Montana Wildlife Federation

10/28/2026

Yet another foreign company is seeking to profit off of Montana's natural resources, this time up the Blackfoot.

During the exploratory phase, so even before the real disturbances begin, the company is expecting to use 2,500 gallons of Montana's water per day. As with all hard rock mining activities, there are no royalties paid to Americans. Comments are being accepted on the draft Environmental Assessment (EA) until November 5th.

google.com/url?q=https://missoulacurrent.com/canadian-company-potomac/&source=gmail&ust=1793312219428000&usg=AOvVaw3xLbN25QtCUCkgJo7pAQAX

Another international mining company is asking to sample Montana’s mineral resources, this time near Potomac.

10/28/2026

Now that the general season is in full swing, don't forget to pull your lymph nodes and submit them for testing! Hellgate Hunters & Anglers is helping Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to promote increased sampling for Chronic Wasting Disease of harvested game in FWP Region 2.

Hunters are encouraged to submit proof of sample submission to [email protected] for a chance to win a Montana Knife Company Whitetail PVD Black Knife valued at $315.

Raffle Rules:

- Only 2026/2027 samples from deer/elk/moose harvested in Region 2 are accepted
- Entries must be submitted by January 10th, 2027 to [email protected]
- Each photo entry must be of your unique CWD Surveillance Card or screenshot of your confirmation e-mail sample submission from FWP
- Entries must legibly show the unique CWD sample number
- Contestants are not limited to a maximum number of entries
- Harvest or location data is NOT collected, just CWD sample submission
- FWP will confirm the validity of the submission prior to the winner being announced

https://www.hellgatehuntersandanglers.org/event-details/submit-cwd-samples-from-region-2-and-enter-to-win-knife

10/26/2026

10/25/2026

Good luck to everyone heading into the field for the Montana general r***e season!

Enjoy the wild treasures our great state has to offer and strive to be the best steward of our collective’s wildlife, habitat, and hunting traditions that we can be.

Make sure you understand the hunting regulations and access options and rules for the areas you choose to hunt. Treat private and public lands, landowners and fellow hunters with respect. And remember, it's up to us to protect the hunt.

Visit FWPs Protect the Hunt page to learn more about what you can do to help keep these opportunities available today and future generations.

Respect Access. Protect the Hunt.

10/20/2026

We’re hiring! MWF is looking for a part-time Communications Coordinator to help hunters, anglers, and outdoor users make their voices heard.

If you can write a sharp message, film a great reel, and you’re at home on Montana’s public lands, we want to hear from you.

📍 Remote in Montana
⏰ Contract position, about 20 hours a week
💵 $30–$35/hour
🗓️ Proposals due Nov. 9

Full details and how to apply: https://montanawildlife.org/news/hiring-communications-coordinator-part-time-contract/

Know someone perfect for this? Tag them below 👇

10/18/2026

Montana ranchers: The Montana Livestock Loss Board has about $400,000 in grants for prevention tools like electric fencing, livestock guardian dogs, range riders, and carcass removal or composting.

Applications for the 2027 cycle are due Nov. 4, and funding decisions are expected Dec. 9.

https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/montana-livestock-loss-board-offers-400000-in-predator-prevention-grants?fbclid=IwY2xjawU_JyhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mBWJyaWQRMWlUMmpVWUhiem1wMHFpWjBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe-6F2g8PYJ9-rkt418OmEXwgBCoQHnWSK7bRRo8WR_z-LYoq0Gcbhhj8ENoA_aem_L1tF6HiQ137Glde8I5lwhw

Montana ranchers can apply for approximately $400,000 in grants to help prevent livestock losses caused by large predators.The Montana Livestock Loss Board is a

10/14/2026

Commission Recap 10/14/26

One of the more contentious issues was the 99-year habitat lease on the 3,652 acre Hannah Ranch in Fergus County. MWF and many Commissioners expressed frustration with the false choice of a 99-year lease or nothing, rather than an option for a perpetual easement which is what the landowners preferred. In the end, FWP presented it as a take it or leave it proposal, and the Commission moved it forward to the Land Board unanimously. MWF is incredibly disappointed not with the Commission but with FWP for failing to offer the perpetual easement as an option.

The Commission approved a wide variety of potential grizzly bear relocation sites, including inside and outside of current recovery zones, something MWF spoke in support of.

The Commission moved forward with a proposal to transfer title of a 35-acre island in the Stillwater River with the intent for this to be wildlife habitat open to both float-in hunting and fishing. MWF spoke in favor of this as well.

The Commission decided to deny a petition to expand the no-wake zone on Swan Lake, which was in response to wakeboard boats with heavy ballasts creating damaging waves. MWF supported the motion but the Commission ultimately preferred to address the issue on a broader scale rather than adjusting regulations for just one body of water.

The Commission then decided to approve a petition to limit motorized use on the Mitchell Slough of the Bitterroot River. MWF supported the motion but asked for clear justification for this restriction, while also pointing out that, like the Swan Lake wakeboard issue, if motorized use is inappropriate on this slough of the Bitterroot, it’s likely similarly concerning on other tributaries and sloughs, and a broader look at the issue is warranted.

The 2027/28 Fishing Regulations were also approved, as were updated fee schedules for recreational and commercial use of FWP-managed sites (fishing access sites, state parks, wildlife management areas, etc.).

The next Fish & Wildlife Commission meeting will be held December 10th.

10/12/2026

10/06/2026

LWCF has helped Montanans access public lands and waters for decades, including roughly half of the state’s fishing access sites. We need to keep that progress going.

New federal hurdles could make it harder for small communities to secure LWCF funding. Proposals to divert those dollars would leave less for parks, public access, and working lands.

Montana’s congressional delegation should protect LWCF’s full, permanent funding, keep its dollars focused on conservation and recreation, and make it easier for communities to put them to work

10/03/2026

What does the Land and Water Conservation Fund look like in Montana? Parks in our towns. Fishing access on our rivers. Working lands and wildlife habitat.

From 2021 to 2025, LWCF invested more than $171 million in Montana. Over its history, it has supported more than 800 projects statewide, including projects in small, rural communities. An estimated $4 in benefits comes back to Montana for every $1 invested.

LWCF is funded by federal offshore oil and gas revenues, not Montana state tax dollars. It’s a proven investment in the places Montanans love.