Good afternoon, Montanans (and visitors!) and welcome to mud season! Roads and trails on the B-D are a sloppy, soupy, mess and they will be until nighttime temps rise.
Far beneath the surface the soil is still frozen. Moisture from melting snow can’t be fully absorbed as it is later in the season. This pattern contributes to spring flooding and the associated hazards as well as erosion, falling rock, and thick mud.
Forest visitors should be prepared for slick, and varied conditions on FS roads. Remember, forest roads are not maintained for heavy traffic, however our roads crew of 9 works hard to keep them in operable condition. Please don’t hesitate to contact a District Office if you come across any safety or road hazards due to the spring melt.
It is wise to carry a shovel in your vehicle just in case you need to dig out of a sticky situation; strategic rock placement can also help when the tires are spinning. As always, avoid any off-road motor vehicle use. Moist soil conditions can lead to compaction and rutting which in turn hamper nutrient uptake. A little dirt never hurt but might require additional planning. So, head on out there and enjoy springtime forest activities just don’t forget to leave your boots at the door.
Guest Writer: Mandalyn Child, Resource Assistant, BDNF
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Elk Goes Full Jurassic Park (On a Goose)

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Because sometimes, even elk crave something with a little more bite….

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Montana Outdoor Podcast

New Episodes Every Saturday!

MT Outdoor Podcast: This One is Gonna Get Spooky

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This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast, Downrigger Dale and guest Megan Buecking explore Montana’s haunted ghost towns—and the chilling stories that may keep you up at night…

Doubling Down with Region 4 and 7 on the Montana Outdoor Podcast

Oct-25-25 by Angela Montana

Discover Montana’s hunting secrets and one shocking antelope surprise as Downrigger Dale dives deep with wildlife managers from Regions 4 and 7…

Exclusive Sneak Peek: MT’s Awesome Surprises from Big Game to Big Shockers

Oct-24-25 by Angela Montana

Join Downrigger Dale as he uncovers surprising insights and must-know hunting tips from Montana’s top wildlife managers in Regions 4 and 7 — you won’t believe what happened to the antelope population!

MT Outdoor Podcast: Double the Regions, Double the Game

Oct-18-25 by Angela Montana

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MT Outdoor Podcast: Find Out What the Hunting Will be Like in Hunting Regions 1 & 2

Oct-04-25 by Angela Montana

Two podcasts, twice the hunting intel — get the inside scoop on Montana’s Region 1 and 2 game hotspots in one epic double feature….

MT Outdoor Podcast: Wondering What the Hunting Will be Like in Region 6?

Sep-27-25 by Angela Montana

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MT Outdoor Podcast Sneak Peek: What’s Waiting in Region 6 This Season

Sep-26-25 by Angela Montana

Get a sneak peek at Montana’s Region 6 hunting outlook—elk, deer, antelope, upland birds, and more…


Montana Tourney Trail

Montana Fishing Reports

Outdoor How-To

DIY Smoker: Filing Cabinet Turned Pitmaster

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Don’t throw that old filing cabinet away…give it a new gig!

DIY: McFishing Rod…That Works

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Proof you don’t need fancy gear to make the perfect catch…

How To Clean and Fillet Fresh-Caught Salmon

Sep-16-25 by Angela Montana

Check out these tips on how to clean and fillet your salmon!

MT Wildlife

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Because sometimes, even elk crave something with a little more bite….

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Viral Stories

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A Drone’s Fiery Encounter in Sidney, MT

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A routine storm chase detoured into a fireball-filled explosion in Sidney, Montana…

A Bison’s Final Steps at YNP’s Grand Prismatic Spring

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Onlookers horrified at a bison took one wrong step into Yellowstone’s Grand Prismatic Spring…

Montana FWP

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Wild Game Recipes

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Cooking with Kokanee Quinn: Venison Backstrap

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This simple venison backstrap recipe brings the taste of the hunt to your table with a buttery sear and a sweet-savory maple glaze..