Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announced last week it was reopening public comment periods into early March on the state’s new grizzly and wolf management plans, both of which have drawn scrutiny from animal protection groups and conservationists. FWP said reopening the comment window through March 9 will ensure it is adhering to Montana statute when it comes to giving county commissioners

The new license year opens March 1, which means that is the day you can buy your 2024 hunting, fishing and conservation licenses and begin applying for permits and special licenses. The deadline to apply for deer and elk permits is April 1. Applications for most species — deer, elk, antelope, deer B licenses, elk B licenses, antelope B licenses, moose, sheep, goat, bison, bear, turkey —

Addressing his property tax task force at the group’s first formal meeting Wednesday, Gov. Greg Gianforte had two big messages: Figure out how to bring some permanent tax relief to Montana homeowners — and don’t do it by recommending a statewide sales tax. “As we and all Montanans know too well, property taxes are too high. That’s why we’re here — Montana homeowners need relief,”