Montana's outdoor week, in your inbox at 7am Friday.
During Montana's general big game season, hunter participation in northwest Montana is down about 7% compared to last year, with 3,235 hunters recorded and a success rate of 7.1%. Harvest includes 183 white-tailed deer, 24 mule deer bucks, and 23 elk. Officials emphasize the need for CWD testing and adherence to hunting regulations.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks report shows that west-central Montana check stations logged 3,875 hunter stops in the early big game season, with minor decreases in elk and deer harvests compared to last year. Hunters are encouraged to participate in voluntary CWD sampling at various locations to aid disease management efforts.
The Missouri River, at 2,800 cfs, features low, wadeable flows and dropping water temperatures below 50.6°F. November insect activity includes BWOs and midges, with nymphing suggested in shallow depths. Dry-fly fishing improves in the afternoon, and streamer fishing benefits from low light. Headhunters Fly Shop offers winter services in Craig, MT.
A trail cam left 4 miles deep in Montana backcountry for 6 months captured bears, bull elk, and more. Here’s what showed up.
Matt Robertson triumphed at the Champions Tournament on Old Hickory Lake, securing a record-breaking $1.25 million prize with a total weight of 56 pounds, 1 ounce. The event, featuring the top anglers from two rival tours, raised questions about future earnings models and the potential for a unified championship in bass fishing.
Rain disrupted hunting plans for Cameron Hockett and his Fish On Charters crew, prompting a shift to salmon snagging. They reported mixed success, with one salmon caught and several escaping, along with an unexpected carp that provided a thrilling challenge. Overall, it turned out to be an enjoyable day on the water.
Discover why Montana guest ranches offer anglers better fishing access than luxury resorts, plus insider tips on booking your authentic Western fishing adventure.
Region 6's Havre check station reports antelope harvest up while deer, elk, and upland birds are down after the first weekend of general hunting season in 2026.
Discover why Montana's Bighorn River below Yellowtail Dam holds more trophy brown trout per mile than nearly any tailwater in the Lower 48 states.
Fishing possesses a unique vernacular that blends wisdom with humor and often serves as a means for anglers to explain their time away. This piece shares 16 memorable fishing sayings that reflect the joys, lessons, and stories inherent in fishing experiences, highlighting that the journey is as fulfilling as the catch itself.
Whatever his reasons were, they’re anyone’s guess — and it turns out the guy standing next to the car was […]
Montana fall run recap: light receipts, CME selloff, and heavy calves shaping prices. Get the full breakdown from every sale barn across the state.
The 2026 Fall Mack Days Fishing Event ends on November 8th, with anglers having turned in 21,077 fish so far. There's a chance to win up to $10,000, as tagged fish prizes range from $100 to $5,000. Current leaders are Terry Krogstad and Julie Perkins among all and female anglers, respectively.
So far this season, Montana hunters have harvested 39 wolves, a small fraction of the 300 statewide quota. The general hunting season lasts until March 15, 2027, with trapping starting on November 30. No non-target species have been captured, and several regions still have unfilled quotas, indicating ongoing opportunity for hunters.
A group of teenagers was required to clean up hundreds of pounds of nails after leaving an unattended pallet fire […]
The U.S. Forest Service today, announced the publication of the final Administrative Site Leases rule in the Federal Register. The […]
HUNTING DISTRICT 502 By order of the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission, the above listed hunting district as described in […]
Conditions on the Stillwater near Absarokee are optimal for early November, with low, clear water and good wading access. The best nymphing occurs from 7-11 AM, using small Baetis and midge patterns. As rain approaches midday, switch to dry flies and later to streamers for aggressive browns. Adapt strategies as conditions change.
GREAT FALLS – John Lewton, a Montana resident, was sentenced Oct. 20 in federal court in Billings after pleading guilty […]
A hunter with a suspected broken leg and ankle was rescued by helicopter after becoming injured more than 10 miles […]
Going4BrokeOutdoors left a trail cam in the Montana backcountry for 6 months. Here’s what it captured — and what hunters can learn from it.
A hunter who injured his leg after falling into a coulee was rescued Sunday afternoon in the Goosebill area of […]
A Coweta County, Georgia bow hunter was sitting up in his deer stand, worrying about the usual things like wind, […]
Montana's November wolf harvest surge isn't planned—it's opportunistic. Learn why elk hunters encounter more wolves during rifle season and how it affects your hunt.
When a bull moose got trapped in a Montana skatepark, it highlighted growing tensions between urban expansion and wildlife habitat—revealing what happens when megafauna meets concrete.
Late October is your final window for open-water walleye and pike on eastern Montana reservoirs. Here's what's working before ice shuts it down.
This recipe presents a seamless method for making Creamy Pheasant Alfredo in just 30 minutes. The pheasant is seared and kept warm while a sauce is created in the same skillet using garlic, white wine, and cream. Pasta cooks directly in the sauce, ensuring flavorful results without extra pans.
On November 1st, Montana remains stunningly beautiful. A selection of photographs showcasing lesser-known areas of the state is shared to celebrate its scenery. Permission was obtained from Gateway Graphic Design and Photography, as well as from the anonymous contributors of these images. Happy Scenery Sunday!
Eastern Montana whitetail bucks are seeking right now. Here’s how to find them on public land during rifle season this week.
The stretch from Ennis Dam to Three Forks experiences seasonal changes, impacting fish behavior and fishing strategies. In late October, water temperatures drop, prompting fish to hold deep. Bear Trap Canyon is highlighted as an ideal spot for larger browns, recommending specific fly techniques and the enjoyment of solitude until Thanksgiving.
Montana wardens found a headless bull elk near Billings — then hid a transmitter in the skull to catch the poacher. Here’s how it went down.
General rifle season is in full swing and the rut is peaking. Here's where pressured bulls are hiding on Montana public land right now.
Late October on the Missouri River near Craig, MT means cold fingers and hot fishing. Here's what flies to throw, what to expect, and why it's worth the drive.
What is a coydog? Montana hunters and ranchers share what they're seeing in the field — plus what FWP says about these coyote-dog hybrids.
If you think all bears are bigger out west, then check this out. Bob McNally with Outdoor Life reported that […]
Some bucks are shot; this one was earned. Hunt Montana shared that at just 17, Ellah Wallace of Troy, Montana […]
With three weeks remaining in the 2026 Fall Mack Days event, anglers have turned in 16,798 lake trout to support native species. $4,000 worth of tagged fish have been caught, with one worth $10,000 still available. Top competitors include Terry Krogstad and Julie Perkins, leading in their respective categories. Safety is emphasized for participants.
Missed it, listen here to your favorite reports and content. From Flathead Lake to up the Bitterroot, entering the Helena […]
Every upcoming sanctioned Montana fishing tournament, grouped by month. Tap any event for entry details, contacts, and registration links.
Mack Days (Fall)
Chancy’s Fall Whitefish Festival