Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks - Region 5

09/07/2026

Looking for a Hunter Education course before the season starts this fall? We've got a ton of classes coming up this month! For more info or to register, visit: https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/hunter

🟧Laurel, starting Sept. 8
🟧Roundup, starting Sept. 8
🟧Billings at Bass Pro Shops, starting Sept. 9
🟧Billings at Ben Steele Middle School, starting Sept. 14
🟧Billings at Medicine Crow Middle School, starting Sept. 14
🟧Red Lodge, starting Sept. 14
🟧Big Timber, starting Sept. 21
🟧Worden, starting Sept. 22

09/05/2026

🟧Attention Hunters🟧

If you want to PROTECT THE HUNT in Montana, prepare your mindset, not just your gear, and take the Hunter- Landowner Stewardship Video Guide + Test.

Hunters 18+ who take and pass the test can opt in to the Protect the Hunt Raffle. Backed by partners across the outdoor community, 11 winners will be randomly drawn in Spring 2027 for a chance to win gear and donated hunts.

Check out the full list of gear and hunts and start the Hunter- Landowner Stewardship Video guide + test using the link.
https://fwp.mt.gov/protectthehunt

09/04/2026

FWP offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day. We'll be open again on Tuesday.

Have a safe holiday weekend!

09/04/2026

⛺🦌🛶🐄Are you an engaged community member in south-central Montana, passionate about outdoor activities, interested in serving as an FWP ambassador? We need you!

✅Region 5 is currently seeking applicants for the Citizen Advisory Collective. Applications and more info are available here: https://fwp.mt.gov/homepage/news/2026/aug/08112026_fwp-seeking-applicants-for-region-5-citizen-advisory-collective

You can also email Chrissy Webb at [email protected] for an application.

📅Applications must be returned to Chrissy by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 14

09/02/2026

⚠Harmful algal bloom in Lake Elmo⚠

Water samples from Lake Elmo in Billings collected on August 26 have tested positive for cyanobacteria toxins, more commonly called a harmful algal bloom (HAB). Samples were sent to Department of Environmental Quality labs in Helena for toxicity testing.

Since sample collection, Billings has received abundant rain with cooler temperatures. HABs typically occur when water temperatures or nutrient levels are high. FWP continues to monitor the lake for ongoing signs of HABs and will continue reporting any findings to DEQ.

During a HAB, avoid the water and prevent children and pets from playing in or drinking the water. Rinse off people and pets you suspect have been exposed to a HAB to prevent skin irritation or illness.

For your safety this late summer and fall, steer clear of water that looks discolored, contains scum or has a bad smell. The algae may change the color of the water to red, green, blue or other colors and can grow on or below the surface of the water

Learn more about or report HABs online: hab.mt.gov.

08/31/2026

FWP has received an increased number of black bear reports in and around Billings this year. Natural bear foods are extremely limited this year, so bears are seeking out food anywhere they can, including in town.

Most of the bear reports have been from areas near the Yellowstone River. Residents near the river or the outskirts of town should follow these protocols to keep both people and bears safe:
🐻Store garbage bins inside secured building
🐻Put garbage outside only on collection day
🐻Avoid using bird feeders from March 1 to Dec. 15
🐻Clean barbeque grills and outdoor eating areas after use
🐻Store pet and livestock feed inside secured building
🐻Haze bears away from your property with loud noises, paintball guns or bear spray
🐻To report a bear sighting or conflict, contact the Billings FWP office at 406-247-2940

08/28/2026

We have SO MANY Hunter Education courses coming up the region! Huge thanks to our volunteer instructors for putting on these important courses.

🟧Laurel, beginning Sept 8: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/247455
🟧Roundup, beginning Sept 8: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/246905
🟧Billings at Bass Pro, beginning Sept 9: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/247291
🟧Field day for online students in Billings, Sept 9. Multiple time slots open for this. To find them all, visit: https://www.register-ed.com/programs/montana/244-montana-optional-in-person-hunter-ed-field-day/page:1
🟧Billings at Ben Steele Middle School, beginning Sept 14: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/247262
🟧Billings at Medicine Crow Middle School, beginning Sept 14: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/247457
🟧Red Lodge, beginning Sept 14: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/247206
🟧Big Timber, beginning Sept 21: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/247406

08/27/2026

🟧Attention all youth hunters age 15 and younger🟧

Yellowstone Valley Pheasants Forever and FWP are offering a free youth pheasant hunt near Billings Saturday, Sept. 12. Participants will practice safe shooting with a trained instructor, then head into the field with mentors and dog handlers. This is a great opportunity for new bird hunters!

Participants must have completed Hunter Education prior to the and have a valid Montana hunting license.

To get more info or sign up, call Chad at 406-860-5145 or visit

The Yellowstone Valley Chapter of Pheasants Forever will host its 32nd Annual Youth Hunt on September 12, 2026. Any youth 15 years old or younger that has passed Hunters’ Safety and has a valid Montana hunting license is eligible to participate free of charge. Space is limited and is filled on a f...

08/26/2026

‼️Chief Plenty Coups visitors—

There will be a planned power outage at the park tomorrow, Aug 26. The park will be open during the outage, but the visitor center will not be open. No inside restrooms, no sales, and no internet will be available for the day. Thanks for your understanding!

08/25/2026

🐻September is Bear Aware month! 🐻

During the month of September, you can drop your old bear spray canisters off at our Billings FWP office for proper disposal.

When do you need to replace your bear spray?
✅If the bear spray has expired (usually last 3-4 years)
✅If the bear spray can is damaged
✅If the bear spray has been partially used

Drop off your can and be entered to win a bear spray storage container!