Grizzly Bear Releases, Fishing Regulation Updates in Montana

Montana's Fish and Wildlife Commission has a busy October meeting on the calendar.

And input on topics including grizzlies, fishing rules, recreation fees and motorboats are all invited to the conversation.

COMMISSION MEETING/PUBLIC COMMENT

Angela Montana from the Montana Outdoor Radio Show tells us that the commission meets October 15 in Helena, with the gavel dropping at 8:00 a.m. Before then, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks wants to hear what the public thinks about several proposals.

WHERE FOR THE BEAR?

One of the bigger topics is where relocated grizzly bears can be released.  State law requires those bears to go to commission-approved locations within occupied grizzly range, and most of the proposed sites will look familiar—they’re largely the same ones commissioners approved five years ago.

FWP is also proposing changes to fees for using and doing business at recreation sites. Camping and other public-use fees haven’t been updated since 2014, while some commercial fees have been sitting untouched since 2007. FWP says the proposed makeover would simplify the fee structure while accounting for inflation and the rising cost of keeping recreation sites running.

ALSO ON THE DOCKET

2027-28 fishing regulations, brown trout rules in the Flathead River drainage, northern leopard frog relocations, a temporary full closure of Kona Bridge Fishing Access Site, proposed motorized-use restrictions at Swan Lake and a final decision on a motorized watercraft closure on the Bitterroot River.

In short, bears, boats, trout, frogs, fees—and plenty for Montanans to weigh in on before commissioners make their calls.

If any of these outdoor activities are in your wheelhouse, the deadline for public comments is September 24. To make your comments and get more information on these topics and others, visit this page of the Montana FWP website.