Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to discuss grizzly relocation and fishing rules

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) department is preparing for several regulatory and educational initiatives. The FWP Commission is scheduled to meet in Helena on October 15 to discuss various proposals, including the selection of approved locations for the release of relocated grizzly bears. Other agenda items include updates to fishing regulations for 2027-28, brown trout rules in the Flathead River drainage, and potential motorized-use restrictions at Swan Lake and the Bitterroot River.

Additionally, the department is proposing updates to recreation site fees, noting that camping and public-use fees have not been adjusted since 2014. To address bear safety, September is designated as ‘Bear Aware Month’ in Montana. FWP will host events, such as a free safety class in Missoula on September 1, where participants can practice using inert bear spray with a robotic bear. The department is also facilitating the collection of expired bear spray canisters at various offices statewide.