State agency outdoor briefs Snowshoeing hikes offered at Lone Pine State Park and FWP re-opens some lion mountain hunting
Snowshoe Discovery Hikes at Lone Pine
Montana State Parks -- stateparks.mt.gov -- and Lone Pine State Park will host Snowshoe Discovery Hikes on February 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Snowshoeing offers a great opportunity to enjoy the trails and the solitude that winter brings to an area, and Lone Pine State Park is a great place to learn the basics or further your snowshoeing abilities. Each ranger-guided Snowshoe Discovery Hike will feature a different topic related to winter ecology.
Snowshoes, Yak-Trak’s or ice cleats are recommended. Snowshoes are available at the visitor center on a first- come, first- served basis, and prices are included in the cost of the program. The press release from Montana State Parks states that the program is great for all ages and snow shoe experience.
Cost is $4 per person over the age of 13 and each hike is limited to 20 participants. For More information or to register call 406-755-2706, ext. 2. Or on the web, stateparks.mt.gov/lone-pine/
Lone Pine State Park is located five miles southwest of Kalispell and offers one of the most vivid views of the valley, 7.5 miles of trails and a beautiful interpretive center that provides information on living in a wildlife urban interface, according to the press release.
Additional amenities include a picnic shelter and a community room, which are both available to rent, as well as a volleyball court, horseshoe pit and an archery range. Lone Pine also offers a fantastic variety of educational and interpretive programs.
Hunting briefs
Male mountain lion hunting reopened in HDs 410, 417, 419 and 426
The hunting of male mountain lions in northcentral Montana hunting districts 410, 417, 419 and 426 -- which includes portions of Fergus, Petroleum and Judith Basin counties -- will reopen to the hunting of male mountain lions immediately.
A harvested lion was incorrectly reported in the wrong district by a hunter. These districts will remain open until the pre-established harvest sub-quotas for the districts combined are met.
All Mountain lion hunting to close in HD’s 319 and 341
The hunting of all mountain lions in southwestern Montana hunting districts 319 and 341 -- which include portions of Silver Bow and Deer Lodge counties -- Jan. 31.
The closure notice for the hunt came shortly after Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials received word that the pre-established harvest quota for the districts combined had been met.
To check the Montana hunting and trapping quota statuses, go to fwp.mt.gov/hunting/status/, or call the toll-free number at 1-800-385-7826.