FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—MAY 20, 2011



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—MAY 20, 2011

Contact: Diane Tipton, 406-444-3079, or visit the FWP website at fwp.

2011 GENERAL FISHING SEASON OPENS SATURDAY MAY 21

Montana’s 2011 general fishing season opens Saturday May 2 and both wading and boating anglers are being to urged to use caution and to wear a well-fitted life jacket due to high-stream flows on many streams in Montana.

"Safety must by every angler's first concern," said Ron Aasheim, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks spokesman in Helena. "Some fishing access sites on the Yellowstone, Madison and Missouri rivers are closed due to high water and conditions are hazardous for anglers, floaters and boaters on many waters in the state."

The general fishing season opens the third Saturday in May every year. Fishing on the state’s lakes and reservoirs and some designated rivers is generally open year round.

For boating safety or restrictions and closures go to the FWP website at fwp.. Click "Recreation." Then choose "Stay Safe Outdoors".

The 2011 fishing regulations are available at FWP offices and license providers, or visit FWP’s website at fwp. to view the 2011 fishing regulations on line.

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TO GO OR NOT TO GO IS THE QUESTION ON BOATERS' MINDS

Risky high-water conditions on Montana's rivers and streams this spring have even experienced boaters and anglers questioning whether now is a time to be on the water.

"Sometimes the decision to stay off the water is the only safe decision, hard as that may be after a long winter," said Liz Lodman, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks boat education coordinator.

Lodman advised boaters and anglers who choose venture out on the water, to wear their life jackets at all "U.S. Coast Guard boating statistics show that nearly 84 percent of those who drowned in 2009 were not wearing life jackets," she said. "A life jacket can't save your life if you aren't wearing it."

State and federal laws require children under 12 years of age to wear personal flotation devices on all boats. Adults must have a life jacket or personal flotation device readily available at all times.

"Many people forget when they decide to take a risk and not wear their life jacket that they are also risking the lives of the search and rescue folks who must try to save them," Lodman said.

Lodman also warned of standing up in a small boat to cast a fishing line or change seats, can lead to a tragedy in high water because standing in a drift boat or other vessel can cause it to capsize.

"Always stay low and near the center line of a small boat or canoe," Lodman said. "Weight has to be properly distributed at all times to keep the vessel from capsizing,"

Other stability problems occur when the boat is overloaded or gear is not secured. Capsizing accounts for about 30 percent of boating fatalities in the state.

"Swift currents, cold water, and hidden snags will make boating dangerous in the next few weeks and greatly increase the risk of drowning," Lodman said. "A boater's best bet, if there is any questions about the conditions, is to play it safe by waiting until after the spring runoff."

For more information on safe boating, see the FWP website at fwp.. On the Recreation page click Stay Safe Outdoors.

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SIDEBAR

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens, who are responsible for enforcing the state’s boating and water recreation laws, suggest the following to avoid boating accidents.

• Know the basics of water safety and survival.

• Stay alert to weather, wind and water conditions throughout the trip.

• Learn the basics of navigation and know how to operate the craft you plan to use.

• Know and obey the laws requiring a personal flotation device or life jacket.

▪ Children under 12 years of age must wear a PFD on a boat less than 26 feet in length that is in motion.

▪ Appropriately-sized PFDs must be readily available for all adults on board. Adults should wear their PDFs. They serve as a floatation device and offer extra insulation from cold water, helping protect you from hypothermia.

• Treat swift, cold water with respect, it is very dangerous, even with a PFD.

• Be aware conditions on a river are rarely the same from one trip to the next and weather, water speed, temperature, time-of-year, concealed obstructions all pose potential challenges.

• Always tell someone where you’re going, who is with you, and how long you plan to be away.

• Check your boat, safety and other survival gear, boat balance, engine and fuel supply before leaving.

• Do not enter the water under any circumstances after consuming alcohol or drugs, and be aware their effects are magnified by stressors on the body such as sun, motion and heat.

A summary of Montana’s boating laws is available at all FWP offices.

Water safety training courses are provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Montana. A home study course to gain a motorboat operator’s certificate is available from all FWP regional offices.

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PADDLEFISH HARVEST ENDS: FORT BENTON TO FORT PECK DAM

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission recently closed the 2011 paddlefish harvest season on the Upper Missouri River section from Fort Benton to Fort Peck Dam.

The harvest closure means that in this section of the Upper Missouri River, paddlefish can only be caught and released for the remainder of the 2011 season. The 2011 paddlefish harvest quota for this population in the Upper Missouri River is 500 fish.

The catch-and-release season will remain open through June 15. Proof of purchase of a white paddlefish tag on the angler’s fishing license is required for catch-and-release fishing in this section. Legal hours for catch-and-release fishing for paddlefish are 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

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DEADLINE APPROACHES FOR ELK, DEER AND ANTELOPE LICENSE APPLICATIONS

The deadline to apply for FWP’s special license drawings for elk, deer and antelope licenses is June 1.

Hunters can apply in minutes for special big game hunting permits and licenses by going to the FWP website at fwp. and using FWP’s Online Services.

For those who don’t own a computer, Internet access is available at Montana’s 80 public libraries and 30 branch public libraries.

Information about FWP’s SuperTag lottery, deadlines, and how to purchase the $5 chances is also available online at fwp.. Click "SuperTag".

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FIRST SUPERTAG DEADLINE IS JUNE

Hunters don't miss out on a chance to win a super hunt by purchasing one or more Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' $5 SuperTag chances for the fall 2011 hunting season.

The deadlines to purchase SuperTags are:

• June 30—moose, bighorn sheep and mountain goat

• July 28—deer, elk, antelope, bison, and mountain lion

Each year, drawings for eight SuperTag licenses occur. Chances can be purchased as gifts for friends or family members Winners may hunt any district open to the species for which they won a tag.

SuperTag proceeds go to enhance hunting access and boost FWP enforcement efforts. A 2011 conservation license is necessary to purchase a SuperTag.

SuperTags are available at all FWP offices and license providers. Information about FWP’s SuperTag lottery, deadlines, and how to purchase the $5 chances is also available online at fwp.. Click "SuperTag".

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BE BEAR AWARE

Bears are out foraging for food in earnest, a sure sign spring is finally here. That means rural residents and those who live in the interface between urban and wild lands should have already taken in their bird feeders and removed other potential outdoor food sources that would draw a bear's attention.

For a complete list of food attractants, visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks "Be Bear Aware" web pages at fwp..

To be aware of the locations where bears have been relocated, check fwp. . Click WildThings, then Living With Wildlife for the 'Relocation' page.

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A GOOD REASON NOT TO RUN—PACK BEAR SPRAY

The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee stresses the importance of following proper bear avoidance safety techniques and recommends bear spray as an effective tool for personal safety when recreating in bear country.

Bear spray has the potential to reduce human injuries and the number of bears that are killed as a result of conflicts with humans. The active ingredient in bear spray is an extremely strong irritant that turns the tables on an aggressive bear.

IGBC bear spray recommendations and other useful information can be found on the IGBC Website. For an overview of bear safety, go to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website at fwp., click Living With Wildlife, then Be Bear Aware.

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SIDEBAR:

BEAR SPRAY TIPS

Here are some tips from the IBGC on selecting and buying a bear spray:

Always ask specifically for "bear spray".

• All bear sprays must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. Purchase products that clearly state "for deterring attacks by bears." The EPA registration number is displayed on the front label.

• The active ingredient is clearly shown on the label and is 1-2 percent capsaicin and related capsaicinoids. The active ingredient is what affects the bears eyes, nose, mouth, throat and lungs.

• Personal defense, law enforcement or military sprays, (often referred to as “pepper spray”) may not be formulated, contain the correct ingredients or have the proper delivery system, to divert a charging or attacking bear.

• The suggested spray duration is six seconds to compensate for multiple bears, wind, bears that may zigzag, circle, or charge repeatedly, and to ensure some spray remains in the can for the hike out.

• The suggested spray distance is at least 25 feet to reach the bear at a distance sufficient for the bear to react to effects of the spray in time to divert its charge and retreat.

• Each person working or recreating in bear habitat should carry a can of bear spray in a quickly accessible fashion. Bear spray should also be readily available in the sleeping, cooking and toilet areas of a camp.

• Check the expiration date on each can of bear spray before packing it.

How to use bear spray:

• Take time to practice with bear spray in advance of recreating or working outdoors. Inert cans of bear spray are available for practice with a similar spray path and range but no active ingredients.

• When confronting an aggressive bear, remove the safety clip.

• If the bear approaches within 25 feet, aim slightly down and in front of the approaching bear. If necessary, adjust for cross winds.

• Spray again if the bear continues to approach.

• Once the animal has retreated or is busy cleaning itself, leave the area as quickly as possible—don't run—or go to an immediate area of safety, such as a car or building.

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LIVING WITH WILDLIFE GRANTS AVAILABLE

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking grant proposals for two-year projects dealing with human/wildlife conflicts in urban and suburban settings. Proposals are due June 30. A total of $62,944 in project funding will be awarded in July.

FWP’s "Living With Wildlife" grant program promotes the successful coexistence of people and wildlife. The program emphasizes local involvement, partnerships, cost sharing, and prevention, or solutions designed to address human/wildlife conflicts.

"FWP administers the grants, but other agencies, local governments, organizations, and private citizens develop and implement most of the successfully funded projects," said Joe Weigand, FWP's private land wildlife specialist in Helena. "Communities are encouraged to team up with FWP on projects that seek local solutions to often complex situations."

Projects may:

• Identify specific "Living With Wildlife" needs.

• encourage local partnerships with other agencies, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, teachers and private citizens.

• develop information that helps individuals and local communities make informed decisions and responsible choices.

• prevent problems from occurring.

• reduce current demands on other FWP resources for responses to situations better managed through "Living With Wildlife."

Grant applications are available via the FWP website at fwp. . Click "Living With Wildlife" then "Grant Proposals". Electronic copies of the grant application are also available by email request to: joweigand@.. Or write to: "Living With Wildlife” Attn: Joe Weigand, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, 1420 East Sixth Avenue, PO Box 200701 Helena MT 59620-0701.

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HUNTING DOG HANDLING AND SHOTGUN SEMINAR FOR WOMEN JUNE 4

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Becoming and Outdoors Woman program will sponsor a free seminar on hunting dogs in Helena on June 4 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the "Montana Wild" Education Center at Spring Meadow State Park in Helena.

"Your hunting dog is not only your partner in the field, she's a member of the family," said Liz Lodman, FWP BOW coordinator. "Giving your dog the best training possible benefits you both and makes your hunting trips a positive, fun experience."

Participants will learn about different breeds of hunting dogs, learn about training techniques and the tools and equipment used to train hunting dogs. Shotgun handling and safety will be reviewed.

Lodman said this free seminar is for you if:

• you're a dog owner who wants to learn training techniques,

• you plan to get a hunting dog and want to be prepared to train a puppy,

• you're interested in upland bird or waterfowl hunting, and

• you want to know how hunt tests work.

Class size is limited. Registration forms are available on the FWP website at fwp. Click "Women Outdoors." For more information, call Liz Lodman at 406-444-9940, or by email: llodman@.

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SAVE THE DATE FOR SUMMER BOW

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' popular Becoming and Outdoors Woman three-day, summer workshop is set for Aug. 5-7 at the Lubrecht Experimental Forest camp near Missoula.

Women are encouraged to bring a friend and learn a new activity or improve existing skills. Participants choose four classes from a variety of topics including basic gun handling, rifle, shotgun, fishing, map and compass, outdoor cooking, canoeing, plant identification, outdoor survival, and more. The fee for this summer is estimated to be between $200-250, including meals and lodging.

Women who have attended the BOW summer workshop in the past and those who have always said they wanted to attend one will want to mark their calendars and save Aug. 5-7.

For more on the BOW and Beyond BOW workshops scheduled this summer go to fwp.. Click "Women Outdoors." For more information, call Liz Lodman at 406-444-9940, or by email: llodman@.

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EASY BUT OFTEN OVERLOOKED ADVICE-- BE PREPARED!

By Tom Carlsen, FWP Wildlife Biologist in Townsend

Lessons learned the hard way might be the lessons we remember longest.

A few years ago, some friends and I horse-packed into Danaher Creek in the Bob Marshall Wilderness for a week-long fishing trip. After a morning of great fishing we were sitting around camp lying about our angling exploits when a father and son backpacking team hobbled into camp.

One look at their new hiking boots and it was apparent they suffered from painful blisters on their feet and heels. They didn't have a first aid kit or even moleskin with them. This was likely the first and last time they broke in new hiking boots in the wilderness.

After doctoring their blisters and giving them extra moleskin and a cup of coffee they were off again.

This is only one example of why, when I’m outdoors, I carry a survival pack. Regardless of the activity, if you spend enough time outdoors, things not only can go wrong—they will—for you or for someone else.

The best defense is to be prepared—and yet this simplest of mottos is overlooked time and again in the rush to recreate outdoors.

One sure remedy is to always carry a pack equipped with the 'right' gear to deal successfully with almost any common situation.

Right also means that what you carry is specific to the season and the activities you enjoy. Don't forget the handful of items that might also ensure your survival.

Some basics for survival include a light weight backpacker stove, freeze dried meals, an extra water bottle and some commercial fire starter which is readily available at your local sporting goods store.

There is also benefit in having two kits, one for your vehicle and a second for your back pack or saddle pack.

Equipped with a pre-planned, pre-packed kit, you will always be prepared to carry on, even if things go seriously wrong. And, in happening upon someone else's emergency, you will be the stranger everyone in trouble hopes to meet.

To keep it simple, I use the same pack year round, adding or pulling out gear and clothes, depending on the season.

This time of year I'm transitioning from a hunting pack to a spring and summer pack. I remove the hunting-related gear, but retain universally useful items—for example, the aluminum blanket and GPS.

Spring through late fall I now also carry bear spray on the outside of the pack where it is easily accessible.

My first aid kit expands to hold bug spray in the warmer months. I've also assembled a first aid kit for my mules and horses when I pack and ride. If you spend a lot of time outdoors with a dog, it would be smart to identify some key canine first aid items and make them a regular part of your kit.

For overnight backpacking trips, simply transfer items from your day pack to a backpack. Try storing items by category in small, labeled stuff sacks so they are easily transferred from one pack to another.

Most importantly though, commit to never getting more than 20 feet from your rig without putting your pack on.

Survival priorities are to stay warm, dry, fed, hydrated, and to have something to use to signal for help. Here are the essentials I carry winter or summer.

OUTDOOR BACK PACK LIST

• Pocket knife

• Wrist or pocket watch

• Extra Clothes, Gore-tex rain gear (good for layering)

• Polar fleece or wool stocking cap, light weight balaclava that covers the head exposing only the eyes and nose

• One quart of water. More is optional. Carry a filter canteen for water in the field---this is a container with a filtering system incorporated into it capable of filtering giardia among other harmful pollutants.

• Compass or GPS unit

• High-energy foods

• Extra gloves

• First aid kit—additions for canine companions might include a muzzle or gauze for making a dog muzzle or wrapping an injured paw, tweezers, and fleece blanket to use as a stretcher and to keep dog warm if it needs to be transported

• Flashlights, at least two and check batteries before you go. Most headlamps these days have switches that don't easily turn on in a pack. Look for one with an LED bulb.

• Extra batteries

• Maps

• Matches in waterproof container/windproof lighter

• Fire starter- various kinds on the market or make your own

• Rope—25 feet of small diameter nylon cord

• Toilet paper in plastic bag

• Orange flagging

• Large eye, heavy duty sewing needle and floss or heavy waxed thread

• Large plastic garbage bags

SURVIVAL STUFF

• Space blanket

• Whistle

• Signaling mirror

• Backpacker stove to warm water

• Freeze dried foods, tea bags or instant hot chocolate

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FWP NEWS FOR MAY 20

Fishing & Water Safety

• 2011 GENERAL FISHING SEASON OPENS SATURDAY MAY 21

• TO GO OR NOT TO GO IS THE QUESTION ON BOATERS' MINDS

• PADDLEFISH HARVEST ENDS: FORT BENTON TO FORT PECK DAM

Hunting Tag Deadlines

• DEADLINE APPROACHES FOR ELK, DEER AND ANTELOPE LICENSE APPLICATIONS

• FIRST SUPERTAG DEADLINE IS JUNE

Bear Safety

• BE BEAR AWARE

• A GOOD REASON NOT TO RUN—PACK BEAR SPRAY

General News

LIVING WITH WILDLIFE GRANTS AVAILABLE

Workshops

• HUNTING-DOG HANDLING AND SHOTGUN SEMINAR FOR WOMEN JUNE 4

• SAVE THE DATE FOR SUMMER BOW

FWP OUTDOORS EXTRA

EASY BUT OFTEN OVERLOOKED ADVICE-- BE PREPARED

By Tom Carlsen, FWP Wildlife Biologist in Townsend

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