BILLINGS – Monday, alongside Wildlife Manager Brett Dorak, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Dustin Temple held a press conference to address the status of eastern Montana’s mule deer.

“Our job at FWP is to manage Montana’s wildlife resources by providing full contextual, transparent, accurate data with full context,” Director Temple said. “Across the state, we are making the effort to ensure our management of mule deer is based on the best science and data.”

FWP Director Dustin Temple discusses eastern Montana mule deer numbers at a Monday press conference in Billings.

FWP biologists have completed annual spring surveys. For Region 5, the numbers are below the long-term average but are trending higher. Quotas for B licenses are already at the low end of the approved quota, so there is no change. As for Region 6, where spring survey results are 16 percent below long-term average, FWP is reducing B licenses by 54 percent. Lastly, Region 7 spring survey results show an increase of 20 percent over the last year, but total numbers are still 40 percent below long-term average. Just like Region 5, B licenses are already at the minimum of the approved quota range, so there is no B license change.

“Improved weather and habitat conditions across eastern Montana had led to increased fawn ratios observed this spring in eastern Montana and some increases in total mule deer observed, as well,” FWP Region 7 Wildlife Manager Brett Dorak said. “Currently though, most mule deer populations are below their long-term average.”

FWP Wildlife Manager Brett Dorak discusses trends in mule deer numbers across regions in eastern Montana at a press conference Monday in Billings.

A few other major changes to this year’s hunting season regarding mule deer are:

• Antlerless mule deer in Regions 6 and 7 can only be harvested on private property this coming fall, which is a change from years past.
• Beginning in the 2024 hunting season, only antlered buck mule deer may be harvested with a General Deer License in all Region 5 hunting districts. In six of the 10 Region 5 deer and elk hunting districts, youth hunters aged 10-15 may harvest either sex mule deer with a General Deer License.
• Nonresidents may only purchase one Deer B License unless they drew a combo, which allows them to purchase two total. Before this year, nonresident hunters could purchase up to seven Deer B Licenses.

Decade snapshot of Montana mule deer population

These graphs show mule deer populations trends along with Mule Deer B License sale trends for the same regions.

Mule deer populations across eastern Montana are somewhat variable in their trends. The three main drivers for mule deer populations are weather, habitat and disease. Mule deer populations across eastern Montana have decreased mainly due to unfavorable weather patterns with multiple years of extreme drought conditions and some hard winter. Drought conditions have had major impacts on habitat for mule deer. In response to mule deer population decreases, FWP has decreased B licenses in eastern Montana and in some cases to historically low quota numbers. More specifically, Region 7 has decreased B licenses by 91 percent over the past couple years, and Region 6 had recently decreased their B licenses by 54 percent in response to mule deer numbers.

The reason behind our work

Alexis Turner, a 13-year-old Billings middle schooler, also joined the director at the podium to share her own Montana mule deer experience. As an avid hunter, Alexis has been hunting since she was 10. Her first mule deer was a beautiful five-point buck. With excitement in her voice, she perfectly represented the purpose behind FWP’s work.

“After a 320-yard shot, I shot my first mule deer in the heart,” Alexis said. “Although it was a lot of work to get to the deer, it was a lot more work to get back to the truck. My heart was pounding, and I was very excited I made the shot.”

“This photo of Alexis and her first mule deer harvest is a perfect picture of how much our work means to the state of Montana,” Temple said. “We have a responsibility to do everything in our power to provide opportunities for memories like these.”

Family boating excursions offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, bond with loved ones, and create lasting memories on the water. Whether you're cruising along the coast, exploring hidden coves, or anchoring at your favorite fishing spot, there's no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy during your boating adventures. In this guide, I'll share some exciting outdoor activities to enhance your family boating experience and make the most of your time spent in the sun and surf.

Swimming and Snorkeling
Swimming and snorkeling are classic outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy during your boating excursions. Find a secluded cove or sandy beach to anchor your boat, and take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters. Bring along snorkeling gear to explore vibrant underwater ecosystems, observe marine life, and discover hidden treasures beneath the surface. Remember to supervise children and inexperienced swimmers at all times, and choose safe swimming areas away from boat traffic and strong currents.

Fishing Adventures
Fishing is a timeless pastime that adds excitement and adventure to any family boating trip. Pack your fishing gear and bait, and head to your favorite fishing spot to cast your lines and reel in the catch of the day. Whether you're trolling for game fish offshore or dropping anchor in a quiet inlet, fishing offers endless opportunities for family bonding and friendly competition. Teach children basic fishing techniques and safety practices, and encourage them to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of nature while waiting for the big bite.

Beachcombing and Shell Collecting
Exploring pristine beaches and collecting seashells is a fun and educational activity for families of all ages. Anchor your boat near a sandy shoreline or deserted island, and set out on a beachcombing adventure to search for shells, sand dollars, and other treasures washed ashore. Encourage children to use their imagination and creativity to identify different types of shells and marine artifacts, and challenge them to find the most unique specimens to add to their collection. Remember to leave only footprints and take only memories, respecting the natural environment and preserving its beauty for future generations to enjoy.

Picnicking and Beach Barbecues
Enjoying a picnic or beach barbecue is a delightful way to refuel and relax during your family boating excursions. Pack a cooler with your favorite snacks, sandwiches, and beverages, and anchor your boat in a scenic spot with a picnic table or sandy beach. Set up a beach blanket or portable grill, and enjoy a leisurely meal together while soaking up the sun and savoring the fresh sea breeze. Bring along games and toys for children to play with, and take turns exploring the shoreline or swimming in the nearby waters between bites.

Wildlife Watching and Birdwatching
Boating offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife watching and birdwatching in their natural habitats. Keep an eye out for dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and other marine mammals as you cruise along the coastline or through mangrove channels. Bring along binoculars and a field guide to identify different species of birds, and challenge your family members to spot the most species during your boating trip. Take photos and keep a wildlife journal to document your sightings and learn more about the diverse ecosystems that thrive along the waterways.

Kayaking and Paddleboarding
Exploring coastal waterways by kayak or paddleboard is a fantastic way to get up close and personal with nature and experience the beauty of your surroundings from a different perspective. Bring along inflatable kayaks or paddleboards that are easy to transport and launch from your boat, and set out on a paddling adventure along scenic shorelines, mangrove tunnels, or tranquil estuaries. Encourage children to paddle alongside you and explore hidden coves and waterways, spotting wildlife and discovering secret hideaways along the journey.

Water Sports and Tubing
For families seeking a thrill-seeking adventure, water sports and tubing offer adrenaline-pumping excitement and exhilarating fun on the water. Attach a tow rope to the back of your boat and tow inflatable tubes, wakeboards, or water skis for an action-packed ride across the waves. Encourage children and adults alike to take turns riding the waves and experiencing the thrill of speed and agility on the water. Practice safety precautions such as wearing life jackets and using hand signals to communicate with the boat driver, and always supervise children closely during water sports activities.

Nature Hikes and Explorations
Exploring nearby islands, nature reserves, or coastal trails on foot is a fantastic way to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of your surroundings. Anchor your boat near a designated hiking trail or scenic overlook, and set out on a family nature hike to discover hidden gems and breathtaking vistas along the way. Pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen, and wear sturdy footwear suitable for hiking over varied terrain. Keep an eye out for wildlife and native flora as you explore, and take time to appreciate the sights, sounds, and scents of the natural world around you.

Beach Games and Activities
Organizing beach games and activities is a surefire way to keep everyone entertained and engaged during your family boating excursions. Bring along beach balls, frisbees, and sandcastle-building tools for classic beach fun, or challenge each other to a friendly game of beach volleyball or soccer. Organize a treasure hunt or scavenger hunt along the shoreline, hiding small trinkets or tokens for children to discover and collect. Get creative with your beach games and activities, and encourage everyone to participate and enjoy the playful spirit of the outdoors.

Outdoor Gear and Accessories
Ready to elevate your family boating experience with exciting outdoor activities and adventures? Shop now for a wide selection of outdoor gear, accessories, and equipment to enhance your next boating excursion. From fishing gear to water sports equipment to beach games and more, Boat Outfitters has everything you need to make the most of your time spent in the sun and surf. Click here to explore our collection and start planning your family's next outdoor adventure today.

Gallatin County has funding available to help residents in the Gallatin County Wildland Urban Interface reduce the risk of wildfire impacting their property.  

Wildfire risk is present throughout Gallatin County with the severity and risk varying based on location. Through the process of developing the 2022 Gallatin County Hazard Mitigation and Community Wildfire Protection Plan, 1,000,107 acres have been identified as Wildland Urban Interface in the county. Studies have shown that treating the area within 100 to 200 feet of your home greatly reduces the potential impacts of a wildfire.  

“You can take action to prevent the likelihood of your life or home being impacted by wildfire. And we can help you through that process,” said Jay Pape, Preparedness and Mitigation Manager with Gallatin County Emergency Management. “We can provide you with concrete steps you can take on your property and with as well as grant funding opportunities to help ease the costs.” 

The first step is for property owners to self-evaluate their property. This is a quick way to see what may easily be done to reduce wildfire risk.  

Residents can then request a FREE home risk assessment and Gallatin County staff will meet with homeowners on their property. The evaluator will review the self-assessment, walk around your property, and discuss what they are seeing. Following the in-person visit, owners will get a copy of the assessment.  

A home risk assessment provides an opportunity to ask questions, receive more in-depth guidance, and learn about approaches to wildfire mitigation. Mitigation projects could range from hand thinning areas around homes and structures, to larger forest thinning type projects, depending on the property’s size and continuity with neighbors.  

Many of the items identified during home risk assessments can be completed by homeowners. But in some cases, specialized skill or equipment may be needed. Homeowners can apply for a support that will offset their out-of-pocket expenses for any mitigation measures that may require more complex work.  In some cases, work may be 100% funded with support form the Montana Resiliency Fund. 

Montana’s investment in the Resiliency Fund makes a concerted effort to prevent costly repairs following a disaster by working with communities to mitigate potential damage risk prior to natural disasters. With this funding, MT DES works with local programs to apply for FEMA mitigation grants. FEMA grants typically require a 25% cost-share from the local government that is applying for the grant. Using this account, the state will be able to off-set the 25% local match. The 2023 legislature approved $4 million dollars a year for the next four years to the Resiliency Fund. By leveraging FEMA grants, this will result in a projected $64 million in disaster mitigation projects for Montana communities. The average disaster mitigation project has a 6:1 cost benefit, meaning this investment will save Montanan’s $384 million over the life of these projects.   

Wildfire mitigation is not a one-time project, but an ongoing activity. Properties may need heavier initial work, but annual maintenance that will be needed to keep the wildfire risk reduced over time. Residents who take part in a mitigation project with Gallatin County are required to follow a treatment plan for 10 years.  

Gallatin County’s wildfire mitigation program started in late 2022. We currently have four active funding programs covering several areas around the Gallatin Valley.  Interest in the program drives future identified project areas. 

This spring, the program added a three-person crew dedicated to helping homeowners conduct this mitigation work. 

Residents interested in getting their property assessed can find a step-by-step guide to scheduling assessments, applying for grant funding, and much more, at this link. 

THREE FORKS – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has acquired a 26-acre parcel for inclusion into Missouri Headwaters State Park.

This addition permanently secures important habitat and cultural resources on the property, which was a private inholding that bisected the park’s eastern edge. Once opened to public visitors, it will also provide greater continuity and expanded recreational opportunities.

The acquisition received overwhelming public support throughout the process, which included an environmental assessment. The Montana State Parks and Recreation Board gave initial approval for the acquisition on Feb. 5, followed by final approval by the Montana Board of Land Commissioners on March 18.

The parcel was purchased for $930,000 by the Montana State Parks Foundation using funds provided by a grant from the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust and facilitated by the Montana Outdoor Legacy Foundation. The foundation then donated the property to FWP on April 29.

“This project has been a goal for the family who owned the property and FWP for many years,” said Linnaea Schroeer, FWP’s Parks and Outdoor Recreation Program manager in Region 3. “We are so grateful to all who have helped make this acquisition possible. It will secure and protect important cultural, habitat and recreational resources for one of Montana’s most beloved state parks.”

FWP staff will be working to remove old farm equipment, fencing and other structures from the parcel. This work will be completed in phases, and walk-in public access is expected to be opened partially in fall 2024. Until then, public access to the area will be restricted due to safety risks.

Within the boundaries of Missouri Headwaters State Park, the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers merge to form the Missouri River, the longest river in the U.S. This area is significant to Native American peoples and was visited by members of the Corps of Discovery in 1805. Now a national historic landmark, the park hosts thousands of visitors each year. The park is about 5 miles northeast of Three Forks on Trident Road. For more information about the park, please visit fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/missouri-headwaters or call 406-285-3610.

Montana has formed the Montana Opioid Abatement Trust (MOAT) to receive national opioid settlement funds. The MOAT funds are to be dedicated to reducing the harm caused by opioid misuse and addiction through prevention, treatment, and recovery initiatives and are allocated on a formula basis to abatement regions.

The Gallatin County Metro Region, which includes Gallatin County and the City of Bozeman, has up to $792,307 available. The Gallatin County Metro Region Board will accept applications through the state’s website below and request funding from the MOAT Advisory Board for the projects it selects. Proposals up to three years will be accepted; the settlement funds available in years 2 and 3 are anticipated to be $452,205 each year. These amounts include supplemental funds received via direct settlement disbursements to the city and county.

The Gallatin County Metro Region Board plans to prioritize projects that align with the Gallatin Behavioral Health Coalition(GBHC) Strategic Plan, which can be found here.

The Gallatin County Metro Region Board plans to prioritize applications that focus on evidence-based prevention, care coordination, warm handoffs, and connection to behavioral health treatment and social health services to stabilize individuals and families but will also consider other proposals that align with the GBHC strategic plan.

For the listing of eligible uses of opioid settlement funds, please see this link.

To apply for MOAT funds, please visit this website.

DEADLINE for submission is 9 p.m. August 31, 2024.

Questions regarding the application or review process should be addressed to Cola Rowley at Cola.Rowley@gallatin.mt.gov or 406-582-3047.

The public is invited to a free informational well testing workshop on Wednesday, June 26 at the River Rock Community Center.

The Gallatin Local Water Quality District (GLWQD) will host representatives from MSU Extension, the Gallatin Conservation District, and the Environmental Health Services division of the Gallatin City-County Health Department, who will discuss the importance of testing groundwater quality that is being used for drinking water.

Test kits will be available for pickup through MSU Extension’s Well Educated Program. Experts will help provide guidance to homeowners on important parameters to test for specific to Gallatin County’s groundwater quality. Information on how to apply for the Gallatin Conservation District’s cost share program will also be presented. This program allows participants in the Well Educated Program to be reimbursed for 75% of the cost of their well test.

The presentations will be held at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, June 26 at the River Rock Community Center, located at 101 River Rock Rd. in Belgrade.

HELENA – Starting June 19, hunters can sign up for the Surplus License List, which is a list of leftover licenses that were not distributed by the drawing. The 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. 

Resident and nonresident hunters can sign up through the MyFWP portal. This process requires hunters to keep their email address current in their ALS record. Payment of the license fee is not required to sign up on the Surplus License List. Getting a license from this list has no effect on existing bonus points.

Hunters must finalize the purchase of the license/permit within the timeframe specified in the email; otherwise, the opportunity will be offered to the next hunter on the randomized list. FWP may offer opportunities that have not sold out through the Surplus License List to over-the-counter customers at our internal and external license sale providers.

The timeframes to sign up for the various licenses and permits are as follows:

• Deer B and Elk B License: June 19 – July 19
• Deer and Elk Permits are not available

Nonresidents who hold a 2024 Combination License can hold a maximum of two Deer B Licenses in addition to their Combination License. Nonresidents without a 2024 Combination License can only hold a maximum of one Deer B License.

Nonresidents who hold a Nonresident Native License, Youth Combo License or Nonresident College Student Combination License may purchase Deer B and Elk B licenses at half price.

To sign up, go to myfwp.mt.gov/fwpExtPortal/myDrawResult_input.action.

For more information, contact the FWP licensing office at 406-444-2950 or fwplic@mt.gov.

BOZEMAN – The Office of International Programs at Montana State University is looking for families and individuals willing to host high school students from Okinawa, Japan from Aug. 1 to 15. While living in the community, the 30 students will participate in MSU’s Okinawa Global Leadership Program. 

The program, which was established in 2013, provides students with an opportunity to increase their understanding of the English language and American culture. It also allows the students to prepare for academic conferences in English-speaking nations and creates cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.

“We have successfully hosted over 300 high school students from Okinawa since 2013. The homestay experience is extremely important within this program. To many of the students it is the most memorable part,” said Makiko Diehl, program manager at the Office of International Programs.

Host families must provide students with a private room for sleeping, a place to hang clothing, three meals a day, basic household facilities and transportation to and from campus each day. Financial compensation of $30 per night, per student, is provided to host families to offset costs. For more information about being a host family, visit OIP’s hosting international participants page.

During the program, MSU, Gallatin High School and Bozeman High School students will assist the program participants with homework and participate in activities such as visiting the Museum of the Rockies and Yellowstone National Park.

For more information about the program, contact Diehl at 406-994-7944 or makiko.diehl@montana.edu.