HELENA, Mont., Feb. 10, 2015 - Hunters wanting to bid for a chance on a rare Shiras moose license can now register for the Helena DU banquet where a live auction will take place on Friday, March 6.

"We have heard from people across the country who are interested in the opportunity to bid on this moose license, so it should be a lively auction," said Steve Christian, an organizer of the event and member of the Montana DU state council.

Phone bidding for the moose license will also be available. The number of phone bidders will be limited. People wanting to participate over the phone must register at ducks.org/montana to reserve a spot.

DU won the right to auction off the license from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (MFWP). The license is good for the entire 2015 season anywhere in the state where people can legally hunt moose, as described in the 2015 Montana hunting regulations. All proceeds will go to the MFWP conservation program. Past moose licenses sold at auction for $15,000 to $24,000.

DU has been conserving grasslands and wetlands in Montana since 1984, with much of that habitat also benefiting the Shiras moose. There exists no better example of prime moose habitat than the pristine wetland and river complexes in Montana from the Rocky Mountains to the prairies. These areas are used by many important wildlife species, including moose as they move from their summer ranges to their wintering habitat.

DU has members in every county and four full-time conservation staff in Montana who are widely recognized for their knowledge of wetland habitat conservation. Since 1984, DU has spent more than $23 million on habitat conservation in Montana, conserving almost 73,500 acres.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest non-profit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 13 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org. Connect with us on our Facebook page at facebook.com/ducksunlimited, follow our tweets at twitter.com/ducksunlimited and watch DU videos at youtube.com/ducksunlimitedinc.