Deer Hunting at the Marias River State Park and WMA

The FWP Commission recently approved a limited-access deer hunt at Montana's new Marias River State Park and Wildlife Management Area, southwest of Shelby.

Hunters have until Aug. 7 to apply online or by mail. Applications are available at all FWP regional offices or via the FWP Web site at fwp.mt.gov <http://fwp.mt.gov/default.html>.

Click "Marias Deer Hunt Access <http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/hunteraccess/marias.html>."
"At meetings last winter, area residents stated their preference for a limit on the number of hunters using the new property," says Gary Olson, FWP wildlife biologist.

Access to the new Marias River State Park and Wildlife Management Area will be allocated as follows:
Archery Season - Sept. 5-Oct. 18, 2009
· 10 archers for the first 2 weeks
· 10 archers for the 3rd and 4th weeks
· 10 archery hunters for 5th and 6th weeks

General Season - Oct. 25-Nov. 15, 2009
· 10 rifle hunters for the 1st week
· 10 rifle hunters for the 2nd week
· 10 rifle hunters for the 3rd and final week

Each of the 60 hunters randomly drawn will be notified by letter of their access. Public access remains open for all other species - antelope, birds and fishing. Maps of the property and general area rules are available online or at FWP’s Region 4 office in Great Falls.
For more information call the FWP Region 4 office at (406) 454-5840.

Points to remember:
· Hunter may apply only once per year.
· Hunters may apply for either the archery season or the general rifle season, but not both.
· No party applications accepted.
· Hunt periods will be allotted at the time of drawing and are not transferable.
· Hunters must include their full name, address, phone number, ALS number and desired hunt method (archery or rifle) on the application.
· Successful applicants will be contacted with hunt access information and authorized permission before the start of archery season.
· Successful applicants may use any deer license valid in Hunting District 406.
· All hunting will conform to regulations for hunting district 406, which has a three-week deer season.