Jun 11, 2026 · Angela Montana
Northeast Montana bison hunt halted following BLM ruling
BRETT FRENCH | bfrench@billingsgazette.com American Prairie has cancelled its annual public lottery that authorizes winning hunters to kill bison, citing […]
Jun 5, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP calculates landlocked acreage in Montana
Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks estimated 3.1 million acres of landlocked public land, slightly exceeding a private company's figure. Of this, 2.2 million acres are locked by private land, and 628,000 acres are accessible only by corner crossing. Discussions highlight the need for solutions to enhance public access.
May 28, 2026 · Angela Montana
Record 72 Grizzlies Killed in Yellowstone Area in 2025
A record-high 72 grizzly bears died in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in 2025 — and all 18 deaths outside the monitored zone were human-caused. Here's what it means for delisting.
May 21, 2026 · Angela Montana
Stillwater River bank armoring has reduced fish habitat
The 2022 Stillwater River floods prompted extensive bank projects, harming fish habitats. Fisheries biologist Bryan Giordano warns of a 90% decline in fish populations due to human interventions and climate change impacts.
May 14, 2026 · Angela Montana
West Boulder River public access dispute resolved
In 2025, modifications were made to a fence blocking access to the West Boulder River after negotiations, allowing public access while controversies over landowner restrictions continue to rise in Montana.
May 8, 2026 · Angela Montana
Interest in Montana’s ‘bulls for billionaires’ program wanes
BRETT FRENCH | bfrench@billingsgazette.com Interest in a once-controversial program that gives free elk tags to landowners to encourage them to allow public […]
May 1, 2026 · Angela Montana
Butte hunter started unique outfitting biz in Beartooths
Jack Atcheson Jr., a pioneering outfitter in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, emphasizes low-impact hunting while advocating for bighorn sheep conservation, reflecting over 50 years of dedication and global experience.
Apr 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
Bighorn Canyon NRA water levels rising for Memorial Day
Water levels in Bighorn, Boysen, and Buffalo Bill reservoirs are significantly low due to a dry winter, impacting boating and fishing. Predictions indicate reduced runoff and earlier peak snowpack, affecting recreational access.
Apr 17, 2026 · Angela Montana
Bighorn River Trout Numbers Rise Amid Grim Water Forecast
Low water levels on Montana's Bighorn River threaten trout spawning, despite healthy fish populations. Experts call for action to preserve habitats as drought risks increase and fishing restrictions may be implemented.
Apr 10, 2026 · Angela Montana
Montana FWP SCORP report highlights recreation challenges
Flathead County in Montana is projected to grow by nearly 30% by 2040, increasing pressure on outdoor recreation areas. Public lands drive this growth, highlighting the need for improved access and facilities across the state.
Apr 3, 2026 · Angela Montana
Montana FWP leases water in fight for trout, river survival
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is focusing on preserving streamflows to combat rising river temperatures, employing water leasing to support Yellowstone cutthroat trout populations amidst significant environmental challenges.
Mar 27, 2026 · Angela Montana
Yellowstone River island in Paradise Valley offered to FWP
A proposal to donate an 82-acre island in the Yellowstone River to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks aims to preserve its wildlife habitat, named Pine Siskin fishing access site, for public benefit.
Mar 13, 2026 · Angela Montana
Disease, development, warming climate threaten mule deer, according to Wyoming study
A Wyoming study indicates that mule deer populations are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and other stressors, with current estimates dropping significantly since their peak in 1991.
Mar 6, 2026 · Angela Montana
Idaho Avalanche Report: Father and Son Buried 15 Feet Apart in Deadly Carrot Canyon Slide
An avalanche investigation says a Feb. 22 slide in Idaho buried a Minnesota father and his 21-year-old son just 15 feet apart, creating overlapping transceiver signals that complicated the rescue. The incident unfolded in Carrot Canyon near West Yellowstone during “considerable” avalanche danger above 8,000 feet, with multiple slides triggered on the same slope.
Feb 27, 2026 · Angela Montana
Montana FWP’s Block Management Squeeze: 700,000 Hunters, Fewer Acres—and a Plan to Bring Landowners Back
Montana’s Block Management Program is seeing far more demand even as enrolled private-land acres shrink. FWP is surveying landowners—and considering new incentives and outreach—to ease crowding and rebuild access.
Feb 20, 2026 · Angela Montana
Montana Expands Hunter Education: FWP Adds 7 Regional Technicians as Youth Participation Declines
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is expanding hunter education support by hiring seven regional education technicians, even as youth participation faces headwinds from overscheduled kids, two-income parents, and volunteer instructors. The technicians will help backstop the required firearm safety program for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1985.
Feb 13, 2026 · Angela Montana
Dam bypass channel changes Lower Yellowstone River fishing
A new bypass channel allows fish to navigate around Intake Diversion Dam, significantly increasing walleye populations in the Lower Yellowstone River and enhancing local fishing experiences over the last four years.
Feb 6, 2026 · Angela Montana
Yellowstone cougars change diets, behavior to avoid wolves
In Yellowstone, wolves and cougars clash because wolves steal elk kills, sometimes killing cougars. A long-term GPS study shows they’re rivals without reward, unlike smaller predators that scavenge for food.
Jan 30, 2026 · Angela Montana
Why did the Montana elk walk 200 miles to South Dakota?
BRETT FRENCH | bfrench@billingsgazette.com As any hunter can tell you, elk are frustratingly smart, but they also adhere to certain […]
Jan 23, 2026 · Angela Montana
Montana FWP licensing technology badly in need of updates, audit reveals
Montana’s Hunting & Fishing Licenses Run on 1990s Tech—and Auditors Say It’s Risky….
Jan 17, 2026 · Angela Montana
More grizzly encounters in Beartooth Mountains, according to FWP
Grizzly conflicts explode 133% in one Montana region….
Jan 9, 2026 · Angela Montana
Tourism pressure prompts tension for conservation-minded business
As Montana’s visitor numbers soar, some outdoor businesses are asking an uncomfortable question: when is enough, enough?
Jan 2, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP seeks water to keep Rock Creek flowing
One of Montana’s most popular trout streams is running out of water—sometimes completely—and wildlife officials say it’s happening almost every year. Now the state is stepping in with a controversial water-rights deal that could decide whether fish survive or Rock Creek goes dry again.
Dec 26, 2025 · Angela Montana
As mule deer numbers decline, commission cuts tags
Everyone agrees something’s wrong—no one agrees how far to go. Read more from Brett French.
Dec 19, 2025 · Angela Montana
Black bear changes create special Beartooth tag
Declining bear populations and more tags for hunters–Montana's bear debate is heating up!
Dec 12, 2025 · Angela Montana
Southest Montana pronghorn populations decline, permits cut
A Sudden Crash in Antelope Numbers Has Biologists Worried. Here’s What They Found….
Dec 5, 2025 · Angela Montana
FWP rows forward on Montana river crowding
You won’t believe how many people are packing into Montana’s rivers — and what the state wants to do about it…
Dec 2, 2025 · Angela Montana
FWP to change how it sells licenses in stores
Montana’s 25-year-old license machines are finally getting put out to pasture—here’s what replaces them…
Nov 20, 2025 · Angela Montana
New study tries to estimate bruins’ worth
Yellowstone Just Put a Price Tag on Bears…and wow….
Nov 13, 2025 · Angela Montana
Half of successful Montana elk hunters fill their tags on public land
Five bull elk stood just out of reach on public land, a reminder that in hunting, luck and licensing often decide success…
Nov 6, 2025 · Angela Montana
Yellowstone seeks bison reduction to stay within goals
Yellowstone aims to cut its bison herd to keep the population within park management goals… read more from Brett French here…
Oct 31, 2025 · Angela Montana
How social media negatively impacts Glacier National Park
Social media is reshaping Glacier National Park—and sometimes putting rescuers in danger as visitors chase the perfect post…
Oct 23, 2025 · Angela Montana
FWP’s Justin Gude, RMEF conservation chief answer elk habitat, predation questions
Despite more elk roaming Montana than ever before, one hunter’s three-day search in the Crazies turns up nothing but tracks, questions…and a lingering elk curse…
Oct 17, 2025 · Angela Montana
Montana FWP access programs face budget, staffing challenges
Montana’s wildly successful hunter access program is straining under its own weight, as soaring demand collides with stagnant staffing and outdated funding rules. Read more from Brett French here…
Oct 11, 2025 · Angela Montana
Lavina-area sage grouse habitat easement OK’d
Montana officials approved a $1.2 million easement to protect 4,417 acres of prime sage grouse habitat north of Lavina, balancing the cost against dwindling conservation funds and rising development pressures.
Oct 3, 2025 · Angela Montana
Want to be a Yellowstone backcountry ranger? Read this first
Yellowstone backcountry ranger Kimberly Lewis shares the gritty realities and soul-stirring rewards of protecting America’s first national park. More from Brett French here..
Sep 25, 2025 · Angela Montana
Paddler’s paradise: Yellowstone National Park’s Shoshone Lake
Paddle into Yellowstone’s hidden gem—Shoshone Lake—where dragonflies dance over warm geyser-fed creeks and the wilderness drowns out the modern world. More from Brett French here:
Sep 19, 2025 · Angela Montana
Endangered pallid sturgeon successfully spawn in Missouri River
Two female pallid sturgeon spawned below Fort Peck Dam this summer—now researchers are racing to see if their tiny offspring survived…More from Brett French here…
Sep 12, 2025 · Angela Montana
Anchor Ranch has been at center of access disputes
At the crossroads of wilderness and ownership, Anchor Ranch has become ground zero in a battle over who gets in—and who gets kept out.
Sep 6, 2025 · Angela Montana
It was a short season for some backcountry bighorn hunters
Montana’s backcountry bighorn sheep hunt in the Gallatin-Yellowstone district lasted just two days before the quota was filled, leaving more than 100 hopeful hunters sidelined…
Aug 29, 2025 · Angela Montana
Fish and Wildlife Commission Oks more than 122,300 acres of easements
Montana’s newest conservation easements show how ranchers, hunters, and wildlife can all share the same ground — and win.
Aug 21, 2025 · Angela Montana
OnX map identifies BLM acres for potential disposal
One map, 6.08 million acres flagged, and a federal agency tapping the brakes…
Aug 15, 2025 · Angela Montana
Montana native new leader of Red Lodge Mountain ski area
Montana native Jean Mikulas returns home to lead the ski area into its next chapter.”
Aug 8, 2025 · Angela Montana
How should mule deer be managed? Public weighs in with ideas
Facing a steep decline in mule deer numbers, Montana wildlife officials are drafting a new plan that weighs disease, predators, habitat loss, and hunting limits — with passionate public input shaping the debate….
Aug 1, 2025 · Angela Montana
Weird tales from Wyoming wardens
From meth-fueled fishing fugitives to overloaded freezers of trout, Wyoming Game and Fish wardens had no shortage of strange cases in 2024… More from Brett French here.
Jul 25, 2025 · Angela Montana
Madison River island being restored to help fish
State biologists are rebuilding a vanishing island on the lower Madison in hopes of bringing back the trout. Read more from Brett French here…
Jul 18, 2025 · Angela Montana
State lands near Gallatin County dump closed to shooting
Recreational shooting will be banned on three state land tracts near Logan starting July 15 after leaseholders raised safety concerns.. read more from Brett French here.
Jul 3, 2025 · Angela Montana
Yellowstone River users locked out as negotiations on access drag on
Montana’s fishing season is in full swing—but one popular Yellowstone River spot is still off-limits… Read more from Brett French here.
Jun 27, 2025 · Angela Montana
Fish and Wildlife Commission OKs Elk Hunting Access deals
Some hunters and commissioners are raising red flags over Montana’s Elk Hunting Access program, saying it promises exclusive access but often delivers crowded conditions — all while landowners stack benefits from multiple state programs. Read more from Brett French…
Jun 20, 2025 · Angela Montana
Gated road blocks route to BLM’s Seven Blackfoot WSA
A controversial gate on a rugged Montana road has cut off public access to thousands of acres of wildlands… Read more from Brett French here.