Below is a news release from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks released proposals for 2026/2027 deer, elk and black bear regulations for public comment.

These proposals will ultimately go to the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission for a final decision at its meeting on Dec. 4. 

The rest of the biennial hunting regulation proposals were released for public review and comment Oct. 29. 

FWP’s biennial hunting season setting process is a lengthy effort to identify potential changes needed in the hunting regulations. This process involves formal scoping meetings around the state as well as efforts to solicit feedback from hunters, landowners and other members of the public. 

Public meetings

FWP will be hosting public meetings around the state to discuss the regulation proposals, and answer questions. Formal comments on the proposals must be made online or via mail to the Fish and Wildlife Commission. These meetings will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the following dates. The meetings at FWP regional offices will have a virtual option. More information on the meetings, including links for virtual options, can be found on the FWP website. 

Nov. 3 

  • Kalispell, at FWP’s regional office
  • Fort Benton at the Fort Benton Fire Department

Nov. 4 

  • Libby at Ponderosa Room, Libby City Hall
  • Billings, at FWP’s regional office
  • Stanford at City Hall

Nov. 5 

  • Eureka at the Lincoln County Annex Building
  • Lewistown at the Yogo Inn
  • Missoula, at FWP’s regional office

Nov. 6 

  • Thompson Falls at the High School Library
  • Great Falls, at FWP’s regional office

Nov. 10

  • Conrad at the Pondera Shooting Sports Complex
  • White Sulphur Springs at the Meagher County Shooting Range

Nov. 12

  • Miles City, at FWP’s regional office
  • Choteau at the public library

Nov. 13

  • Bozeman, at FWP’s regional office

Nov. 18

  • Glasgow, at FWP’s regional office

Public comment

Commenting on commission items can be done in two ways, either through the online portal via the commission webpage or by mailing comments to Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission, P.O. Box 200701, Helena MT 59620-0701.

(Photo credit: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks)