Austin Streifel beat the odds to draw an elusive Badlands elk tag, dedicating 80 hours to scouting. After passing on a 360-inch bull, he learned of a larger one, prompting him to travel back for a successful hunt. He shot an impressive 394-inch bull on public land, fulfilling a lifelong dream.

As fall settles in Southwest Montana, rivers are becoming ideal for trout fishing with cooling temperatures and reduced crowds. September offers excellent fishing conditions, especially with hoppers and terrestrials. Anglers should be prepared with a variety of flies and explore less-traveled waters for a rewarding experience.

Jackie Bushman gets surrounded by elk in a Montana river bottom. Here’s what happened — and what every bow hunter can take away from it.

An elk decoy can be a rut-season game-changer — or get you killed on crowded public land. Here’s what Montana hunters need to know.

Missed this week’s show or looking for a refresher, get it right here. From Fall Mack Days to what and […]

Missed it, or looking for your area reports, we got you covered from all across Montana this weekend. Montana Outdoor […]

Two bird hunters walk into a rancher’s pasture in Region 6 Montana. What happens next is a lesson every upland hunter needs to hear.

In a recent Montana Outdoor Podcast episode, FWP Region 1 Wildlife Manager Neil Anderson discusses hunting prospects for 2026 in Northwest Montana. He highlights optimistic trends for whitetails and elk, challenges in locating black bears due to food supply variations, and opportunities for various bird species, along with essential safety tips for hunters.

Kokanee Quinn discovers a delicious Elk Ragu recipe from Mike Shreckengost, perfect for utilizing ground elk. The dish combines flavorful ingredients like red wine, tomato sauce, and vegetables, and simmers for about two and a half hours. It serves eight and transforms ordinary wild game into a comforting Italian meal.

Matt from Fish On Charters had a successful outing at Bitterroot Lake, catching plenty of Kokanee. The fishing conditions were excellent, with active bites and bending rods. The report suggests that tomorrow promises another great day for fishing.

Silent bulls shutting down your archery elk hunt? Raking and thrashing may be the only call that works in late September Montana timber.

The Bighorn River is thriving this September, with steady flows of 1,400–1,500 cfs and an abundance of fish activity. Black caddis, PMDs, and pseudos are notable in the afternoons. Suggested flies include Tailwater Sowbugs and Hare’s Ears. Bighorn Angler invites enthusiasts to gear up for a successful day.

The USDA Agricultural Research Station in Region 3 is now part of the Block Management Area, allowing limited hunter access while complying with federal regulations. Historically misidentified as BLM land, it is land used for research. Hunters must sign up by September 21 to access this area in October.

Fall fishing on the Big Hole River is vibrant, featuring Blue Winged Olives, October Caddis, and persistent hoppers. Nymphs are effective throughout the day, while aggressive brown trout respond to streamers. The stunning fall foliage adds to the overall experience. For details, contact Sunrise Fly Shop in Melrose, MT.

Most archery hunts don’t end with a kill — this Montana bowhunter gets real about what success actually looks like in the high country.

Montana hunting license sales have increased for both residents and nonresidents, while access to private land is at a historic low, causing concerns among resident hunters about overcrowding. House Bill 568 mandates a study to analyze hunting pressures and seek solutions protecting the state's hunting traditions. Legislative challenges remain regarding nonresident hunter limitations.

UM News Service MISSOULA – Perhaps no other 20th century book has had a more profound impact on the state of Montana than Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs through It.”  […]

HELENA, Mont. – On Sept. 17, the Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) confirmed Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in Ravalli County. The affected […]

WEST GLACIER, Mont. – Park officials have confirmed that a beaver discovered between Upper and Lower St. Mary Lakes in Glacier National […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—Sept. 17, 2026 GREAT FALLS – A grizzly bear was euthanized Tuesday evening southwest of Augusta. The bear […]

The Trump administration has initiated a federal review of wolf management, assessing whether gray and Mexican wolves can lose Endangered Species Act protections. This move aims to aid cattle ranchers and could shift management authority to states. The impact will vary across regions, especially where wolf populations are still federally protected.

Hunt Montana shared another first for archery hunter, Tyler Otool. A huge congratulations for putting his first bull on the […]

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks warns Bitterroot River visitors that vehicle access to Woodside Bridge Fishing Access Site will close from Sept. 22–25 and Sept. 29–Oct. 1 due to Montana Department of Transportation work on Highway 323. However, the walking path will remain open for river access. Signage will be posted to inform users.

Montana archery elk season demands serious camp planning. See how WALSHFARMS68 sets up for a month in elk country — plus tips for your own September hunt.

With all the excitement of what we’re chasing in the field this fall, FWP has a reminder worth carrying along […]

Idaho's steelhead run in 2026 is projected to be one of the lowest on record, with only 61,500 expected returns. To protect wild stocks and ensure hatchery fish, the daily bag limit is being reduced to two steelhead. Factors affecting the decline remain unclear, but larger fish may help hatchery production goals.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds hunters that the deadline to buy bonus points for the license year is September 30. Bonus points enhance future drawing chances but can only be purchased if the same license or permit type wasn't applied for this year. Purchase via Montana FWP’s Online Licenses Service.

The Milk River Project has transitioned from concrete work to significant steel installation, as crews prepare to install radial gates at the St. Mary Diversion Dam in Montana. These gates will manage river flow, marking an important development in the project as it progresses into September.

The Missouri River is experiencing good fishing conditions as fall approaches, with mornings being the most productive time. Nymphing is effective, while dry flies like ants, hoppers, and Caddis are tempting trout. Anglers should focus on quick water and pay attention to their presentations to enhance catch success.

Montana wardens set a deer decoy trap near Glasgow during Winter Storm Brutus — what happened next is a masterclass in how poachers get caught.

Oliver Ngy's journey to becoming a bass-fishing expert began with humble roots in California. Starting at ten with makeshift fishing gear, he became passionate about fishing after a bluegill snapped his line. Self-taught and innovative, Ngy's unique approach, inspired by video games like Nintendo, led to viral success with his Big Bass Dreams brand.

Bison appear calm but are unpredictable and can run faster than humans. It's crucial to maintain a distance of at least 25 yards, avoid approaching them for photos, and heed warning signs of aggression. Stay patient and respect their space to ensure safety for both yourself and the animals.

As fall approaches, the Yellowstone river's conditions improve for fishing, with flows at 1,710 CFS and water temperatures between 55-62°F. Trout are becoming active, particularly brown trout responding to streamers. Wind gusts may impact fishing, but anglers should be prepared with hoppers, ants, and various streamers.

Montana FWP is addressing the invasive brown trout issue in the Flathead by urging anglers to report and kill them, aiming to prevent their establishment. Proposed regulations for 2027-28 would reduce protections for certain nonnative species while increasing protections for threatened bull trout, reflecting a strategic management approach.

GREAT FALLS – Evidence collected at the site of a bear attack near Augusta confirms it was a grizzly bear that […]

Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks announces that Hunting District 501 will close to bighorn sheep hunting on Sept. 16, 2026, half an hour after sunset. This rapid closure is due to reaching the harvest quota, reflecting Montana's management strategy for bighorn populations, which number around 5,700 statewide. Hunters should check current quotas.