Montana AFS Student Subunits hold a joint fish marking and tagging workshop hosted by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks

The Montana State University and University of Montana American Fisheries Society Student Subunits held a joint fish marking and tagging workshop on January 24, 2020 at the Washoe Park Trout Hatchery in Anaconda, Montana. Students from the subunits drove a little over 100 miles each way from either Bozeman (MSU) or Missoula (UM) to attend.

The event was hosted by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (MFWP) staff from the hatchery. David Schmetterling, Rob Clark and Angela Smith of MFWP were gracious hosts and all of the students enjoyed the day.

The workshop started out with a presentation by David on the “why” of fish tagging, and he outlined the various tags commonly employed. Next, Angela gave the students a brief tour of the hatchery and it’s importance to Westslope cutthroat trout fisheries in Montana. Finally, the day was rounded off by practicing putting PIT, VIE and floy tags into bananas, and some fish!

This workshop is an excellent example of collaboration between student subunits. Joint activities such as these are great opportunities to network with fellow students, share ideas, learn new skills, and have a great time doing so!