In this week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast, host Downrigger Dale interviews Racheal Vargas, who teaches vital safety courses, including Wilderness First Aid and Pet First Aid, emphasizing the importance of community training.

Kokanee Quinn highlights Easy Venison Breakfast Sausage Stuffed Pancakes, a delicious blend of savory venison sausage and fluffy pancakes topped with maple syrup, perfect for cold mornings and gatherings.

Montana is enhancing hunter education amid declining interest, with new technician hires aiding the program’s revival despite challenges in recruitment and generational shifts away from hunting as a pastime.

Heads up, lion hunters — there’s a change you’ll want on your radar. The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has […]

Lakeside Lodging reports thin, snow-covered ice conditions with unstable areas and hidden hazards. Remain cautious when heading out, as not all frozen sections are safe. Stay safe and warm.

The main lake has refrozen, but ice conditions are unsafe for fishing, with only 1 to 1.5 inches of ice. Temperatures are rising, making future conditions hazardous. Prioritize safety.

Yellow perch, while not aggressive fighters, are flavorful and can be targeted with larger lures. Try various techniques through the seasons and enjoy them in unique dishes like Seafood Bread Bowls.

Don Wilkins assessed ice conditions near the dam, reporting thickness of 7-9 inches, while cautioning about unstable areas. He advises waiting for colder weather before venturing out onto the ice.

In honor of the reminder about mountain lion (and wolf) hunting season surpassing the end of the 2025 season on […]

At Fort Peck, open water is prevalent amid remaining ice, with more shorelines exposed. Cold weather has arrived, bringing snow and a wind chill of -16°. Safety is crucial.

The Upper Salmon River steelhead fishing report indicates a mild winter facilitated fish movement upstream. High angler effort and favorable conditions resulted in good catch rates, despite some ice obstructing boat ramps.

Before the license year ends on February 28, note that mountain lion and wolf hunting continue, along with some trapping seasons. E-tags will deactivate, so consider obtaining an offline license.

The Smith River Permit lottery results are available. Super Permit chances for failed applicants cost $5 until March 15. Floaters must pack out waste and register via phone before launching.

The new permit season for conservation and recreation permits ends on February 28, 2026, with renewals beginning March 1, 2026. A License Ambassador program is launching for efficient sales.

More than 15 hunter and bowhunter education courses are available for registration in north-central Montana. Spring is ideal for signing up to avoid competitive fall classes.