Outdoor briefs

Animal tracking class

Discover the world of animal tracks, sign, scat and habitats at this animal tracking class in Libby. Meet at the Venture Inn at 9 a.m., Sat. Jan., 22.

Over coffee, participants will go over handouts on different species and track patterns. At about 9:30 a.m., the group will head to the field to examine several habitat types for track and sign.

This adult class will make several roadside stops, and take some short hikes on private lands less than 1 mile round trip. Participants will be in their own vehicles, and then in the great outdoors where we will will maintain safe and healthy distances from each other as we meander through the woods as a tracking team.

All participants must register to attend. This will be a great opportunity to learn tracking basics, break in your snowshoes, get some exercise, and meet some like minded outdoorsy folks.

Instructors have both college education and outdoor education instructor experience. Participants should come with full gas tanks, and be dressed properly for weather conditions. Also bring water, lunch, binoculars, cameras and a good sense of humor.

To register email b_baxter53@yahoo.com or call 406-291-2154. Wrap up at approx. 2:30 p.m. Small groups of less than 10. No dogs. Snowshoes are optional.

Wolf trapping opens

After monitoring grizzly bear activity across much of the state, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is opening wolf trapping in Wolf Management Units 100, 101,110,130 and 150 in Region 1; WMUs 313, 316 and 390 in Regions 3 and 5; and WMU 400 in Region 4.

FWP biologists have been monitoring grizzly bear activity with a variety of methods since early November. This includes monitoring collared grizzly bears, sightings of bears in the field, weather assessments and reports from the public.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted final changes to the 2021 wolf trapping regulations at its Oct. 28 meeting. The adoption included a “floating” start date for wolf trapping in areas with grizzly bears to be no earlier than the Monday after Thanksgiving, and no later than Dec. 31.

The commission directed the department to assess grizzly bear activity outside of dens to determine the potential for trapping conflicts and to open the wolf trapping season in grizzly areas when that risk is low. 

However, trappers need to be aware that grizzly bears could still be active and should avoid any area where bear sign is observed.