The 2026 Montana big game hunting season opened with 2,625 hunters passing through check stations, an increase from 2025. While certain areas reported higher hunter activity, some saw fewer animal checks. Hunters must stop at check stations, contributing to wildlife management, regardless of harvesting success.

During the opening weekend of the 2026 general rifle season in Augusta, a notable increase in hunters was observed, with 235 visits to the FWP game check station. Hunter success rates for deer and elk also rose, aided by early snowfall. Overall elk harvest exceeded the ten-year average by 83%, while deer harvest increased by 11%.

During the opening weekend of Montana's general hunting season, hunter numbers and success rates varied across southwestern Montana. Wildlife biologists collected data from six game check stations, interacting with 2,200 hunters. The overall participation and success rates were mixed, but conditions were reported as favorable, with hunters advised to remain bear aware.

Montana's general deer and elk hunting season began with nearly 1,900 hunters participating, yielding a 7.4% success rate. Harvest numbers for white-tailed deer and elk decreased from last year, while mule deer buck harvest remained steady. Additional monitoring and testing for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) are encouraged for hunters.

NEW YORK — A dinosaur fossil unearthed in Montana has fetched $47.3 million at auction, making it the second most […]

This recipe features wild game sausage that combines lean meat with fatty pork, enhancing flavor and moisture. It includes a detailed preparation method for both the sausage and flaky biscuits, designed to deliver a rich gravy experience. Key tips focus on resting meat and proper biscuit cutting for optimal texture.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks advises hunters to refresh their mapping apps and clear cache before heading out for mule deer. Recent updates to BMA boundaries may not be reflected in old offline maps, causing issues with displays. They recommend checking the FWP Hunt Planner for accurate information.

Last weekend, steelhead anglers faced challenging conditions due to increased river flow and decreased visibility from recent heavy rainfall. Only two fish were caught among numerous anglers. However, conditions improved early this week as water clarity increased and temperatures dropped, prompting better catch rates and more fish movement expected upstream.

The St. Mary Diversion Dam, completed in 1915 near Babb, Montana, is crucial for the Milk River Project, supplying up to 100% of the basin's water during dry years. A $70 million rehabilitation, funded partially by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to enhance its efficiency, address structural issues, and protect the bull trout.

As autumn settles in, the river flows at 1,630 CFS, perfect for fishing. With reliable whitefish action and a mild forecast ahead, anglers should prepare for streamer season using diverse fly options, including olive patterns or a double-nymph rig. Yellowstone Angler invites visitors to book trips for an enjoyable fishing experience.

Wolves seemed like the obvious answer for Yellowstone’s shrinking elk herd. Turns out, biologists still can’t say for certain. Here’s why it matters.

A multi-year wildlife poaching investigation in Fremont County involving the illegal taking of deer, elk and a moose has been […]

The scene is set back in October 1958, a dairy farm hand named Fred Mercer crawls out of his tent […]

The seventh week of the 2026 Fall Mack Days fishing event has seen 18,899 lake trout entries, aiming to reduce non-native trout in Flathead Lake. The event runs until November 8th, with tagged fish prizes up to $10,000. Anglers are competing for various prizes, including categories for smallest and largest fish.

Canyon Ferry boasts excellent rainbow fishing, especially in the Silos area. Shore anglers find success using worms. Hauser's fishing is good at the Causeway with crawlers or leech flies. Holter also offers great rainbow action with various baits. The Kokanee Salmon snagging season runs until October 31st at Helena Valley.

In 1935, only 69 trumpeter swans survived in the lower 48 — most of them in one remote Montana valley. Here’s that story.

The Fall Big Game Classic at Shadow Enterprises in Kalispell, Montana invites hunters to bring their tagged harvest for a chance to win prizes. Open to all ages, participants can enter with a skull instead of the whole animal. Winners will be drawn on December 4th, 2026, with various prizes available.

On the last day of trout fishing, an angler witnesses a dramatic scene as a buck is chased by a coyote along the riverbank. He remains still to capture the moment on his phone, concluding his fishing season with an unexpected encounter with nature, highlighting the essence of patience in fishing.

A GPS-marked drake mallard showcases the extensive travel of wintering birds across the Mississippi Flyway. Research from Arkansas reveals these ducks don't settle in one place but move rapidly between wetlands for feeding, molting, and breeding. Conservation efforts are vital to maintain healthy habitats for this abundant species.

The recipe for a creamy Lake Whitefish Chowder highlights the fish's rich flavor, allowing it to poach gently in a simple broth with potatoes. Coconut cream substitutes traditional dairy, enhancing sweetness. An alternative, the classic New England version, incorporates bacon and fish stock for a richer taste. Key cooking techniques ensure optimal texture.

Eating snow when thirsty is dangerous; it contains mostly air, with 10 cups melting down to just 1 cup of water. The heat needed to melt it comes from your body, risking hypothermia. Instead, melt snow over a fire or with body heat before drinking to stay safe.

Montana wardens set a deer decoy in a blizzard near Glasgow and catch a shooter on the run. Here’s why this sting matters to every honest hunter.

Joan Wulff, born in 1926, revolutionized fly fishing over her century-long life. As a champion angler, educator, and co-founder of the Wulff School of Fly Fishing, she influenced generations by emphasizing technique over strength. Celebrating her 100th birthday, we honor her lasting impact on the sport and its enthusiasts.

Missed it, listen now to your favorite reports from those in the field or on the waters from all across […]

Winter weather is slowly moving in, and Mack Days is still going strong, others are switching out their rods for […]

Montana wardens bust poachers using a decoy deer — and measure a 6×6 bull elk worth $8,000 in trophy restitution. Here’s what every hunter needs to know.

In the latest Montana Outdoor Podcast, Downrigger Dale discusses hunting insights from FWP Region 3 with experts Warren Hansen and Morgan Jacobsen. They reveal elk population estimates of 60,000 but caution about accessibility for hunters. The episode also addresses trends in mule deer and antelope numbers, bear conflicts, and various hunting opportunities.

Kokanee Quinn embarked on a quest to discover the ultimate venison breakfast meatball recipe. Combining ground venison and pork with classic breakfast sausage spices, she created a flavorful dish. The meatballs are easy to make and can be customized with various ingredients, making them perfect for any meal or occasion.

Fort Peck hatchery staff collected approximately 763,000 Chinook salmon eggs this fall, marking a decrease from previous years, despite larger average fish sizes. Female salmon averaged 20.2 pounds, producing more and larger eggs than in 2025. The hatchery will monitor the egg development until the fish are released in spring 2027.

A bat-killing fungus has reached Glacier and Yellowstone for the first time. Here's what the detections mean for Montana's bat populations and ecosystems.

MAMMOTH HOT SPRINGS, Wyo. – As fall settles over Yellowstone National Park, most park roads and three entrances will close […]

The National Park Service, together with its official nonprofit and philanthropic partner, Yellowstone Forever, and Blackstone Infrastructure portfolio company Tallgrass, announces the establishment of a $105 million Conservation and Stewardship Fund, creating a permanent source of support for the long-term stewardship of the world’s first national park.

Actor Tom Skerritt, who passed away at 93, was renowned for his roles in films like MASH and Alien. He became a prominent figure in the fly-fishing community after portraying Reverend John Maclean in A River Runs Through It. The film, though creatively misleading about its river locations, significantly boosted the fly-fishing industry.

This week, smallmouth fishing was most effective with deadstick rods using minnows, while pike fishing slowed due to murky waters, with spoons being successful. Lakers are moving into shallower depths, with jigs and plastics proving effective. Water temperatures ranged from 55 to 57 degrees.

CWD technicians are training under coordinator Tyler Nelson to collect lymph nodes from deer at FWP's Miles City headquarters and regional sampling stations in southeast Montana. With the hunting season opening this weekend, hunters can have their animals tested or submit samples themselves. More details are available on FWP's website.

Montana’s Block Management Program opens millions of private acres to hunters — but timberland rules are different. Here’s what you need to know before you go.