Outdoors briefs

Drawing for Blackfeet bison hunt is Jan. 5

The last drawing for a guided bison hunt on the Blackfeet Reservation is Jan. 5. Chances are $10 each and there is no limit on the number of chances each hunter can purchase. 

The lottery is a way Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks partners with the Blackfeet Tribe to demonstrate a shared commitment to managing fish and wildlife across the state and to facilitate hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities.  

The lottery is open to all hunters – tribal members, nonmembers, Montana residents and nonresidents. Hunters will be guided by one of the Blackfeet Fish and Game’s buffalo program personnel and will have the ability to choose their own animal. Hunters have a three-week harvest window starting the following day of the drawing. Successful hunters can keep the bison’s head, hide and meat. 

To enter the drawing, go to fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply. 

Lottery opportunities can also be purchased at a license provider or an FWP office. For more information, contact the Blackfeet Fish and Game office at 406-338-7207 or the FWP tribal liaison at 406-750-3574. 

FWP investigates deer poaching near Troy

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens are seeking the public's help in gathering information regarding the shooting of a white-tailed deer out of season along Eastside Road west of Troy in Lincoln County.

Wardens believe the deer was shot on Dec. 5, several days after the general deer and elk hunting season closed.

Anyone with possible information is asked to call Warden Sawyer Johnson at 406-291-6539 or visit tipmont.mt.gov. 

Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.

Muzzleloader season began Saturday

Muzzleloader heritage season opens on Saturday and runs through Sunday, Dec. 21. This season is for heritage muzzleloaders only; no other means of taking game, such as archery, is allowed. Note that some areas have elk shoulder seasons through Feb. 15, where firearms and archery equipment may be allowed. 

Hunters should also note that many of Montana’s Block Management Areas (BMAs), even though they are open for upland bird or waterfowl through Jan. 1, do not allow deer or elk hunting during the muzzleloader heritage season. Make sure to check BMA rules before you hunt.  

In addition, although some Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are open year-round, many other WMAs are closed through May 15. If you are planning to hunt on a WMA, see a list of WMAs and their seasonal closure dates at https://fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management-areas. 

Hunters should check the hunting regulations to make sure they are compliant with all rules and regulations for this season. Hunters should also be aware that trapping seasons are open in several districts. 

To watch a video about the rules of muzzleloader heritage season, click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V37ADgZrG1Y.