Miscellaneous Information

Table of Contents

• Richard Nelson ... From A Hunter's Heart
• Obtaining or Renewing Hunting and Fishing Licenses?
• Note to Migratory Waterfowl Hunters
• Report Violations
• Montana Stream Access Law
• Montana Trespass Law
• Refuges in Montana
• Disclaimer Statement for this Website

Richard Nelson [From A Hunter's Heart]

"After we've lost a natural place, it's gone for everyone - hikers, campers, boaters, bicyclists, animals watchers, fishers, hunters, and wildlife - a complete and absolutely democratic tragedy of emptiness. For this reason, it's vital that we overcome our differences, find common ground in our shared love for the natural world, and work together to defend the wild."

Richard Nelson is a cultural anthropologist whose previous books include Shadow of the Hunter, Hunters of the Northern Forest, Hunters of the Northern Ice, Make Prayers to the Raven, and The Island Within, for which he won the John Burroughs Medal for outstanding natural history writing. He is also winner of the Lannan Literary Award for Nonfiction.

He is a wildlife watcher, conservationist, a subsistence hunter, and an anthropologist fascinated with humankind and our relationships to wild animals.

His book Heart and Blood has been likened to "the work of Rachel Carson."

Obtaining or Renewing Hunting and Fishing Licenses?

Hunting and fishing licenses are issued through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MFWP). Hunting and fishing licenses can generally be purchased at any retail outlet that deals in hunting and fishing equipment, such as sporting goods stores. However, tags for some species of big game are only available through drawings. Regulations booklets, Federal Duck Stamps, and season/harvest information can usually also be obtained through those retailers.

Note to Migratory Waterfowl Hunters

In order to hunt migratory waterfowl in Montana, you must possess a Conservation License, a State Duck Stamp, and a Federal Duck Stamp. Duck Stamps can be purchased at any retail outlet that sells hunting and fishing equipment, such as sporting goods stores, K-Mart, Wal-Mart, etc. Duck Stamps can also be ordered online, or by calling either (800) DUCK499 or (800) STAMP24. Further information can be found through the Federal Duck Stamp Office home page.

Report Violations

To report violations, or if you have any questions, call one of the following numbers: 1-800-TIP-MONT • 1-800-634-0690 • (406) 876-668 • (406) 675-4700 • (406) 752-5501

Montana Stream Access Law

Under the Montana Stream Access Law, the public may use rivers and streams for recreational purposes up to the ordinary high-water marks. Although the law gives recreationists the right to use rivers and streams for water-related recreation, it does not allow them to enter posted lands bordering those streams or to cross private lands to gain access to streams. Complete rules are available at any FWP office.

Montana Trespass Law

Montana's trespass law states that a member of the public has the privilege to enter private land only:

1. with the explicit permission of the landowner or his agent, or
2. when the landowner has failed to post a no-trespassing notice

The recreationist must obtain permission from the landowner before entering posted lands. Montana hunters must always obtain permission to access private land. Recreationists are urged to obtain complete rules about this law from any FWP office.

Montana Bridge Access Law

Montana's bridge access law:

1. allows landowners to attach fencing to bridge abutments to keep livestock from wandering onto roads, as long as the fence is modified with a gate, stile, walk-over, roller, or similar passage that allows the public to get through to the river;
2. protects land­owners from liability if someone gets hurt while accessing a stream using the county right-of-way;
3. gives Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks primary oversight of the public passage mechanisms, responsibility to resolve access disputes, and authority to build a stile, gate or other access if the landowner refuses to comply; and
4. allows the public river access from roads or bridges.

Refuges in Montana

The country's 545 national wildlife refuges contribute to the conservation and recovery of wildlife and wildlife habitat, and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and appreciation of the natural world. The Refuge System's approximately 100 million acres are home to 700 species of birds, 220 species of mammals, and more than 1,000 species of fish, and countless invertebrates, plants, reptiles and amphibians.

In addition, remember, there are many units in the National Wildlife Refuge System throughout the United States that are open to hunting and/or fishing.

• US Fish & Wildlife Service - Where Can I Go Hunting? [Units in the National Wildlife Refuge System That Are Open to Hunting]
• US Fish & Wildlife Service - Where Can I Go Fishing? (Units in the National Wildlife Refuge System That Are Open to Fishing)
• For additional hunting and fishing information on individual refuges in Montana, please click on our "Refuges In MT" link on the left sidebar.

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