Anglers Brave Wind and Snow for First Week of 2026 Spring Mack Days

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.

Conservation

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.

Elk Hunting

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.

FWP

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 […]

Wildlife

When Wildlife Interrupts Fishing Adventures

A fisherman’s quiet day on the water takes a wild turn when an aggressive beaver repeatedly charges and follows him, creating a surprising wildlife encounter anglers won’t soon forget.

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Recipes

Trout Jerky Recipe: Sweet and Smoky Flavor Made Easy

Trout jerky offers a flavorful alternative to traditional beef jerky, using a maple-whisky marinade and simple preparation methods. It’s perfect for snacking on fishing trips or road journeys.

Agriculture

Montana Cattle Prices Drop 3% as Trading Volume Falls 32% This Week

Montana cattle markets face pressure with 3,973 head traded – feeder prices drop on quality concerns while cow markets stay strong. Get the full breakdown.

Walleyes Unlimited

Celebrate Fishing Conservation at the Wolf Point Walleyes Unlimited Annual Banquet

Join the 40th Annual Walleyes Unlimited Banquet on March 21 in Wolf Point, Montana, featuring dinner, raffles, and prizes, while supporting fish conservation and outdoor recreation efforts.

FWP

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.

Snow Report

Current Snowpack Conditions in Montana’s River Basins

Montana’s snowpack varies significantly; while overall moisture is above normal in many basins, some areas remain below average. The state may still see beneficial late-season snowfall through April.

national park

Texas Man Sentenced After Firearm Discovered During Yellowstone Traffic Stop

A Texas man will spend time in federal prison after a traffic stop in Yellowstone National Park led to the discovery of a loaded handgun.

Bird hunting

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!

Public Lands

Mining projects approved in Jefferson City, Cardwell

The Butte Field Office approved two mining projects that will help support American mineral production and local jobs in Montana.

Public Land Access

GVLT Reaches Milestone of 75,000 Acres Conserved in Southwest Montana

Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) has reached a historic milestone in regional land conservation: 75,000 total acres of highly productive agricultural, wildlife-rich, and scenic open lands permanently protected across Gallatin, Park, and Madison counties.

Guns

ATF Offers Reward in Great Northern Pawn Burglary

The suspect entered through a window, cut a cable lock and stole multiple firearms. The suspect shown is wearing a gray hoodie, dark pants, light blue underpants with a face mask.

Fishing

North Idaho angler hauls in new state record cutthroat trout

Mar 15, 2026 – Angela Montana

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.

Events

Don’t Miss the April 2026 MTA Banquet – Tickets Available Now!

The Montana Trappers Association Banquet on April 11, 2026, at Anaconda Elks Lodge features good food, entertainment, and community spirit, supporting trapping heritage with auctions and contests. Tickets available now.

Fly Fishing

Stillwater Fly Fishing: Montana’s Best Move When Runoff Wins

Mar 15, 2026 – montanaoutdoor

Montana rivers are blowing out now. Here’s how to pivot to stillwater fly fishing at Canyon Ferry, Holter, and Hauser this spring.

Fishing

Bitterroot Surges 55% as March Warmup Hits Montana Rivers: Where to Fish Now

Mar 15, 2026 – montanaoutdoor

Spring conditions arrive early with flows jumping 55% on some rivers. Here’s where to fish this week as temperatures climb into the 50s.

Deer Hunting

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

Mar 15, 2026 – montanaoutdoor

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.

Fishing

How Weather Affects Fish Feeding Behavior

Mar 15, 2026 – Angela Montana

Weather significantly impacts fish feeding behavior, with factors like temperature and pressure influencing activity. Understanding these changes helps anglers adjust tactics for improved catch rates.

Hunting

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.

Fishing

Hard Lessons Montana Outdoorsmen Learn Too Late Every Spring

March 14, 2026 by Kamp Cook

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.

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Montana Outdoor Radio Show – March 14th Recap

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Montana Fishing Report – March 14th

March 14, 2026 by Kamp Cook

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Montana Outdoor Podcast

New Episodes Every Saturday!

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MORS Podcast: It’s Time for Spring Mack Days! Big Fish, Big Fun, Big Money!

By Downrigger Dale

Sponsors This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast you host Downrigger Dale checks in with the two fellas that were […]

MORS Podcast: Karl Tyler Started Out Washing Cars and Dreaming Big! You Won’t Believe Where That Took Him!

By Downrigger Dale

Sponsors This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale has a truly amazing discussion with business entrepreneur […]

MORS Podcast: Hunters, Anglers & Outdoors Folks, Change is Coming From Montana FWP! Will it Affect you?

By Downrigger Dale

Sponsors This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast you host Downrigger Dale talks with the Head of the Communication and […]

Hunting

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.

Conservation

Smith River Permit 2026: The Complete Guide to Drawing, Planning, and Floating Montana’s Most Coveted Trip

Your complete guide to the Smith River permit 2026 lottery — deadlines, odds, standby tips, outfitter options, and insider float planning advice.

Hunting

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.

Last Weeks Show

Montana Outdoor Radio Show – March 14th Recap

Mar 14, 2026 – Kamp Cook

Last week on the Montana Outdoor Radio Show, we talked about the early signs of spring fishing across the state. […]

Audio Reports

Montana Fishing Report – March 14th

Mar 14, 2026 – Kamp Cook

Mid-March in Montana means winter and spring are still arguing about who’s in charge. Ice fishing opportunities are fading quickly […]

Fishing

Something Big Hit on the Bighorn: Wildhook Adventures Tangles With a Mystery Catch on One of Montana’s Most Legendary Rivers

The crew at Wildhook Adventures hooks into something massive on the Bighorn River near Fort Smith — one of Montana’s top tailwater trout fisheries.

Hunting

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.

Conservation

Why Dumping Bait Fish Could Destroy Your Favorite Montana Lake

Illegal fish stocking is one of Montana’s biggest fishery threats. Here’s why dumping bait fish or “pet” fish can ruin a waterbody forever.

Conservation

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.

Fort Peck

2026 Fort Peck Salmon Derby – Registration Opens 3/15/26 – Critical Information to Know

Registration for the Fort Peck Salmon Derby opens Sunday at 9:00 a.m. Mountain Time, and teams planning to compete should […]

Fishing

Big Hole Surges 21% While Madison Holds Steady: Montana Rivers March 14, 2026

Southwest Montana rivers splitting—Madison and Gallatin stable and clear, but Big Hole and western drainages rising fast from snowmelt.

Fishing

Where Montana’s Best March Fishing Is Happening Right Now

Mar 09, 2026 – Angela Montana

Montana’s ice-out begins! Mid-March brings hot fishing action as winter loosens its grip. Late ice opportunities plus early spring river action await.

Montana Tourney Trail

Fort Peck King Salmon Derby: Registration Opens in 6 Days (150-Boat Limit) — Get Your Team Ready

Online registration for the 1st Annual Fort Peck Montana Tournament of Kings opens in 6 days, and with a 150-boat limit, spots could go fast. Here’s what to do now to be ready when the link drops—plus how to stay in the loop.

Mack Days

2026 Spring Mack Days on Flathead Lake: Dates, Prizes, Rules, Fish Pickup Sites & Conservation Goals

Mar 02, 2026 – Angela Montana

Mack Days returns to Flathead Lake March 12–May 9, 2026, giving anglers nine weeks to target non-native lake trout while supporting conservation of native bull trout and westslope cutthroat. Get the key dates, prize details, entry rules, fish drop-off locations, and important release and fish ID requirements.

Montana Ice Fishing Reports

Bitterroot Lake Ice Update (Feb. 27, 2026): 4–5 Inches at North Access, Open Water at Reeds & South Ramp — No Machines

Feb 27, 2026 – Angela Montana

Bitterroot Lake ice has shrunk significantly with warm weather and wind. The north end county access is now 4–5 inches, the reeds are open water, and the south end boat access has open water at the ramp. No machines. Mandatory check-in at the Hilltop Hitching Post.

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Montana Outdoor Podcast

Spring Mack Days: Fishing Tips from Ryker and Patrick

Mar 14, 2026 – Angela Montana

This week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast features Ryker Bair and Patrick Casey discussing their experiences in Mack Days, highlighting the collaborative spirit among anglers as they share tips for successful fishing.

Kokanee Quinn

Cooking with Kokanee Quinn: Pheasant Cordon Bleu Recipe (Easy Wild Game Dinner)

Mar 14, 2026 – Angela Montana

Pheasant Cordon Bleu is an easy, gourmet recipe combining pheasant with Canadian bacon, prosciutto, Swiss cheese, and breadcrumbs, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Conservation

Who Really Pays for Montana Public Land Access: The Numbers Hunters Need to Know

Montana hunters fund public land access more than most realize. Here’s the real breakdown before federal policy strips it away.

Fly Fishing

Fishing Dogs of Montana: Honor Your Best Streamside Partner

A tribute to Montana’s fishing dogs — plus dog-friendly access points and spring runoff safety tips for anglers heading out this season.

Conservation

The Silent Killer in Your Neighbor’s Yard: Why Japanese Yew is Dropping Montana Elk

Montana elk are dying from Japanese yew, a common landscaping shrub. Learn why this ornamental plant is lethal to wildlife and what you can do to protect herds.

Hunting

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.

Agriculture

Wyoming Rancher Takes DEF Fight to U.S. Senate: ‘It’s a Battle Against Cold and Clock’

Wyoming rancher tells Senate how frozen diesel fluid regulations threaten cattle feeding in sub-zero weather, demanding practical solutions for farmers

Conservation

Why Spring Trail Closures Matter More Than You Think: Understanding Wildlife Protections on Mount Jumbo

Mar 13, 2026 – Angela Montana

Discover why Mount Jumbo’s spring trail closures protect crucial wildlife habitat and what every Montana hiker should know about seasonal restrictions.

Brett French

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.

Events

Mountain Men Stars Tom Oar and Paul Antczak Coming to Missoula Pig Roast April 18

Mar 13, 2026 – Angela Montana

MTSFW’s 16th Annual Pig Roast Banquet & Fundraiser on April 18, 2026, offers great food, raffles, and special guests from Mountain Men. Early tickets available, kids enter free.

Montana Hunting

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.

Conservation

What Montana Mountain Lion Hunters Must Know Right Now