KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, in partnership with BNSF Railway and Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation, is proud to announce the completion of a plan to enhance grizzly bear conservation and conflict reduction efforts in northwest and north-central Montana.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently approved BNSF’s proposed Habitat Conservation Plan submitted as part of the company’s application for an Incidental Take Permit. This landmark plan, developed in collaboration with FWP and others, outlines measures BNSF will take to reduce potential impacts to the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) grizzly bear population from human-related mortalities. BNSF will provide $2.9 million to support personnel, equipment and education to reduce human-bear conflicts and grizzly bear mortalities in the ecosystem.

Key components of the plan include:

• Conflict Response and Reduction: BNSF will provide funding for additional seasonal grizzly bear technicians employed by FWP. These technicians will work throughout the NCDE on public outreach, conflict response and attractant reduction programs. The funding will provide for additional equipment such as electric fences and bear resistant containers to reduce human-bear conflicts.
• Monitoring Equipment: BNSF will fund additional equipment, such as radio collars and remote cameras, to aid in monitoring bears and reducing conflicts.
• Waste Management: BNSF will fund efforts to improve waste disposal areas and otherwise reduce attractants on public and private property.
• Livestock Conflict Reduction: BNSF will fund measures to reduce livestock depredation and human-bear conflicts.
• Community Engagement and Education: BNSF will provide funding for conflict mitigation efforts in the NCDE through education and outreach efforts, including events and information on living and recreating safely in bear country, reducing attractants, and how to use bear spray.

Since 1991, BNSF has collaborated with tribal, federal, state and local government agencies, conservation groups and industry to address and mitigate concerns about grizzly bear mortality incidental to railroad operations. These efforts include agreements to implement programs and measures to minimize bear and train conflicts, primarily by identifying and removing attractants from the right-of-way and installing deterrents when needed in high-risk areas. As part of this, BNSF has implemented a rapid-response program for grain spills, historically a primary attractant for bears to railways, and expanded bear education for railway employees.

The habitat conservation plan formalizes these ongoing efforts by BNSF to promote grizzly bear conservation by supporting wildlife agencies’ management and monitoring programs. 

“BNSF is grateful for the insight provided by stakeholders in this process,” said John Lovenburg, BNSF VP of Environment & Sustainability. “We look forward to working with federal, tribal and state government partners and Montana's Outdoor Legacy Foundation to ensure the effective implementation of the measures set out in the HCP, as well as the permit issued by USFWS.”

Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation (MOLF) will oversee the mitigation funds, directing resources to high-priority conservation projects.

“We are working to implement solutions that support both wildlife and communities,” said MOLF Director Mitch King. “This funding will help expand conflict prevention programs and support the work of localized bear specialists.”

The NCDE is home to one of the largest grizzly bear populations in the contiguous U.S., with an estimated 1,100 bears in the region. The area spans Glacier National Park, the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, and surrounding tribal, public and private lands in northwest and north-central Montana. The habitat conservation plan aligns with broader efforts to maintain habitat connectivity and ensure the species’ continued recovery under the Endangered Species Act.

“This plan represents a significant partnership and step forward in our continued efforts to bolster grizzly bear recovery and conservation in northwest and north-central Montana,” said FWP Director Christy Clark. “Funding from BNSF will support boots on the ground and benefit public safety and grizzly bears. We commend BNSF Railway for working with us on this plan.”

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff recently captured elk in the Crazy Mountains northwest of Big Timber as part of a multi-year targeted elk brucellosis surveillance project. 

All blood samples collected from 52 captured elk tested negative for exposure to brucellosis. 

“Test data from live elk captures inform brucellosis management decisions in Montana,” said State Veterinarian Tahnee Szymanski. “These negative test results are valuable to Montana’s livestock industry as they help provide confidence to our trading partners about the quality and strength of our state program.” 

Capture operations in the Crazy Mountains were conducted in late January. Sixteen elk were outfitted with GPS collars that will be active for one year to help wildlife managers better understand their seasonal ranges, migration routes and potential mixing with other elk herds. 

The goal of these operations is to evaluate the presence and understand the movement of brucellosis in Montana’s elk populations. The surveillance also helps wildlife managers and animal health officials understand the overlap between elk and livestock on the landscape. 

“We understand that helicopter capture is unappealing to many landowners, and we sincerely appreciate those who took the time to consider our request for capture access,” said FWP Research Technician Jenny Jones.  

 Brucellosis is a bacterial disease that can infect humans, cattle, bison and elk and can result in abortion or the birth of weak calves. The disease is primarily transmitted through contact with infected birth tissues and fluids. 

The Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) administers a brucellosis surveillance program for livestock in an area of southwest Montana called the Designated Surveillance Area (DSA). Requirements within the DSA protect the state and national livestock industry from the inadvertent spread of brucellosis through livestock movement. Livestock within the DSA are at risk of exposure to brucellosis from infected wildlife and are therefore subject to additional brucellosis testing requirements for movement and change of ownership, as well as additional traceability requirements. 

Live elk captures in and around the perimeter of the DSA inform decisions on boundary adjustments by DOL. The Crazy Mountains are located outside of the DSA. The recent test results from the Crazy Mountains provide support for keeping the current DSA boundary unchanged. 

Montana’s targeted elk brucellosis surveillance project is a joint effort between DOL and FWP, with support from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. In addition, this project and capture operation would not be possible without the support and permission from landowners to capture elk on their property. 

More information about the surveillance project can be found online at fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/elk. 

For more information about how brucellosis is managed in Montana livestock, visit liv.mt.gov/Animal-Health/Reportable-Animal-Diseases/Brucellosis. 

BOZEMAN – Fish health sampling last year found that an overwhelming majority of trout from rivers in the upper Missouri River Basin are healthy.

Fish health sampling was part of the field work for joint studies between Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Montana State University that began in 2024. This work also includes fish tagging and creel clerk surveys. Angler participation has been key in these efforts and will continue to play a crucial role going forward.

Trout health

Fish health sampling and monitoring increased after trout with fungal infections and head lesions caught the attention of FWP staff and anglers in the years leading up to 2023.

Following recommendations from the Big Hole Fish Health Workgroup, extensive fish health sampling began in the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby rivers. During spring and fall sampling, less than 1 percent of the captured fish showed signs of infection, and none of the nearly 5,000 juvenile fish that were captured in tributaries to those rivers showed signs of infection.

Of the nearly 8,000 adult trout that FWP staff captured in the fall, only three fish exhibited signs of an infection.

“It’s encouraging that almost all fish in last year’s sampling efforts in the basin appeared healthy,” said Mike Duncan, FWP’s fisheries program manager in Region 3. “We’ll continue to monitor trout health closely in 2025.”

FWP staff also completed a count of trout spawning redds in the Big Hole River near Melrose. They counted 156 redds last year, up from 108 redds in 2023.

Angler participation

FWP staff tagged nearly 12,000 brown and rainbow trout in the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Ruby and Madison rivers last year. To date, anglers have sent almost 1,300 reports of catching the tagged trout, including about 50 reports of yellow tags that are each worth a $100 reward. 

Anglers who report catching tagged fish are helping biologists and MSU study trout population declines in parts of the basin. Fish managers can use angling and annual sampling as ways to measure how environmental factors like flows and water temperatures are affecting fish populations by species, age class, waterbody and time of year.

Each tag has a unique number and is attached to the fish near the dorsal fin. However, the tags may not be as vibrant or obvious to anglers who land a tagged fish in 2025 because of algal growth or exposure to other environmental conditions over the last year.

Anglers should use clippers to remove the tag from the fish, then submit a report online for each tagged fish they catch. Blue tag reports put anglers into drawings for prizes, and yellow tag reports are worth cash rewards. Click here to submit a report.

Last year, about 3,599 anglers and recreationists took part in surveys to better understand all recreational use on rivers. Similar efforts will continue for several years and expand to include the upper Yellowstone River in 2025.

Montana Trout Unlimited held six drawings for anglers who reported catching tagged fish and recreationists who completed creel surveys. Multiple prizes were awarded in each drawing, including a guided fishing trip, artwork, clothing and fishing gear. Montana Trout Unlimited also held a grand prize drawing recently that included more than $1,000 in fishing gear to an angler who reported a tagged fish in 2024.

FWP staff will continue to tag trout and conduct surveys among anglers and other recreationists in 2025, and prize drawings will continue for members of the public who participate.

“Angler participation continues to be critically important to these studies that will help us manage for robust and healthy fisheries,” said Duncan. “We are thankful to Montana State University, Montana Trout Unlimited, anglers and prize donors for their collaboration.”

Annual interim reports of the ongoing MSU studies study will soon be available on FWP’s website. To learn more, click here.

That fence seems like it’s leaning and that deck board feels a bit wobbly. Hmm… And does that shed door don’t close properly or are you imagining it?

It seems like some things in your backyard are falling apart and need to be repaired, so what do you do? Do you do it yourself or is this something you’ll need a professional for? DIY is tempting because you’ll save a decent amount of money and you get to be proud of being able to fix things around the house. If it’s a fresh coat of paint or replacing a few screws, it’s all a piece of cake, there’s no reason to pay someone else to do it for you.

But what if the repair is bigger and needs not only expertise, but also special tools? If you try to go about it yourself, you risk a repair becoming a frustrating, time-consuming mess.

So, how do you know when to call a pro and when you can give it a shot yourself? Let’s see.

When DIY Makes Sense

Not every repair needs a contractor and you can easily do a lot of fixes yourself, all you’ll need are a few basic tools you probably already have.

Painting and staining can both be done without a professional. You can do your fence, shed, or a deck; it’s affordable, simple to do, and it will make a big difference in how durable and visually appealing these items are. You can also do smaller repairs on your own, like tightening loose screws on gates and replacing old hinges. These can be done quickly and even if you’re not particularly handy, you’ll be able to do it.

If you see a small crack in the concrete of your pathways or your patio, you can repair that on your own, too. Buy a repair kit at the store and you’ll be able to patch it up. You can also seal gaps in wood or metal structures with weatherproof caulking to prevent problems in the future.

Most simple tasks don’t need specialized equipment. Cleaning gutters is a good example of this. It’s not the most exciting way to spend your Saturday morning, but you have to do it to prevent the water from damaging your house. If you have a drill and screws, you can also tighten or even replace loose boards on fences and decks.

These are small maintenance tasks that will make your outdoor structures more long-lasting and you won’t need a pro to do any of them.

When to Call a Professional

Some repairs aren’t a quick fix and you don’t have the skill, the experience, or the tools to do them yourself, so you’ll need to hire a pro.

Take structural repairs, for example. If you need replacement shed doors because the frame is out of alignment or the door is too heavy, you can’t just swap out the hinges and call it a day. A deck that sags, for instance, can look like it just needs a couple of new boards, but if the support beams are failing, then that’s a safety risk. In that case, it will need proper reinforcement and code compliance.

Again, not something to do on your own. It’s the same thing for fences that have collapsed because the soil is shifting or because of storm damage. Digging and setting posts in concrete is not just hard work, it has to be done correctly to make sure the fence is stable for years and years, and you don’t have the experience to be able to do it.

Electrical and plumbing… Is there even a need to mention that this needs to be done by a professional and only them? One little mistake can lead to serious hazards, so these are the types of jobs you’ll need to steer clear of, no matter how convinced you are you can do it yourself. You. Just. Can’t.

Then you have those jobs that need specialized tools and/or permits. Replacing a broken patio or a part of your driveway, removing trees, and roof repairs all need safety equipment and a good amount of experience not just to be fixed, but also to prevent long-term damage and leaks.

Conclusion

Something breaks and you’re already doing the math in your head because you know it’s going to be pricey. So you try to think of ways to do it by yourself and you kinda sorta think you can. Well, if that’s the way it’s going, then you can’t and you’re setting yourself up for more repairs and more expense when you inevitably get forced to call a pro.

Basically, if a repair concerns structural integrity, if there are safety risks, or if it needs anything other than basic tools and knowledge, DIY is not the way to go.

Applications are open for Sweet Pea, a Festival of the Arts annual poster design contest. This year, the winner of the poster design contest will win $1,000.

All ages and levels of expertise are encouraged to enter. The deadline for submissions is May 2, 2025, at 5pm.

For more information and submission details visit www.sweetpeafestival.org or send questions to poster@sweetpeafestival.org.

HELENA – The new license year opens March 1, which means that is the day you can buy your 2025 hunting, fishing and conservation 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 and bison – can be made beginning March 1. 

Applicants have the option to reapply for the same offerings as last year with just a simple click, eliminating the need to search through previous applications.

Hunters and anglers can buy licenses and apply for permits on the FWP website beginning at 5 a.m. on March 1; click on “Buy and Apply.” Most FWP offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.  

Click here to watch a video tutorial for Montana residents on how to buy and apply for licenses and permits online. Click here to watch a video tutorial for nonresidents on how to buy and apply for licenses and permits online.   

The licensing call center will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from March 1 through April 1; after April 1, the hours will return to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The call center can be reached at 406-444-2950. 

Hunters and anglers can also take advantage of the MyFWP mobile app. The app holds and displays licenses, permits and E-Tags, which can be downloaded and used in the field without cell service. To create a My FWP account, visit the MyFWP login page.  

Tips and reminders 

• Don’t wait until the last day to apply.
• If you’re applying for a special license or permit, you will need to have a valid email address.
• Make sure to doublecheck the regulations before applying. Some permit/licenses have changed.
• The Online Licensing Service is available from 5 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
• Everyone 12 and older needs a Conservation License to access most state lands, including fishing access sites, wildlife management areas and wildlife habitat protection areas (WHPA). Montana State Parks do not require a Conservation License. 
• A separate and rotating moose, bighorn sheep or mountain goat SuperTag lottery for resident hunters will be conducted annually. Montana residents will receive one free chance in the lottery for every General Elk or General Deer License purchased.

Application deadlines  

• Smith River Super Permit – April 1
• Paddlefish (white tag) – April 1 
• Deer and Elk 
  • Permits – April 1  
  • B Licenses – June 1  
• Bighorn Sheep – May 1 
• Bison – May 1 
• Moose – May 1 
• Mountain Goat – May 1 
• Antelope – June 1 
• Sandhill Crane – June 1
• Swan – June 1
• SuperTags 
  • Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Bison, Deer, Elk, Moose, Mountain Goat and Mountain Lion – June 30
• Mountain Lion Special Licenses – 1
• NR Winter Hound Licenses – Sept. 1

For more information on Montana hunting licenses and permits, go to fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/hunting-licenses. 

BOZEMAN -  February 16-22 is “Through with Chew Week”, and the Gallatin
City-County Health Department is encouraging people who use smokeless tobacco to set a quit date and quit for good. Over half of the smokeless tobacco users who used Quit Now Montana in 2023 were able to successfully become tobacco-free! Quit Now Montana coaches can help you, too.

Smokeless tobacco, or chew, contains at least 28 compounds that have been linked to
cancers of the mouth, esophagus, and pancreas, according to research. Smokeless
tobacco can also lead to gum disease, heart disease, and precancerous mouth sores,
among other health consequences.

Nicotine pouches have started to grow in popularity, with 22 percent of Montanans aged 15 to 25 having tried these products and 9 percent currently using them. Nicotine pouches are not risk-free. Any form of nicotine use is dangerous to fetuses, youth, and young adults because it can harm brain development. Additionally, nicotine can worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety in youth.

Smokeless products are not designed to help you quit; they are designed to keep you
addicted. To date, no smokeless tobacco product nor nicotine pouch has been approved by the FDA as a smoking cessation aid. There are seven FDA-approved cessation aids that have been proven to help people quit through decades of research.

Ready to quit? Make a plan and list your reasons for quitting. Track your daily use of
smokeless tobacco. Recognize how you will need to change your routine. Ask for support from your family, friends, or co-workers. Talk with your doctor, dentist, pharmacist, or a health professional about available quit medications and get help through Quit Now Montana.

Quit Now Montana (1-800-784-8669 or QuitNowMontana.com) is a free service available to all Montanans who are ready to quit any form of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco and nicotine pouches. Quit Now Montana offers free nicotine replacement therapy, cessation medications with a prescription, free counseling with a certified quit coach, and a personalized quit plan. Quit Now Montana also offers free chat services with a live coach and texting options for those under the age of 25.

Find what works for you and be kind to yourself. Relapse is not a failure. Instead, it’s an opportunity to try again.

To get started, visit www.QuitNowMontana.com or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669) to enroll. American Indians can reach Native coaches directly by calling 1-855-524-7848. Coaches are available 24 hours, 7 days per week.

GREAT FALLS - A poaching investigation that began with the killing of fish in the display pond of Giant Springs Fish Hatchery in Great Falls ended with two men being sentenced on multiple fish and wildlife charges in the 8th Judicial Court of Cascade County.

Richard Van Meter, 22, and Ty Robert Lewis, 21, were convicted of unlawful possession of a game animal, unlawful possession of a game fish, waste of a game animal, waste of a game fish, and hunting without a valid license. Lewis paid $16,000 in fines and restitution, and Van Meter paid $8,000 in fines and restitution. Both men will also lose their hunting, fishing and trapping privileges for 20 years.

The investigation began on Aug. 23, 2021, when Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks (FWP) game wardens discovered that several large fish at the Giant Springs fish hatchery display pond had been speared with a sharp object. Some of the dead fish were left at the scene, while others that survived had to later be euthanized.

On Sept. 19, 2021, wardens received a report that someone had shot and abandoned a bull elk on a ranch near Cascade. The head and antlers had been removed, as well as the lower jaw. The body had been left to waste. During the course of the investigation wardens also determined that three bull elk and one black bear had also been taken illegally. Tips from the public led wardens to Van Meter and Lewis, who later confessed to the crimes. Van Meter then left the state but returned recently.

“This case took a few years, but thanks to the hard work of our game wardens, we are glad to finally wrap this case up,” said FWP Region 4 Warden Captain Dave Holland. “The sentences imposed by the court reflect the value of the resources taken by these two individuals, and especially the importance that the community places on the Giant Springs Hatchery.”

Holland also thanked the other agencies who cooperated in the case. “Game wardens from the California Department of Fish & Wildlife facilitated the return of Van Meter to Montana from California, and the hard work of the Cascade County Sherriff’s Office along with the Cascade County Attorney’s Office was critical to our success,” he added.

Anyone with possible information about a fish and wildlife violation is encouraged to visit tipmont.mt.gov  or contact their local game warden to provide information. You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

HELENA – Applications for a permit to float the Smith River will be accepted through Feb. 15. The permit drawing will be held soon after the deadline. 

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 drawing. Parties of up to 15 people can float with one permit. A person applying for a Smith River permit must be a minimum of 12 years of age at the time they submit their permit application. There is no age restriction to participate on a Smith River float trip. 

Applicants can apply for a Smith River float permit online through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Online Licenses Service, and pay a $15 nonrefundable permit application fee. Successful Smith River applicants will be notified via email shortly after the deadline.  

Links within the notification email to successful applicants will allow them to download and print their float permit, as well as access important and detailed information regarding their Smith River float.  

Results will also be available online at MyFWP. Those who receive a permit will be contacted by phone two days prior to their scheduled launch date to complete the registration process, which includes declaring boat camps and paying the appropriate float fees.  

In addition to the permit drawing, the public may purchase as many $5 Super Permit chances as they wish. Montana State Parks issues one Super Permit each year through a separate lottery. The recipient of the Super Permit will be allowed to launch on any date of their choosing for that float season.  

The opportunity to purchase chances for the Smith River Super Permit will be available until April 1. The Super Permit drawing will take place soon after that. Super permit chances may be purchased online through FWP’s Online Licenses Service .  

As a reminder, all float parties, private and commercial, will be required to pack out their human waste from the Smith River corridor, and floaters will need to pack portable toilet systems. To see a list of FWP-approved, portable, hard-sided toilets that will be allowed click here. Alternative waste disposal systems, including bag systems, such as Clean Waste and RESTOP2, will not be allowed. Floaters can clean and sanitize their portable toilet system with a SCAT (Sanitizing Containers with Alternative Technology) machine, which has been installed at the Eden Bridge take-out. 

For more information about Smith River State Park visit: stateparks.mt.gov/smith-river/