Montana Fish and Game

Montana Fish and Game

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is the state agency responsible for the management, conservation, and protection of Montana's fisheries, wildlife, and parks. FWP's mission is to "preserve, enhance, and manage Montana's fish and wildlife resources for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of present and future generations."

FWP is headquartered in Helena, Montana, and has regional offices in Billings, Bozeman, Glasgow, Great Falls, Kalispell, Miles City, Missoula, and Havre. The agency employs approximately 500 people, including biologists, conservation officers, fisheries managers, wildlife managers, and park rangers.

FWP's responsibilities include managing Montana's fisheries, wildlife, and parks. The agency also provides law enforcement services for fish and wildlife violations. FWP works with other state agencies, federal agencies, and private organizations to protect and enhance Montana's fish and wildlife resources.

Montana Fish and Game

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is the state agency responsible for the management, conservation, and protection of Montana's fisheries, wildlife, and parks.

  • Manages fisheries
  • Manages wildlife
  • Manages parks
  • Provides law enforcement
  • Works with other agencies
  • Protects fish and wildlife
  • Enhances fish and wildlife
  • Promotes outdoor recreation

FWP's mission is to "preserve, enhance, and manage Montana's fish and wildlife resources for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of present and future generations."

Manages fisheries

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is responsible for managing Montana's fisheries. This includes managing fish populations, fish habitat, and fishing access.

Fish population management

FWP manages fish populations to ensure that they are healthy and sustainable. This includes setting fishing regulations, such as bag limits and size limits. FWP also conducts fish stocking programs to supplement natural reproduction.

Fish habitat management

FWP manages fish habitat to improve fish populations and fishing opportunities. This includes protecting and restoring riparian areas, which are important for fish cover and food. FWP also works to improve water quality and flow conditions for fish.

Fishing access management

FWP provides and maintains fishing access sites throughout Montana. This includes boat ramps, fishing piers, and fishing trails. FWP also works to improve public access to rivers and streams.

Fishing regulations enforcement

FWP conservation officers enforce fishing regulations to protect fish populations and ensure fair and equitable fishing opportunities for all anglers.

FWP's fisheries management program is based on sound science and is designed to protect and enhance Montana's fisheries for the benefit of present and future generations.

Manages wildlife

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is responsible for managing Montana's wildlife. This includes managing wildlife populations, wildlife habitat, and hunting and trapping access.

Wildlife population management

FWP manages wildlife populations to ensure that they are healthy and sustainable. This includes setting hunting and trapping regulations, such as bag limits and season dates. FWP also conducts wildlife surveys to monitor population trends.

Wildlife habitat management

FWP manages wildlife habitat to improve wildlife populations and hunting and trapping opportunities. This includes protecting and restoring wildlife habitat, such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands. FWP also works to improve water quality and flow conditions for wildlife.

Hunting and trapping access management

FWP provides and maintains hunting and trapping access sites throughout Montana. This includes public hunting and trapping areas, as well as walk-in hunting and trapping areas. FWP also works to improve public access to hunting and trapping areas.

Hunting and trapping regulations enforcement

FWP conservation officers enforce hunting and trapping regulations to protect wildlife populations and ensure fair and equitable hunting and trapping opportunities for all hunters and trappers.

FWP's wildlife management program is based on sound science and is designed to protect and enhance Montana's wildlife populations and hunting and trapping opportunities for the benefit of present and future generations.

Manages parks

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is responsible for managing Montana's state parks. This includes managing park facilities, park resources, and park visitors.

Park facilities management

FWP manages a variety of park facilities, including campgrounds, picnic areas, boat ramps, and hiking trails. FWP also maintains park roads and buildings.

Park resources management

FWP manages park resources, such as forests, grasslands, and wetlands. FWP also manages wildlife populations in parks to ensure that they are healthy and sustainable.

Park visitor management

FWP provides visitor services, such as information and education programs. FWP also enforces park rules and regulations to protect park resources and visitors.

Park planning and development

FWP plans and develops new parks and facilities to meet the needs of Montana's growing population. FWP also works with other agencies and organizations to protect and enhance park resources.

FWP's park management program is based on sound science and is designed to protect and enhance Montana's state parks for the benefit of present and future generations.

Provides law enforcement

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) conservation officers are responsible for enforcing fish and wildlife laws and regulations in Montana. This includes enforcing fishing and hunting regulations, as well as laws protecting endangered species and their habitats.

FWP conservation officers also provide public education and outreach on fish and wildlife laws and regulations. They work with schools, sportsmen's groups, and other organizations to promote compliance with fish and wildlife laws and regulations.

FWP conservation officers are certified law enforcement officers and have the authority to issue citations, make arrests, and seize evidence. They also work closely with other law enforcement agencies, such as the Montana Highway Patrol and the county sheriffs' offices.

FWP's law enforcement program is an important part of the agency's mission to protect and enhance Montana's fish and wildlife resources. FWP conservation officers work hard to ensure that fish and wildlife laws and regulations are enforced fairly and effectively.

In addition to the above, FWP conservation officers also provide the following services:

  • Search and rescue operations
  • Boating safety enforcement
  • Off-highway vehicle enforcement
  • Snowmobile enforcement
  • All-terrain vehicle enforcement

Works with other agencies

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) works with a variety of other agencies to protect and enhance Montana's fish and wildlife resources. These agencies include:

Federal agencies

FWP works with federal agencies, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Land Management, to manage fish and wildlife populations and their habitats. FWP also works with federal agencies to enforce fish and wildlife laws and regulations.

State agencies

FWP works with state agencies, such as the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and the Montana Department of Transportation, to protect fish and wildlife resources from pollution and other threats. FWP also works with state agencies to manage fish and wildlife populations and their habitats.

Tribal governments

FWP works with tribal governments to manage fish and wildlife populations and their habitats on tribal lands. FWP also works with tribal governments to enforce fish and wildlife laws and regulations.

Non-profit organizations

FWP works with non-profit organizations, such as the Montana Wildlife Federation and the National Audubon Society, to protect and enhance fish and wildlife resources. FWP also works with non-profit organizations to provide public education and outreach on fish and wildlife conservation.

FWP's partnerships with other agencies are essential to the agency's mission to protect and enhance Montana's fish and wildlife resources.

Protects fish and wildlife

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is responsible for protecting Montana's fish and wildlife resources. This includes protecting fish and wildlife populations, fish and wildlife habitat, and fish and wildlife species that are threatened or endangered.

Protects fish and wildlife populations

FWP protects fish and wildlife populations by managing hunting and fishing seasons and bag limits. FWP also works to protect fish and wildlife populations from disease and other threats.

Protects fish and wildlife habitat

FWP protects fish and wildlife habitat by acquiring and managing land and water resources. FWP also works with landowners to protect fish and wildlife habitat on private lands.

Protects threatened and endangered species

FWP protects threatened and endangered species by developing and implementing recovery plans. FWP also works with other agencies and organizations to protect threatened and endangered species.

Enforces fish and wildlife laws and regulations

FWP conservation officers enforce fish and wildlife laws and regulations to protect fish and wildlife populations and habitat. FWP conservation officers also investigate fish and wildlife violations and prosecute violators.

FWP's fish and wildlife protection programs are essential to the agency's mission to protect and enhance Montana's fish and wildlife resources.

Enhances fish and wildlife

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is committed to enhancing Montana's fish and wildlife resources. This includes improving fish and wildlife populations, fish and wildlife habitat, and fish and wildlife recreation opportunities.

Improves fish and wildlife populations

FWP improves fish and wildlife populations by conducting fish and wildlife surveys, developing and implementing fish and wildlife management plans, and conducting fish and wildlife research.

Improves fish and wildlife habitat

FWP improves fish and wildlife habitat by acquiring and managing land and water resources, restoring fish and wildlife habitat, and working with landowners to improve fish and wildlife habitat on private lands.

Improves fish and wildlife recreation opportunities

FWP improves fish and wildlife recreation opportunities by developing and maintaining fishing and hunting access sites, providing public education and outreach on fish and wildlife conservation, and working with other agencies and organizations to promote fish and wildlife recreation.

Conducts fish and wildlife research

FWP conducts fish and wildlife research to improve the agency's understanding of fish and wildlife populations, fish and wildlife habitat, and fish and wildlife management techniques.

FWP's fish and wildlife enhancement programs are essential to the agency's mission to protect and enhance Montana's fish and wildlife resources.

Promotes outdoor recreation

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) promotes outdoor recreation in Montana. This includes promoting fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, boating, and other outdoor activities.

Provides public access to fish and wildlife resources

FWP provides public access to fish and wildlife resources by developing and maintaining fishing and hunting access sites, boat ramps, and other public access sites.

Provides public education and outreach on outdoor recreation

FWP provides public education and outreach on outdoor recreation through its website, publications, and events. FWP also works with schools and other organizations to promote outdoor recreation.

Partners with other agencies and organizations to promote outdoor recreation

FWP partners with other agencies and organizations to promote outdoor recreation. For example, FWP partners with the Montana Department of Tourism to promote Montana as a destination for outdoor recreation.

Manages state parks and other recreation areas

FWP manages state parks and other recreation areas, such as fishing access sites, wildlife management areas, and natural areas. FWP also provides visitor services, such as information and education programs, at state parks and other recreation areas.

FWP's outdoor recreation programs are essential to the agency's mission to protect and enhance Montana's fish and wildlife resources. FWP believes that outdoor recreation is an important part of Montana's culture and economy.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP):

Question 1: What is FWP's mission?
Answer: FWP's mission is to "preserve, enhance, and manage Montana's fish and wildlife resources for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of present and future generations."

Question 2: What are FWP's responsibilities?
Answer: FWP's responsibilities include managing Montana's fisheries, wildlife, and parks. FWP also provides law enforcement services for fish and wildlife violations. FWP works with other state agencies, federal agencies, and private organizations to protect and enhance Montana's fish and wildlife resources.

Question 3: How can I get a fishing or hunting license?
Answer: You can purchase a fishing or hunting license online, at any FWP office, or at any license provider. You can find a list of license providers on the FWP website.

Question 4: Where can I find information about fishing and hunting regulations?
Answer: You can find information about fishing and hunting regulations on the FWP website or in the FWP regulations booklet. You can also contact your local FWP office for more information.

Question 5: What should I do if I see a fish and wildlife violation?
Answer: If you see a fish and wildlife violation, you should report it to FWP by calling 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668). You can also report violations online on the FWP website.

Question 6: How can I get involved with FWP?
Answer: There are many ways to get involved with FWP. You can volunteer your time, join a conservation organization, or attend FWP events. You can also contact your local FWP office for more information on how to get involved.

Question 7: How can I contact FWP?
Answer: You can contact FWP by phone at 1-800-385-7833 or by email at [email protected]. You can also visit the FWP website at https://fwp.mt.gov.

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We hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Tips

Here are four tips for enjoying Montana's fish and wildlife resources:

Tip 1: Get a fishing or hunting license.
A fishing or hunting license is required to fish or hunt in Montana. You can purchase a license online, at any FWP office, or at any license provider. You can find a list of license providers on the FWP website.

Tip 2: Follow the fishing and hunting regulations.
It is important to follow the fishing and hunting regulations to protect Montana's fish and wildlife resources. You can find information about fishing and hunting regulations on the FWP website or in the FWP regulations booklet. You can also contact your local FWP office for more information.

Tip 3: Respect other anglers and hunters.
When you are fishing or hunting, be respectful of other anglers and hunters. Share the resources and be courteous to others.

Tip 4: Leave no trace.
When you are enjoying Montana's fish and wildlife resources, be sure to leave no trace. Pack out what you pack in, and do not litter. Help to keep Montana's fish and wildlife resources clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy.

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By following these tips, you can help to protect Montana's fish and wildlife resources and ensure that everyone can enjoy these resources for generations to come.

Conclusion

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is the state agency responsible for the management, conservation, and protection of Montana's fisheries, wildlife, and parks. FWP's mission is to "preserve, enhance, and manage Montana's fish and wildlife resources for the use, benefit, and enjoyment of present and future generations."

FWP's responsibilities include managing Montana's fisheries, wildlife, and parks. FWP also provides law enforcement services for fish and wildlife violations. FWP works with other state agencies, federal agencies, and private organizations to protect and enhance Montana's fish and wildlife resources.

FWP is committed to providing Montanans and visitors with a variety of opportunities to enjoy Montana's fish and wildlife resources. FWP also works to protect and enhance Montana's fish and wildlife resources for future generations.

Closing Message

Montana's fish and wildlife resources are a valuable part of the state's heritage. FWP is committed to protecting and enhancing these resources for the benefit of present and future generations.