Site Staff

Biologists with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service along with the Flathead’s best birders from Flathead Audubon Society are out every week right now counting migratory waterfowl in the Smith and Flathead Valleys.

Near the small town of Olive, ten wild turkeys were found to have died from a viral infection identified as Avian Pox. Avian Pox is usually found in localized populations and is most commonly contracted from domestic poultry.

The classes will be offered from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. on March 26 through March 30 at the East Side School Library. A mandatory field day event, where practical skills are tested, is set for 9 a.m. to noon on March 31 at the Valley County Rifle & Pistol Club Range just outside town.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the rules that guide Montana’s Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program.

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission has expanded some general turkey hunting areas in western Montana. Turkey hunters may purchase a turkey license in a general area at FWP offices, license providers or online. The application deadline for western Montana’s spring gobbler season permits has passed.

Hunters may purchase black bear hunting licenses online at fwp.mt.gov, at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks license providers, or print a paper license application and mail it in to FWP. Licenses issued through the mail may take two weeks to process.

Quail populations have declined significantly in South Carolina and across the Southeast, but an ongoing project of the state natural resources agency may help stabilize numbers of the bird often referred to as the “Prince of Gamebirds.”