Whitetails, Black Bears, Elk and More—FWP Region 1 Wildlife Manager Neil Anderson Shares the Outlook for Hunting Northwest Montana in 2026
Big timber, rugged mountains and a whitetail buck slipping through the trees. If that sounds like your kind of hunting, this week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast is for you.
The Search for a Better Hunt continues as Downrigger Dale welcomes Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 1 Wildlife Manager Neil Anderson for a look at hunting opportunities in Montana’s northwest corner. From deer and elk to black bears, mountain grouse and waterfowl, Neil explains what hunters can expect—and what deserves some extra homework before heading out.
Rigger once called this country home, so this conversation comes with a little extra enthusiasm. But there’s plenty here for anyone discovering Region 1 for the first time, too.
Whitetails lead the way
One of the most encouraging parts of the conversation is Neil’s outlook for white-tailed deer. Several mild winters and good recruitment have him optimistic! Hmm rumor has it hunters just might start seeing more mature bucks! Watch or listen for the details!
Mule deer offer a different experience. Neil describes populations as steady to slightly increasing, with deer concentrated in pockets of suitable habitat. He gives some great suggestions on where to find them!
Black bears and a patchy berry crop
Region 1 is also known for its black bears, but this year’s food supply could affect where hunters find them.
Neil describes the huckleberry crop as spotty, with other berry crops struggling in some places as well. Productive berry patches may concentrate bears, while wetter areas near streams and other water sources can become increasingly important. Neil tells you where you’ll find those areas…Odds increased? Check!
The discussion also turns to grizzlies and the importance of preparing for bear encounters. Rigger and Neil cover accessible bear spray, expiration dates, food storage and handling harvested game. Review the FWP bear-safety resources with the link below.
Encouraging elk trends—and details worth checking
Neil reports encouraging elk calf recruitment in areas where surveys are possible. He also discusses research around Thompson Falls and Noxon indicating gradual population growth over time. Plus he’ll give you the hunting districts that should be the places to start!
Bring your bird-hunting plans, too
Neil’s gives a great report on mountain grouse from Ruffed, Spruce and Dusky grouse you will get some useful info to help you plan a great grouse hunt.
Turkeys provide another opportunity, with Neil describing a growing population and places to look.
The conversation also covers pheasants, Hungarian partridge, ducks and geese, including opportunities around Ninepipe, the north shore of Flathead Lake and more!
Access, preparation and the people behind the wildlife
Neil describes a region with substantial public land, extensive Block Management opportunities and conservation easements helping protect access for future generations. As well as solid info on how to prepare if Region 1 is new to you.
There’s more in this episode, including mountain lions, wolves, moose, bighorn sheep and wildlife research. Neil also explains why hunters’ observations matter, particularly in heavily forested country where counting animals from the air can be difficult.
And before the conversation ends, there’s an unexpected wildlife story: a coordinated effort to vaccinate hundreds of bats against white-nose syndrome. Oh and he tells a very funny story about some Canadian Monties that were about to site some hunters big time for wandering across the border and hunting in the wrong country, that is until the hunters told Monties that THEY were actually in the wrong country! Oh Canada!!
Watch or listen to this week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast for the full Region 1 hunting preview. Come for the hunting information, stay for the stories, and get ready to explore one of Montana’s most beautiful corners.
Our thanks to Rocky Mountain Truck and Trailer and Superior Hardwoods of Montana for supporting the Montana Outdoor Podcast.
LINKS:
- FWP Hunt Planner: Open the interactive hunting map
- Region 1 information and wildlife reports: Visit FWP Region 1
- Region 1 and 2 Block Management information and maps: Find access information and BMA maps
- Current hunting regulations: Find regulations by species
- FWP Region 1 Big Game Hunting Forecast: Read the hunting forecast
- Bear-safety video—How to Use Bear Spray: Watch the video linked by FWP
- Bear-safety video—Montana Hunter Safety in Bear Country: Watch the video linked by FWP
- More bear-safety information: FWP Bear Aware resources
- Chronic wasting disease information and testing: Visit FWP’s CWD resource page
- QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?
- Click here to contact Neil Anderson!
- To contact your buddy Downrigger Dale, click here!
Check current regulations, district boundaries, access requirements and closures before hunting. This interview is a seasonal preview; the current regulations govern your hunt.
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