Doing Business with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks became easier Dec. 18 with the debut of the new Doing Business Web pages at fwp.mt.gov .

Doing Business helps Web users locate FWP licenses and permits of every kind, information on construction bids, grant applications, reference materials, and "more."

Under one category alone a user can access all the GIS information available from FWP as well as reports, conservation and management plans, surveys, rules and regulations, brochures and posters. Under surveys a Web user is able to access the results of many of the public surveys that FWP carries out to help the agency manage the state's natural resources.

The bounty on the Doing Business pages begs the question, "What qualifies as 'more?'" The answer turns out to be good news for holiday shoppers. A link titled 'Store' gives Web users access to Montana-oriented gifts commonly found in State Parks visitor centers, FWP lobbies and on Becoming an Outdoors Woman outings.

Among the items are fanny packs, books, DVD's and specialty products including a one-of-a-kind traditional warrior's shield and a brain-tanned buffalo hide par fleche trunk with glass beads, brass hawk bells, and dyed horse hair.

So, whether you are thinking of applying for a grant or searching for a one-of-a-kind holiday gift, give FWP's new Doing Business Web pages a test drive. Go to fwp.mt.gov and Click on Doing Business.

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Predator Hunting on the Manitoba Prairie
As a young lad growing up in any rural area can tell you, predators are a part of life, whether you like it or not. I was introduced to a form of predator control at an early age, my father always used to run a small trap line, nothing special, just a bunch of snares and a few foot traps set out on only the most popularly used predator trails. My old man was always on the lookout for a new spot to set up traps and was usually right on the money when he returned to see if his hunch was correct. His personal best was 8 coyotes and one red fox, which he managed to collect during a 2 - day period about 20 years ago, it seems the tradition is bred into our heritage. This is the story of how my brothers and I tied my dad's personal best.