Apr 14, 2026 · Angela Montana

Spring Woods Stereotypes: The 4 Faces of Turkey Season

From old-school purists to aggressive stalkers, spring turkey season brings out every type of hunter. Discover the four distinct archetypes you'll encounter in the timber and how they fill tags.

Apr 12, 2026 · Angela Montana

Heavier Metal: The 2026 Guide to Not Missing That Tom

Outdoor Life’s Alex Robinson reveals that while pricey TSS loads dominate at 60 yards, "the shooter is almost always the weakest part" and high-tech ammo can't replace old-fashioned woodsmanship.

Apr 11, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan

Montana U.S. Senator Sheehy makes an emergency landing in Madison County

The Madison County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an emergency aircraft landing this afternoon involving a privately-operated plane […]

Apr 9, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan

Biologists observe leks to estimate bird populations

Mountain grouse males, such as the dusky grouse, ruffed grouse and spruce grouse, perform their breeding displays in forested areas, usually on their own or in small groups, and aren’t really “leks” per se.

Apr 8, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Federal Lead Ammo Bill: What Montana Bear and Elk Hunters Need to Know

A new federal bill protects lead ammo on BLM and Forest Service land — here's what it means for Montana hunters this spring and beyond.

Apr 8, 2026 · Angela Montana

The Wednesday Morning Marmot: Why We’re All Just Large Rodents in Business Casual

We’ve all been there. It’s 9:01 AM on a Monday…or a Wednesday, appropriately. You have your coffee in one hand […]

Apr 7, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

How to Judge a Bear’s Weight Before You Pull the Trigger

Montana's spring bear season opens April 15. Here's how to field-judge a bear's weight and age before you pull the trigger.

Apr 3, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Wisconsin Hunter Lost 10 Years: What Montana Poaching Actually Costs

A Wisconsin man just lost 10 years of Montana hunting privileges. Here's exactly what triggers long-term bans — and what every hunter must know right now.

Apr 3, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

14 Bear Encounters in the Bitterroot: One DIY Hunter’s Hard-Earned Spring Tag

A DIY hunter logs 14 bear encounters in Montana's Bitterroot Valley before finally closing the deal. Here's why this one's worth your time.

Apr 3, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Draw Results Dates 2026: Exactly When FWP Posts Every Species (And What to Do Next)

Montana draw results date 2026: exactly when FWP posts elk, deer, antelope, sheep, moose, goat & bison results — plus what to do if you drew or didn't.

Mar 30, 2026 · Angela Montana

Gone but Not Forgotten: A NW Montana Hunter’s Final Trophy

Tom Welch clears the air on a legendary Northwest Montana whitetail. This "buck of a lifetime" carries a tragic weight, as the hunter passed away the same night he harvested it.

Mar 29, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Six Wolves vs. One Grizzly: Who Really Wins in Montana?

Spring bear season opens April 15. Here's what science and trail cam footage reveal about wolf-grizzly showdowns — and what it means for your safety this spring.

Mar 28, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Sage Grouse Lawsuits Stack Up — What Montana Upland Hunters Need to Know Right Now

Legal battles threaten sage grouse habitat and hunting access across Montana's eastern prairie. What upland bird hunters need to know now.

Mar 28, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

How to Age a Black Bear in the Field: Montana 2026 Guide

Montana's spring bear season is almost here. Learn how to age black bears on the hoof before you pull the trigger this spring.

Mar 28, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Bozeman ‘No Kings’ Protest Packs Streets: What Montana Hunters Must Do Now

Bozeman's 'No Kings' protest drew massive crowds over public lands fears. Here's what it means for your elk, deer, and upland access this fall.

Mar 28, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Idaho Fish & Game Commissioner Faces 7 Hunting Charges: What Montana Hunters Need to Know

An Idaho Fish and Game commissioner faces 7 criminal hunting charges. Here's why Montana hunters should be paying close attention right now.

Mar 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

Fishing Strategy Insights from March 25, 2026 by Fins and Feathers

Trout are currently inactive in fast currents, preferring calm areas. Successful fishing requires precise, clean drifts with deeper nymphs and smaller streamers. Focus on lazy water for better results.

Mar 26, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Ice Out, Turkey Scouts, and FWP Updates: Week of March 26

Discover Montana's late March outdoor transitions: ice breakout fishing, spring turkey scouting, shed hunting tips, and wildlife updates for 2026's best season.

Mar 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Foothills Sheds Are Dropping Now: Best Montana Units This Weekend

Warm March temps are dropping elk and mule deer sheds early across Montana. Here's exactly where to look this weekend before the window closes.

Mar 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Warm March 2026 Is Moving Merriam’s Strut Zones — Scout Now

Montana's warm dry March is shifting where Merriam's toms strut. Here's how to adjust your pre-season scouting before the April opener.

Mar 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Shed Hunting 2026: Which Units and Elevations Are Dropping Right Now

Late March snowpack is receding fast. Here's exactly which Montana units and elevation bands are producing fresh elk and mule deer sheds this week.

Mar 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Fire Weather Watch: What Montana Spring Hunters Must Know This Week

A Fire Weather Watch is active in Montana this week — here's what turkey scouts, shed hunters, and spring bear hunters need to know before heading out.

Mar 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Turkey Opener 21 Days Out: Scout Water Now Before Strut Zones Lock In

Montana's turkey opener is 21 days out. Here's the one late-March scouting move on public land that most hunters skip — but shouldn't.

Mar 20, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Elk Migration Exodus: Where Montana’s 2026 Migration Hits First

Thousands of elk are leaving Wyoming's National Elk Refuge now. Here's exactly where they'll enter Montana and how to use it to your advantage.

Mar 18, 2026 · Angela Montana

CWD Is Spreading North from Wyoming: What Montana Mule Deer Hunters Must Know

Wyoming's CWD surge threatens Montana mule deer. With permit apps due April 1, here's what hunters must know about carcass rules and testing.

Mar 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

Elk Tenderloin Done Right: Best Cooking Methods Montana Hunters Swear By

Montana elk hunters, don't let that last tenderloin sit in the freezer. Here are the best cooking methods to do this prized cut justice.

Mar 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Wyoming’s Elk Season Overhaul: 5 Things Montana Border Hunters Must Know

Wyoming's elk season changes affect Montana border hunters now. With MT draw deadlines April 1, here's what you need to know before submitting applications.

Mar 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

So… There’s a Grizzly Bear in Your Yard. Now What?

Picture this: you step outside with your morning coffee, ready to enjoy the peaceful countryside… and there’s a grizzly bear […]

Mar 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

How Montana’s Deer and Elk Draw System Actually Works — And How Not to Get Burned by It

Montana's deer and elk draw system is complicated. Here's what hunters need to know about preference points, deadlines, and limited entry permits.

Mar 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Outdoor Recreation Hit 5% of GDP — What Hunters and Anglers Need to Know

Montana's outdoor rec sector hit 5% of GDP in 2024 — here's why that $3.8B number matters for public land access and conservation funding right now.

Mar 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Shed Hunting Now: Hit These Elevations Before Green-Up Buries Everything

Mid-March is your last realistic window to find elk and mule deer sheds in Montana before green-up hits. Here's where to walk right now.

Mar 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana’s $3.8B Outdoor Boom: What 32,000 New Jobs Mean for Your Hunting Season

Montana's $3.8B outdoor economy now ranks 3rd nationally, but explosive growth means more crowded trails, harder access, and tougher hunting seasons ahead.

Mar 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Bears Emerging in February 2026: What Shed Hunters and Spring Outdoorsmen Must Know

Montana's mild 2026 winter has bears out weeks early. Here's what shed hunters, turkey scouts, and backcountry anglers need to know right now.

Mar 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

The Buffalo Slaughter That Wrote Montana’s Hunting Laws

How the 19th-century buffalo slaughter wiped out Montana's great herds — and directly shaped every tag, season, and law you hunt under today.

Mar 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Fixed vs. Mechanical Broadheads: What Montana Bowhunters Actually Need

Montana bowhunters debate fixed vs. mechanical broadheads for spring bear and fall elk. Here's what outfitters and public land hunters actually trust.

Mar 16, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Deer & Elk Permit Application Deadline, April 1

If deer or elk hunting is on your Montana to-do list this year, remember that the deadline to apply for […]

Mar 16, 2026 · Angela Montana

Special Youth Turkey Hunt Opportunity in Flathead Valley, Montana

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a free youth turkey hunt on May 2-3, 2026, for ages 10-15, including safety training and mentorship. Applications are due soon.

Mar 15, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan

More than 156,000 geese push through Freezout Lake WMA in past six days

The migration is on at Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area near Choteau, where bird counters have observed more than 156,000 light geese and hundreds of swans pushing through!

Mar 15, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan

North Idaho angler hauls in new state record cutthroat trout

Imagine then the wave of hysteria after reeling in a 27-inch long Westslope cutthroat trout one day. For Coeur d’Alene angler Kyle Hatrock, that day was Feb. 1.

Mar 15, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

How Montana Hunters Lost $800 in Venison—And How You Won’t

Montana hunters risk losing a freezer full of elk or deer every storm season. Here's how to protect your wild game before next outage hits.

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Turkey Season 2026: Public Land Scout and Prep Guide

Montana's spring turkey season opens April 15. Here's your one-month public land scouting and prep guide to punch your tag opening week.

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Hard Lessons Montana Outdoorsmen Learn Too Late Every Spring

Mid-March is Montana's most dangerous season. Here's what kills trips—and sometimes people—when anglers and hunters rush back outside too soon.

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Realtree’s Spring Thunder Heads West — What Montana Merriam’s Hunters Can Learn From It

Realtree's Spring Thunder crew chases Merriam's turkeys in Black Hills country — here's what Montana hunters can take from it for a DIY public land spring hunt.

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Backcountry Trail Cam Footage Shows What’s Really Moving When Nobody’s Watching

Year-round Montana backcountry trail cam footage from Diaries of a Trailcam — with tips on how hunters can use this intel to scout smarter.

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Cracking Montana’s Elk Draw: What Every Non-Resident Needs to Know

Montana's elk draw is one of the most competitive in the West. Here's what non-residents need to know before applying this season.

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Cuts 2,500 Nonresident Deer Combo Tags: What Hunters Need to Know for 2026

Montana just cut 2,500 nonresident deer combo tags. Here's what hunters need to know before planning their 2026 season.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana FWP Cracks Down as Illegal Lion Kills Spike This Spring

Montana FWP reports a spike in illegal mountain lion kills this spring. Here's what violations are happening, penalties involved, and how to stay legal.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Duck Hunters Can Shape 2026-27 Waterfowl Seasons Right Now

Montana waterfowl hunters have a rare window to influence 2026-27 season dates and bag limits. Here's what's proposed and how to comment now.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

What Montana Mountain Lion Hunters Must Know Right Now

Montana mountain lion hunters face strict new regulations amid rising illegal harvests. Learn the essential rules, quota systems, and penalties to stay legal.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana’s Truck-Mounted Thermal Scanner Laws: What Hunters Risk This Spring

Montana hunters need to know where the legal lines are on vehicle-mounted thermal scanners before spring predator and bear seasons begin.