Outdoors briefs: Region 6 volunteer instructors honored for service

Hunter, bowhunter education instructors honored

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks honored the service of several Region 6 Hunter and Bowhunter Education volunteer instructors at an annual workshop, held on Feb. 9 in Glasgow. 

Receiving awards this year were numerous instructors with service ranging from 5-25 years. All award recipients receive a plaque. Certain milestones receive an additional special award. These include an engraved knife for 10 years and an FWP belt buckle for 20 years. 

Highlighting this year's awards were Gifford Fjeld of Hinsdale and Donald Holden of Havre. Also receiving a special award for Region 6 Instructor of the Year was Joe Yeoman of Valley County.

Listed below are the individuals honored at the workshop:

• 5-year Hunter Ed.: Tom Escarcega, Roosevelt County; Tyler Hillman, Valley County; and Bryan Shennum, McCone County
• 5-year Bowhunter Ed.: Kevin Hunter, Phillips County; and Dirk Monson, Valley County
• 10-year Hunter Ed.: Alex Burke, Valley County
• 15-year Hunter Ed.: Douglas Shennum, McCone County; and Scott Thompson, Valley County
• 20-year Hunter Ed.: Gifford Fjeld, Valley County
• 25-year Hunter Ed.: Donald Holden, Hill County

Results from Smith River algae study ready to be shared

Scientists will be sharing findings from an ongoing study of nuisance algae growth on the Smith River at two public meetings scheduled in Helena and White Sulphur Springs. 

During 2015, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and FWP began receiving numerous reports of incredible algae growth that was interfering with recreational activities along the Smith River. After initial observations by the agencies for the next two years, DEQ launched the Smith River Nuisance Algae Study in 2018. 

During the first season, DEQ sampled at multiple locations on the mainstem of the Smith and on two tributaries. Scientists are considering a variety of potential causes for the increase of Cladophora, a type of stringy green algae native to Montana. 

Variables being studied include changing air and water temperatures, levels of nutrients that promote growth and pH levels.

The first meeting will be in Helena. This will be on Monday, March 11 at the DEQ Metcalf Building, 1520 E. 6th Avenue, Room 111, from 12:30-3 p.m.

The second meeting is in White Sulphur Springs. This will be on Tuesday, March 12 at All Seasons Inn and Suites, 808 3rd Avenue SW, from 5:30-8 p.m.

For more information on the meeting, or to make special needs accommodations, contact Karen Ogden at 406-444-6469 or karen.ogden@mt.gov. 

Madison River committee meeting in Ennis

The Madison River Negotiated Rulemaking Committee will meet on Wednesday, March 6 and Thursday, March 7, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on each day in the Sportsman's Lodge, 310 North Main Street. 

The public is invited to attend the meetings and a public comment period will take place at 4:30 p.m. each day.

For more information, call the Helena fisheries office at 406-444-2449. 

2019 black bear hunting regulations now online

The 2019 Black Bear Hunting Regulations are now available on FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov/hunting/regulations.

Hard copies of the hunting regulations will be on the shelf at FWP offices and local license providers. 

Updates on mountain lion hunting

These are the recent updates regarding mountain lion hunting:

• Hunting District 132 is closed to all mountain lion hunting. The closure went into effect on March 4 and includes portions of Flathead and Lake counties. 

For more information on hunting status in Montana, you can visit fwp.mt.gov/hunting/status/ or call 1-800-711-8727.