhunt, whetheryou getyour game or not. Get involved in conserving wildlife and hunting. Be a role model, share yourskill and knowledge with others. fwp.state.mt.us VisitOurWebsite 7 Who Do CaU? I WHO TO CONTACT Montana Fish,Wildlife & Parks State Headquarters 1420 East O"" Avenue, PO Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701 406-444-2535 , Hunter Education 406-444-4046 Hunter Safety Requirements 406-444-3188 Wildlife Division 406-444-2612 Enforcement Division 406-444-2452 ! Telephone Device forthe Deaf 406-444-1200 Deer, elk, antelope, moose, sheep, goat, and all special drawings 406-444-2950 Resident and Nonresident'Licensing for fishing, upland game birds, migratory birds, black bear, and mountain lion 406-444-2535 Nonresident mailing list for deer and elk big game combination licenses and regulations 406-444-2950 REGION 1 490 N Meridian Road, Kalispell, MT 59901 406-752-5501 REGION2 3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula, MT 59804 406-542-5500 ; REGION3 1400 South 19‘^ Bozeman, MT 59715 ...'. 406-994-4042 REGION4 4600 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, MT 59405 : 406-454-5840 REGION5 2300 Lake Elmo Drive, Billings, MT 59105 ; 406-247-2940 REGION6 Route 1-4210, Glasgow, MT 59230 406-228-3700 REGION7 Industrial SiteWest, PO Box 1630, Miles City, MT 59301 406-232-0900 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Area Resource Offices Butte(BARO) 1820 Meadowlark Lane, Butte, MT 59701 406-494-1953 Havre(HvARO) 2165 Hwy2 East, Havre, MT 59501 406-265-6177 ; Helena(HARO) 930 CusterAvenue West, Helena, MT 59602 406-444-4720 Lewistown(LARO) 2358 Airport Road, PO Box 938, Lewistown, MT 59457 406-538-4658 8 TurnInPoachers 1-800-847-6668 Who Do CaU? I FederalAgencies Bureau of Land Management’ 406-896-5000 Fish & Wildlife Services 406-449-5225 National Forests 406-329-3511 *Contact for detailed land maps Tribal Lands Blackfeet Reservation 406-338-7276 Crow Reservation 406-638-2601 Flathead Reservation 406-675-2700 Fort Belknap 406-353-2205 Fort Peck Reservation 406-768-5305 Northern Cheyenne Reservation 406-477-8844 Rocky Boy Reservation 406-395-4207 MontanaStateAgencies Agriculture 406-444-3144 Guides & Outfitters 406-444-3738 Livestock 406-444-2976 State Lands 406-444-2074 State Parks 406-444-3750 Tourism 406-444-2654 — Information Hotiine 1-900-225-5397 Our information hotline offers comprehensive details on — a wide variety of recreational topics from hunting opportunities to road conditions. The line is open Monday through Fridayfrom 8 am to 5 pm Mountain Standard Time excluding holidays. A $1.50 per minute charge will be assessed and callers must be at least 18 years old. Preparing For Your Hunt Helpful hints andinformation toplanyourMontana hunting trip. HUNTER ACCESS PRIVATE LAND • Montana Law requires that hunters have the permis- The dollars to administer the block management sion of the landowner, lessee, or their agent before program come from nonresident variably priced hunting on private property, regardless ofwhether the outfitter sponsored licenses. land is posted or not. Hunters should secure land- • Each region administers the block management owner permission well before applying for a special areas (BMAs) forthat portion ofthe state. Hunters license/permit to hunt on these private lands. It is wishing to learn more about specific BMA opportu- recommended that hunters receive written permission nities should contact the regional office in the area from the landowner or landowner’s agent. they wish to hunt, see page 8. Regional tabloids Block Management Program listing lands enrolled in the program will be • The block management program is a cooperative available after August 15, which is also the earliest effort between private landowners, Montana Fish, date for making BMA reservations. Wildlife & Parks, and hunters to provide public • For general information about the block manage- hunting on private lands. Over 7.5 million acres of ment program, contact the Field Services Division land throughout the state are enrolled in the at 406-444-2602. program, offering a variety of hunting opportunities. fwp.state.mt.us Visit OurWebsite 9 Preparing For Your Hunt Trespass OUTFITTERS AND GUIDES • Montana Law states that lands can be closed to the • Outfitters and guides are licensed by the Department of publiceither by posting the land orthrough verbal Commerce. For information, verification, to file a communication by the landowner or his/her agent. complaint, or for a complete listing of licensed outfitters Ifaccess is granted, the landowner may revoke and guides call the Department of Commerce at 406- permission by personal commCinication at any 444-3738. time. • Any outfitter utilizing federal lands or lands not held in fee • Postingthe landtodenyentrytoprivate land must title by the outfitter must be licensed by the Department consist ofwritten notice on a post, structure, or of Commerce. natural object or by painting a post, structure, or • It is illegal to hire an outfitter not licensed by the Depart- natural object with at least 50 square inches of ment of Commerce. fluorescent paint. THINGS TO BE AWARE OF PUBLIC LAND Transporting Game orFish • FWP is working cooperatively with other agencies to • Ifyou are transporting wildlife and fish (including live improve signing of legally accessible public lands animals, sport-taken game, parts and/or products) wherever possible. Access courtesy cards and between Montana and Canada OR between the US copies ofa map directory are available at all FWP and any foreign country, whetherfor commerical or offices. non-commercial purposes, you must complete a US • It is unlawful to hunt or take game animals on railroad Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) Declaration form rightofways. (Form 3-177). Form 3-177 is also available at all US StreamAccess Law Customs Ports and on the USFWS web site at • Big game hunting between the ordinary high water www.fws.gov. Additional Federal permits may also be marks of streams and rivers is unlawful without needed to import/export wildlife, depending on the landowner permission. Landowner permission species. Forfurther information contact the USFWS must be obtained to hunt private lands adjacent to Wildlife Inspector at 406-453-5790 or FAX 406-453- waterways. 3657. ClosedAreas Transporting Horsesand Mules in Montana • State Game Preserves and National Parks are • The Montana Department of Livestock requires a closed to hunting of big game animals. For veterinary inspection certificate and an import permit hunting privileges on Federal Wildlife Refuges, priorto entry into Montana. A brand inspection inquire at the local refuge office. certificate is required for movement within Montana. • Indian Reservations are limited to Tribal members For information call the Montana Department of only for big game hunting privileges unless Livestock at 406-444-2045. otherwise provided for between the State of Weed Control and Weed Free Hay Montana and a Tribal Government. For questions • Montana requires visitors to use certified weed-free contact theTribal Government offices. See page 9. hay, grain, straw, mulch, cubes and pelletized feed on • Wildlife ManagementAreas with big game winter Federal lands. Please contact offices of Montana range, unless otherwise posted, are closed to FWP, USDAForestService, Bureau ofLand Manage- public entryfrom the dayfollowing the end ofthe ment, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service for general deer-elk season or December 1, which- supplier information. Contact the Montana Depart- everis later, to May 15 each year, as posted. ment of Agriculture at 406-444-5400 for information EXCEPTION: Blackfoot-ClearwaterWMAcloses about the area where you will be hunting. November 10. • Infestations of noxious weeds reduce the amount of State Land available food forwildlife and livestock. As these • A State Lands Recreational Use License, see infestations spread, range is reduced, and the land page 4, available from FWP license agents, is supports fewer animals. It is important to strictly required for all recreational activities (including follow the weed-free hay certification regulations. hunting and fishing) on state school trust land. Leave No Trace Pamphlets which provide information regarding the • Plan ahead and prepare rules, regulations, and restrictions governing these • Travel and camp on durable surfaces activities are available from FWP license agents, • Pack it in. Pack itout FWP offices, and the Department of Natural • Properly dispose of human waste Resources and Conservation, 1625 11th Avenue, • Leave whatyou find Helena, MT 59620, 406-444-2074. • Minimize use of campfires • On lands outside designated campgrounds there is a 2-day camping limit. • Horses may not be kept on state land overnight. • Travel is restricted to public roads or on designated roads only. 10 TurnInPoachers 1-800-847-6668