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A team representing the University of Montana Western will compete in the Road to the Horse Collegiate Colt Starting Challenge during the Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo in South Jordan, Utah on July 23 and 24, 2021. The Days of ’47 Cowboy Games and Rodeo is excited to continue to add to its legacy in the Salt Lake Valley by expanding events featured in conjunction with the World’s Only Gold Medal Rodeo. In 2021, the Road to the Horse Collegiate Colt Starting Competition will be added to the schedule. With an emphasis on education, Road to the Horse has inspired and fostered a strong knowledge of the fundamentals of natural horsemanship within its fan base. Since its inception in 2003, cultivating a solid foundation of natural horsemanship and strengthening equine partnerships have served as key principles of Road to the Horse, and one is hard pressed to find a more fitting classroom than the collegiate equestrian arena. Road to the Horse is honored to co-host the Collegiate Colt Starting Challenge in conjunction with the Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo on July 23 and July 24 at the Salt Lake County Equestrian Center in South Jordan, Utah. “There is no better way to create a legacy, than to invest in the future,” states Morris Equine Group President, Tina Battock. “We couldn’t be more excited to work with the Days of ’47 Rodeo to create an amazing platform to showcase the region’s top collegiate teams. We’re excited to bring Road to the Horse colt-starting action to Utah for the very first time!” Three top collegiate teams will compete for $30,000 in scholarships during the Collegiate Colt Starting Challenge, which requires each team to gentle a colt and display the highest standards of horsemanship over a two-day period. Three top regional horsemanship teams will represent the University of Montana Western, Utah Valley University, and Casper Community College. The judging panel will consist of Road to the Horse celebrities including Jeff Williams, Ken McNabb, and Wade Black. The event schedule, brimming with colt starting action, includes invaluable clinics from Ken McNabb and Wade Black. “As we continue to look for events to showcase as part of our overall Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo, this event felt like a natural fit,” said Tommy Joe Lucia, General Manager of the Days of ’47 Cowboy Games & Rodeo. “Road to the Horse not only reminds us of the importance of horsemanship fundamentals but showcases it in a competitive environment. We are excited to bring this unique event to the great State of Utah.” Students representing the University of Montana Western will be Katie Ross, James Ramirez, and Jacob Christenson. Head Natural Horsemanship Instructor, Eric Hoffmann, will accompany the students to the event. From left to right: Katie Ross, James Ramirez, Jacob Christenson, and Eric Hoffmann. Ross is a sophomore from Elko, Nevada, majoring in Ag Business with a minor in Natural Horsemanship. Ross lives for ranch rodeos, roping and playing basketball. She brings a great personality and a willingness to learn while working with horses. After college, she plans to work on the ranch with her father back home in Elko as well as other ranches in the area. Eventually, Ross would like to become a Western Video Market Representative. Ramirez is a senior from Churchill, Montana, double majoring in Biology and Natural Horsemanship with a minor in Equine Science. Ramirez is also a member of the rodeo team and will be a student senator this coming fall at UMW. He enjoys roping, riding horses, and attending team roping and calf roping jackpots. Ramirez qualified for the College National Finals Rodeo in team roping this past June. After college, he hopes to continue training horses and would like to rodeo professionally. Christenson is a junior from Buffalo, Minnesota, majoring in Natural Horsemanship with a minor in Ag Business. He serves as the President of the Horseman’s and Young Farmers and Ranchers clubs and is currently the Vice President of the Montana Associated Students organization and Student Senate at UMW. Christenson likes to show in sortings, cuttings, ranch rodeos, and reined cow horse. After college, he wants to take care of his family ranch in Minnesota. Hoffmann is the Director of Horsemanship and Head Horsemanship Instructor at the Montana Center for Horsemanship and the University of Montana Western. He has taught horsemanship classes at MCH and Montana Western since 2008. Hoffmann holds an A.A.S. in Equine Management and Training from Laramie County Community College and has earned both a B.S. and M.S. degree in Agriculture Education from the University of Wyoming and Montana State University. He currently serves on the Ranching Heritage Committee for the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA). The competition will get underway on Friday, July 23 at 8:30 a.m. and Saturday, July 24 at 8:15 a.m. Tickets are available for sale at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/160875993427 as well as on-site daily. To learn more about Road to the Horse, visit www.RoadtotheHorse.com . To view the schedule of events for The Days of ’47 Cowboy games, and to purchase tickets, visit www.daysof47cowboygames.com .

As boaters flock to the amazing rivers and lakes across the state for the July 4th weekend, keep in mind the rules aimed at preventing aquatic invasive species from spreading. Just like in past years, watercraft owners must stop at all open inspection stations they encounter. Typically, these stops are very brief and include a short series of questions and an inspection of the boat and trailer. Watercraft owners can make this process quick and easy if they consistently practice Clean, Drain and Dry: Clean all mud and debris from the watercraft and trailer. Pull drain plugs and make sure all compartments, bilges and ballasts are drained. Dry out your watercraft, including dry wells, storage areas and compartments. Following these simple instructions will not only protect Montana’s waters, but will also expedite inspections. In response to the busy weekend, FWP inspection station and enforcement staff will be working hard to make sure everyone knows the AIS rules and has a safe and fun time on the water. Do I need to be inspected? Confused about whether or not you need to get your watercraft inspected for aquatic invasive species? Don’t worry, the answer is simpler than you might think. What types of watercraft need an inspection? All watercraft must be inspected. All motorized boats must be inspected, including trolling motors. All nonmotorized watercraft including, but not limited to, drift boats, canoes, kayaks, rafts, fishing pontoon boats, row boats, pedal boats and stand-up paddle boards must be inspected. Are you bringing your watercraft into Montana from out of state? Yes: You must stop at all open roadside inspection stations. You must be inspected prior to launching on Montana waters. Find watercraft inspection stations at CleanDrainDryMT.com . Nonresident watercraft launching in Montana will also need to purchase a Vessel AIS Prevention Pass . Are you crossing the Continental Divide into the Columbia River Basin? Yes: You need to be inspected prior to launching on waters west of the Continental Divide. Are you launching on waters within the Flathead Basin and your watercraft was last used on waters outside the Flathead Basin? Yes: You need to be inspected prior to launching. No: If you launch your boat within the Flathead Basin, then transport your boat outside the Flathead Basin but do not launch it, then you do not need to seek out an inspection when you travel back into the Flathead Basin. However, you must stop at all open inspection stations as directed by signs. Are you encountering an open inspection station? Yes: If you have any type of watercraft, you must stop and get inspected, even if you have been previously inspected. These rules are not just good ideas, they’re the law. Failure to stop at an inspection station can result in a fine up to $500. The three steps of Clean, Drain, Dry greatly minimizes the risk of spreading aquatic invasive species. It also minimizes the time required for inspection at a station. To find a watercraft inspection station and to learn more, go to CleanDrainDryMT.com or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440.

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced that the state will devote ARPA funds to increase access to quality child care services for Montana families, protect Montana seniors, and provide home energy and home water assistance to low-income Montanans. The governor is dedicating more than $38 million in ARPA funds to increase access to child care for Montana parents and to stabilize the child care system in Montana following the pandemic. “For too long, Montana’s working families have faced a shortage of child care providers, putting them on long wait lists and between a rock and a hard place. The pandemic only made the problem worse, further destabilizing the system,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As Montanans get back to work, these funds will help stabilize our child care system, increase access to quality child care providers, and address child care deserts throughout our state. We are determined to use this one-time-only federal funding to produce long-term solutions that begin to fix this longstanding problem.” According to the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), 171 child care programs closed in Montana since the start of the pandemic, reducing the number of providers by nearly 16 percent to 916. More than $31 million of the funding will be directed toward subgrants for child care businesses. Priority will be given to child care providers that expand hours or capacity to serve more children; family, friend, and neighbor caregivers; faith- and community-based child care providers; and child care providers that serve unique populations such as children with disabilities, infants and toddlers, and low-income families. More than $6.8 million will be devoted to program administration and operations, with at least half dedicated to providing Montana child care providers with needed grant application assistance, capacity building, technical assistance, and business professional development services. In addition to providing resources to stabilize the child care system and increase access to services, the governor also announced nearly $8 million in funding to support and protect Montana’s aging population. More than $7.3 million will fund supportive services, congregate meals, home delivered meals, preventative health services, family caregiver support, and the DPHHS long-term care ombudsman. Nearly $650,000 will be allocated to establish three additional Elder Justice Councils and to fund a forensic investigator, prosecutor, and training team to improve the identification, investigation, and prosecution of adult maltreatment. “Cases of elder abuse are heartbreaking, and sadly they’re increasing,” Gov. Gianforte said. “These Elder Justice Councils will help protect aging Montanans from abuse and financial exploitation.” The governor also announced the allocation of nearly $29 million in ARPA funds for home energy and home water assistance for low-income Montanans with a focus on lasting solutions, including home weatherization. DPHHS will serve as the lead agency in implementing these programs and allocating funds.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public review and comment on several wildlife-related items approved for comment during the recent Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting. Proposals include the 2021 wolf hunting and trapping season, nongame check-off workplan, pheasant releases, Jordan urban wildlife plan, 2021 elk and deer muzzleloader season, 2021 elk shoulder season and 2021 contractual public elk hunting access agreements. More information on these items can be found on the FWP website under “Public Comment Opportunities” at https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/public-comment-opportunities . 2021 WOLF SEASON Montana's wolf population is well established, and can support increased harvest without adverse biological effects. Consistent with direction from recent legislation and the wolf management plan, the department has assembled several season options including the following tools. Other tools and a more detailed description of options can be found at the link above. Increase bag limit and allow a person to take more than one wolf per license. Liberalize seasons in quota areas. Allow snaring on private lands during the trapping season and extend season dates. The following is also proposed in relation to the use of snares for wolves: Must be equipped with a loop stop that will close to a loop no smaller than 2.5 inches in diameter (stop placed at no less than 8 inches from end of loop). Must have a breakaway device rated at 1,000 lbs. or less installed on the loop end. Must be placed such that the bottom of the snare loop is at least 18 inches above the surface. Power-assisted (e.g., spring-loaded) snare locks are prohibited on wolf snares on public lands. A relaxing snare lock is required on snares in lynx protection zones. In addition, FWP proposes re-visits to the commission at certain harvest amounts and non-target captures, that all non-targets from traps and snares be reported, and that the wolf season be re-visited each year using the most recent wolf population data available. NONGAME CHECK-OFF WORKPLAN The Fish and Wildlife Commission annually reviews and approves the nongame wildlife program’s projects recommended for funding from the nongame wildlife tax check-off account. While final 2020 tax year donations are unknown at this time, the average received by FWP from the 2004-2018 tax years was $30,000-$40,000/year. FWP is proposing some combination of the following work in FY21 dependent on the final allocation: $30,000 Inventory, monitoring, and conservation work on Montana Species of Concern and species in need of inventory as determined through a formal ranking process and minimize the negative impacts of Endangered Species Act listings to landowners, recreationists and user groups $5,000 Wildlife viewing and outreach projects that encourage more Montanans to appreciate Montana wildlife. $5,000 Competitive graduate student stipend for nongame research. PHEASANT RELEASES Since 1987 FWP has administered a pheasant release program, whereby landowners or pheasant producers raise and release pheasants for population enhancement and expanded public hunting opportunity. Private landowners are reimbursed through the Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program (UGBEP). For fall 2021, FWP is proposing the purchase and release of pen-reared pheasants on private lands for population enhancement purposes, as well as state wildlife management areas for hunter recruitment purposes. These releases are intended to expand hunting opportunity on private lands and to be used as a young hunter recruitment tool during the youth weekend pheasant hunting season. The specific locations where pheasants will be released is still being determined, so FWP is seeking programmatic approval for pheasant releases in suitable locations. JORDAN URBAN WILDLIFE PLANS In 2003, the Montana Legislature authorized cities to create plans to control wildlife for public health and safety within city limits. These plans must be approved by the commission before implementation. The Town of Jordan, Montana, developed Deer and Turkey Management Action Plans, in cooperation with the department, to address concerns of its citizens about growing numbers of deer and turkeys within urban areas and an increased risk to human safety and of property damage. The plans lay out goals, actions and a management process to implement the actions. The plans are patterned after plans already approved for the communities of Colstrip, Glendive and Ekalaka. Public hunting, restricted to archery, within the incorporated city limits is the primary tool employed to manage urban deer and turkey numbers. A process has been set up to: 1) incorporate private open space property owners who voluntarily wish to participate in the deer and turkey management program, and 2) involve public hunters in the deer and turkey management program. 2021 DEER & ELK MUZZLELOADER SEASON During the 2021 Legislative Session, House Bill 242 was adopted and signed into law that establishes a nine-day muzzleloader season for deer and elk that begins on the second Saturday following the end of the regular season. To address this new statute, the commission must consider options to establish a muzzleloader season for the 2021 fall season. The department has prepared a recommended approach that any unused license-permit valid during the general season for hunting deer and elk in a specific hunting district would be valid during the muzzleloader season in accordance with the authorizations and restrictions associated with that license-permit. This approach would limit confusion and administrative burden. 2021 ELK SHOULDER SEASON The intent of a shoulder season is to supplement existing antlerless elk harvest, not replace or reduce harvest during existing general archery or firearm seasons. Elk shoulder seasons provide the ability to harvest more antlerless elk, although the distribution of the harvest may not be consistent temporally. Several hunting districts (HDs) currently remain above objective even with late shoulder seasons. The commission is considering extending shoulder seasons to Feb. 15, 2022 in HDs that have late seasons that currently end before Feb. 15, 2022, to increase antlerless harvest or alter elk distributions. Any extension could apply to all license-permit types valid in those HDs with associated restrictions (e.g., not valid on National Forest lands). Currently, those elk HDs include: 262, 290, 298, 390, 391, 393, 411, 417, 502, 510, 511, 520, 530, 540, 560, 575, 580, and 590. 2021 CONTRACTUAL PUBLIC ELK HUNTING ACCESS AGREEMENTS Several bills in the 2021 legislative session addressed agreements with landowners. A summary of those changes include that the department may issue an either-sex or antlerless elk permit, license or a combination, in exchange for allowing three successful elk permit holders (one-third of which may be selected by landowner), as well as additional public hunters to lands enrolled in a contractual public elk hunting access agreement for wildlife management. Agreements require approval by the commission. Under these contracts, the landowner works with the department to define areas open to public elk hunting, the number of elk hunting days that will be allowed on the property, and other factors that the department and landowner consider necessary for elk management on the landowner's property. Two agreements are being considered for 2021: the Robert Lee Ranch and the John Swanz Ranch. The Lee agreement specifies a single 411-20 either-sex permit for the owner, family member or an authorized full-time employee. The Swanz agreement specifies two 411-20 either-sex permits for the owner, family member or an authorized full-time employee. The Lee agreement was first exercised in 2015, and the Swanz agreement was first exercised in 2002. Each has been reapplied annually since those dates based upon continued positive post-hunt evaluations. Both agreements include a provision that allows the landowners to select one-third of the participants (one for Lee and two for Swanz), and the department to notify two-thirds of the public 411-20 permit holders selected (two for Lee and four for Swanz) of the access opportunity. Public hunters are offered the opportunity to hunt on the enrolled property but may also hunt anywhere else the permit is valid. If any of the public hunters declines the opportunity to hunt on the ranch properties, it will be offered to the next randomly selected permit holder. For further clarification or additional materials, please call the Wildlife Division office at 406-444-2612 or send an email to fwpwld@mt.gov . Comments will be accepted online at https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/public-comment-opportunities ; in writing sent to FWP Wildlife Comments, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701; and by email to fwpwld@mt.gov . Comments on the proposed 2021 wolf hunting and trapping season will also be accepted at a zoom public hearing from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 30. Comments on the proposed items will be accepted until Monday, July 26, at 5 p.m., with final adoption at the August 2021 commission meeting.

Angling restriction on several rivers go into effect today due to warming water temperatures and low flows. The restrictions include what are commonly known as “hoot owl” closures, which means fishing is closed from 2 p.m. to midnight, and some full fishing closures. The closures and restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve. The closures and hoot owl restrictions include: Beaverhead River hoot owl restrictions from the mouth to Laknar Lane Bridge; Smith River hoot owl restrictions from the confluence of the North and South Fork of the Smith River to Eden Bridge south of Great Falls; Shields River full fishing closure from the mouth to Rock Creek; Lower Big Hole River hoot owl restrictions from the confluence with the Beaverhead River to Notch Bottom FAS; Upper Big Hole River full fishing closure from Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadow Road to the North Fork Big Hole River; Jefferson River entire river hoot owl restrictions; Sun River hoot owl restrictions from the mouth of Muddy Creek to the Highway 287 Bridge. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ drought policy provides for angling closures when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished, or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days. The current forecasts for hot daily temperatures and existing low flows prompt implementing restrictions now. These closures are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when drought and warm water conditions exist. All stress to fish at this time of year is cumulative, and anglers should consider fishing in cooler waters during times of low flows and high water temperatures in rivers. Anglers can help reduce stress for fish by following these practices when catching and releasing fish, though fish mortality may still occur: Fish during the coolest times of day, where permitted. Land the fish quickly. Keep the fish in water as much as possible. Remove the hook gently. Using artificial lures with single and barbless hooks can make hook removal faster and easier. Let the fish recover before releasing it. If high temperatures and extremely low flows persist anglers may want to consider fishing areas with less stressful temperatures and conditions, such as larger lakes or reservoirs, or higher elevation waterbodies.

BEAVERHEAD AMBULANCE SERVICES SPECIAL DISTRICT AGENDA Tuesday, June 29, 2021 4:00 P.M. Beaverhead County Courthouse – Commissioner’s Room 1. Reading of Minutes of previous meeting 2. Old Business a. Discussion with GIS coordinator regarding district area and information from the Department of Revenue on the taxable properties b. Discussion with County Clerk and Recorder and Department of Revenue Supervisor regarding the process for submitting the information to be put on the tax notices 3. New Business a. Discussion regarding information from accountant on how to set up the accounts for distribution of funds from District to pay payroll expense 4. Public discussion of District matters not on the agenda.

Julie Harcksen, Care Coordinator at Barrett Hospital & HealthCare, will speak to Rotarians and guests at noon Wednesday, June 30, 2021. She will provide information on how she supports patient care and population health as well as an exciting new service, Remote Patient Monitoring. Visitors are welcome. Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary should come at noon to be a guest for lunch. The Club meets in the Guild Hall of St. James Episcopal Church, 203 East Glendale St. For more information, email Mike Blando at mikeblando0717@gmail.com or Tina Giem at tgiem@barretthospital.org .

The Dillon Jaycees demolition derby was back Saturday night. Last year the derby was cancelled due to the pandemic, but Saturday night old cars were brought back to life one more time to test their might. Drivers battled it out in heats to see who would go on to the main match. As always, the action did not disappoint. In between matches entertainment was provided with a power wheels balloon pop and some UTV barrel racing action. Fans were able to cheer on their favorite racers as they made a clover leaf design around the barrels in an all-out race for the fastest time. Some racers even ended up on their side as they charged the barrels a little too fast. After all the action was done those who came out on top are: Stock Class - Monty Dobson 1, Coltin Mortaring 2, Gage Hoerning 3 Herby - Christopher Peltier 1 Class 3 - Shane Kraha 1, Nick Clark 2, Colby Piterson 3 UTV Barrel Race - Kyle Ketner 1 Grudge match - Justin Clark Kids Power Wheels - Tim Hazlewood Mean Gene - Shane Kraha

THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS TRANSMITTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE. THE GALLATIN COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE HAS ISSUED A MISSING ENDANGERED PERSON ADVISORY FOR MONICA ROSE DOWNS. MONICA IS A 39 YEAR OLD, WHITE FEMALE, 5 FEET, 7 INCHES TALL, AND WEIGHS 105 POUNDS, WITH BLACK HAIR AND BROWN EYES. SHE WAS LAST SEEN WEARING A WHITE TANK TOP, WITH BLACK AND WHITE YOGA PANTS, AND BLACK FLIP FLOPS. MONICA WAS TRAVELING THROUGH THE AREA FROM WASHINGTON STATE WITH HER BOYFRIEND. SHE WAS LAST SEEN NEAR BOZEMAN, ON I-90 AROUND MILE MARKER 321. MONICA AND HER BOYFRIEND WERE POSSIBLY ARGUING IN THE PULLOUT AREA AT THE TOP OF THE BOZEMAN PASS. MONICA HAS NOT BEEN SEEN OR HEARD FROM SINCE THE ARGUMENT. THERE IS A CONCERN FOR MONICAS SAFETY DUE TO SOME OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING HER DISAPPEARANCE. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION ON MONICA DOWNS, PLEASE CONTACT THE GALLATIN COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE AT 406-582-2100 OR CALL 911.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the City of Dillon, Montana through its City Council will hold a public hearing at 6:45p.m. local time, on July 7th, 2021 in the City Council Chambers, 125 N. Idaho Street, Dillon Montana 59725 regarding a proposal by Dawson Holdings, Inc. (DHI) to purchase the Bicentennial Apartments, located at 76 W Center St, Dillon, Montana 59725. The public hearing is being held pursuant to Section 15-6-221(2) Montana Code Annotated for the purpose of soliciting public comment on whether the proposed sale of qualifying low-income rental housing property meets a community housing need and whether the existing property tax exemption should continue with the proposed sale to Dawson Holdings, Inc. (DHI) as required by the Montana Board of Housing (MBOH). The public is invited to comment on any of the matters herein noted, and all taxpayers, residents or interested parties who appear will be given a reasonable opportunity to express their views, both orally and in writing, on the proposed sale. Written comments may also be submitted to the City Council by delivering such comments clearly marked “Re: Bicentennial Apartments Sale” to the Office of the City Clerk at (406) 683-4245 or at 125 N. Idaho Street, Dillon, Montana 59725 by July 7th, 2021.

Unseasonably warm weather is occurring early in Montana, and many boaters and anglers have been going to the local reservoirs and other waterways to get some relief from the heat. However, along with having fun, folks need to follow all the laws while out and about. Wardens have been checking a slew of boaters and anglers recently, and some common issues are recurring as summer is getting underway: License possession while fishing : Many anglers contacted this spring and summer have not had their license in possession while fishing. This is a requirement by law. Anglers are required to produce their fishing license when requested by a game warden. A good recommendation is to carry the original printed license and hold a digital “copy” on a phone as a backup. The digital phone copy is legal, provided the license is quickly accessible and saved as a PDF, *screenshot of the license or a photo of the license. Sometimes, anglers have tried to rely on spotty cell phone service to look up their licenses via the internet, which has not always worked. Save a copy that you can find immediately! Required Safety Equipment on boats : Multiple citations have been issued this summer for insufficient safety equipment on boats. By law, the following are required for noted watercraft: A wearable U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal floatation device must be readily accessible for every person on the vessel, regardless of age. This includes, but is not limited to, all boats, kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis and canoes. All vessels 16 feet in length and over must have one U.S. Coast Guard approved throwable personal flotation device that is immediately available for use. Children under 12 years of age must wear a life jacket on a boat less than 26 feet in length that is in motion. Towing/Skiing: There must be at least two people on board a towing vessel, one operator/driver and one observer. If the operator is 12 or younger, the observer must be at least 18. The person(s) being towed must be wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket Fire extinguishers: All motorboats must carry a U.S. Coast Guard-approved type B fire extinguisher. * Exception: motorboats less than 26 feet long that are propelled by an outboard motor and are completely open construction (no closed spaces where gasoline fumes may be trapped) are not required to have a fire extinguisher. Validation Decals on Boats : Wardens have found that most boats have followed this rule, however, a few boats are still missing their required decal. All motorboats, sailboats or personal watercraft that are registered in Montana must display two validation decals. Current validation decals are red in color and are in effect for a three-year period expiring Feb. 28, 2023. Validation decals may be obtained, free of charge, at any Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional office or at the fwp.mt.gov website. AIS Check Stations: ALL WATERCRAFT are required to stop at all open AIS check stations. Folks doing “drive-bys,” whether intentionally or unintentionally, are being cited. ALL NONRESIDENT WATERCRAFT must be inspected before launching in Montana. This is required by law. Proof of Inspection Paperwork : Many nonresident boats that have been contacted do not have their proof of inspection paperwork in their boat while on the water. Please always carry these. For more information on fishing or boating laws, please pick up a copy of the 2021 Fishing Regulations or Montana Boating Laws. Good luck and be safe out there!