Plus, Strange and Dangerous Bear Problems! Are People Causing This?
There are plenty of elk in Montana’s Region 5. So why can they be so darn hard to hunt?
That is just one of the surprises Downrigger Dale uncovers in the latest stop in the Montana Outdoor Podcast’s Search for a Better Hunt: 2026 Montana Regional Hunting Forecast.
This week Rigger heads to south-central Montana and sits down with longtime Montana FWP Wildlife Biologist Shawn Stewart. And when we say longtime, we mean it. Shawn has been studying wildlife in the Red Lodge and Beartooth area for decades, giving him a remarkable perspective on just how much things have changed.
If you hunt mule deer or whitetails, you’ll want to hear what Shawn says about where deer numbers are doing well—and where they’re struggling. He also explains why simply finding animals may not be the biggest challenge facing hunters in Region 5.
Then there are the bears.
You’ve probably heard some of the stories coming out of the Red Lodge area this year. Shawn has spent more than 40 years involved in bear management and research, and he says some of the behavior they’re seeing now is very different and VERY CONCERNING from what they’ve ever experienced in the past. Why? His answer is something everyone who lives, hunts, camps or recreates in bear country needs to hear.
And wait until you watch this Podcast and find out what has happened to elk numbers since Shawn conducted his first survey back in the 1970s. The change is astounding—but there’s a catch for hunters.
Dale and Shawn also cover antelope, pheasants, Hungarian partridge, chukars, turkeys, waterfowl, wolves and even a very unique bighorn sheep opportunity.
Region 5 may hold more surprises than any stop we’ve made so far. You just got to watch this Podcast!
Watch or listen to this week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast and continue The Search for a Better Hunt!
Links:
PLAN YOUR REGION 5 HUNT
Before hunting black bears, check the current regulations and quota status directly with Montana FWP. As Shawn explains in the podcast, quota status can determine whether hunting remains open in specific areas
- QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? Click the names below to send them an email!
- Downrigger Dale
- Montana FWP Wildlife Biologist – Shawn Stewart
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
IMPORTANT: Regulations, quotas, access rules, closures and other hunting information can change. Always check the current official Montana FWP regulations and information before heading into the field.
Montana's outdoor week, in your inbox at 7am Friday.