Aug 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Madison County FWP lands now under Stage I fire restrictions
Montana FWP lands in Madison County are now under Stage I fire restrictions, prohibiting open campfires and limiting smoking and cooking on FWP-managed properties.
Aug 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
How Much Can a Grizzly Bear Lift? The Answer Should Change How You Hunt and Hike in Montana
How much can a grizzly bear lift? The verified numbers are staggering — and they have real implications for Montana backcountry hunters and hikers.
Aug 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Rifle Pointed at Montana Wardens Twice Before Lunch on Opening Day
A Montana warden had a scoped rifle pointed at him twice in one day on opening day. Here’s what happened and why every hunter needs to see it.
Aug 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Six Months, One Super Cub, and a Radio Antenna: Inside a Montana Elk Poaching Investigation
Montana FWP wardens spent six months cracking an elk poaching case — including aerial surveillance in a Super Cub. Here’s what hunters need to know.
Aug 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Glass These Montana Ridges Now to Find Velvet Bulls Before September
Archery elk opens September 1. Here’s where Montana bowhunters should be glassing right now to pin down velvet bulls before the opener.
Aug 22, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Bowhunting Mule Deer and Bull Elk in Montana: Twin Elements’ Latest Film Is Worth Your Time
Twin Elements’ new film covers a Montana archery combo hunt for mule deer bucks and bull elk — plus tips, season dates, and public land context.
Aug 21, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
How Aerial Wildlife Surveys Actually Determine Your Montana Hunting Tags
Learn how Montana FWP aerial surveys shape tag quotas — and how understanding the process helps you make smarter application decisions each season.
Aug 20, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
3 Days Fly Fishing Montana’s Missouri River — What Out-of-State Anglers Need to Know
Desert Fly Duo spent 3 days fly fishing Montana’s Missouri River. Here’s what they found — and what you should know before you go.
Aug 19, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Mountain Goats Took Over a Beartooth Wilderness Camp — Here’s What Happened
Mountain goats invaded a remote Beartooth Wilderness campsite. Here’s what the crew from Carnivore Expeditions experienced — and what you should know before you go.
Aug 18, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Pike on the Fly Before Breakfast: Montana’s Most Underrated Summer Target
Northern pike on the fly rod — Montana’s most aggressive warmwater predator gets the early morning treatment in this must-watch episode from The Reel 406.
Aug 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
10 Best Trout Lakes in Montana — What the Rankings Get Right, What to Know Before You Go
Montana has thousands of trout lakes. Here’s what to know about the 10 best — access, regulations, species, and timing — before you make the drive.
Aug 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Hidden Montana Hole Stacked With Rainbow Trout Over 20 Inches
FlyFishDan finds an unknown Montana spot loaded with 20″+ rainbow trout. Here’s why this video matters for local fly anglers this summer.
Aug 15, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Dove Season Opens September 1: Drought Moved the Birds
Montana dove season opens September 1. Drought shifted bird distribution statewide — here’s where to find mourning doves in 2026 and what to do now.
Aug 15, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Kootenai River Fishing Report: Flows, Hatches, and What’s Biting Below Libby Dam Right Now
Get the latest Kootenai River fishing report — current flows, hatch activity, best access points below Libby Dam, and fly recommendations for trout and whitefish.
Aug 15, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Glacier’s Wolverines Outsmart Grizzlies With One Brilliant Winter Trick
A new wildlife doc filmed in Glacier National Park reveals how wolverines use snowpack to cache food — and back down grizzlies in the process.
Aug 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Fishing Montana in Fire Season: How One Angler Navigated Smoke, Closures, and Still Found Trout
Montana fly fishing in fire season is unpredictable. Here’s how to plan around smoke, closures, and hoot owl restrictions this August.
Aug 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
What’s Really Killing Montana’s Mule Deer? FWP’s New Video Finally Tackles the Hard Questions
Montana FWP’s new video breaks down what’s really driving mule deer population swings — and every eastern Montana hunter should watch it before this fall’s season.
Aug 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Decoy vs. Spot & Stalk: Which Tactic Wins Montana Pronghorn Rut?
Twin Elements tests decoy vs. spot & stalk tactics on rutting Montana pronghorn bucks. Here’s what worked — and what didn’t.
Aug 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana PLPW Committee Meeting Aug. 20: What Hunters Need to Know
Montana’s PLPW Advisory Committee meets Aug. 20 via Zoom to review landowner incentive survey results, discuss FWP access program funding, and finalize recommendations.
Aug 11, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
What Separates Successful Elk Hunters From Everyone Else? Survey Data From 1,000+ Public Land Hunters Has Answers
Survey data from 1,000+ public land elk hunters reveals what actually separates tag-fillers from tag-soakers — key takeaways for Montana hunters.
Aug 10, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
From 69 Birds to a Conservation Miracle: Montana’s Trumpeter Swan Story
In 1932, only 69 trumpeter swans survived at Red Rock Lakes. Here’s what 90 years of Montana conservation effort actually produced.
Aug 9, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
She Drew a Montana Bull Elk Tag — Then Discovered Most of the Unit Was Private Land
Keren drew a coveted Montana bull elk tag — but nearly the entire unit was private land. Here’s how it played out.
Aug 8, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
A 500-Pound Grizzly Came Within 20 Feet of This NW Montana Cabin — Trail Cam Footage Inside
A grizzly bear returned just 20 feet from a remote NW Montana cabin — trail cam footage and hard-won bear-proofing lessons inside.
Aug 7, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
When ‘Too Wild’ Becomes the Problem: What Montana’s Bison Battle Means for Public Lands Hunters
Montana’s bison management debate raises a hard question for hunters and public lands users: what does “wild” actually mean on American public land?
Aug 6, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
The Yellowstone Wolf Video 40 Million People Got Half Wrong
A viral video claimed wolves single-handedly reshaped Yellowstone’s rivers. Scientists say that’s only part of the story — here’s what’s missing.
Aug 5, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
When the Evidence Doesn’t Match the Suspect: Montana’s Predator ID Problem Is More Complicated Than It Looks
Livestock kills in Montana’s backcountry don’t always have the predator you expect. Here’s why getting the ID right matters — and what hunters and ranchers should know.
Aug 4, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Why Your Wind Check at the Trailhead Is Costing You Bulls — And What to Do Instead
Montana elk hunters: learn why a single wind check ruins stalks — and get practical tips for reading wind all the way to the bull.
Aug 3, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
30 Days to Dove: Scout Eastern Montana’s Best Fields Right Now
Dove season opens September 1. Here’s where eastern Montana hunters should be scouting right now — fields, water holes, and public access spots.
Aug 3, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Why You’re Reading Elk Sign Wrong — And How to Fix It Before Montana’s Season Opens
Montana elk hunters: stop hunting sign and start hunting terrain. Here’s the scouting framework that puts you on mature bulls in the backcountry.
Aug 3, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Ditch the Bugle: First-Week Archery Elk Tactics for Montana Openers
Montana’s archery elk opener is days away. Here’s a first-week field tactics guide covering bull behavior, calling, access, and early September conditions.
Aug 2, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
A Montana Outfitter’s 3 Must-Have Flies — And Why They Work on Our Rivers
A working Montana outfitter breaks down the 3 flies he never leaves home without — and the reasoning holds up on the Bighorn, Missouri, and beyond.
Aug 1, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Backcountry Bowhunter Earns a Public Land Elk Hunt for the Ages
Born and Raised Outdoors caps Elk Week with a backcountry public land bowhunt that every Montana archer needs to see before September.
Jul 31, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Hopper Season Peaks Now on the Madison, Big Hole, and Bitterroot
Hopper season is peaking on Montana’s best rivers right now. Here’s where to go, what to tie on, and how to fish before hoot owl windows close.
Jul 31, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
He’s Hiked This Montana Lake for 20 Years — Here’s What Changed
A Montana angler returns to a backcountry lake he’s fished for 20 years — and finds the trail and the fishery have both changed dramatically.
Jul 30, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
His Guide Refused to Name the River — The Dry Fly Fishing Was Insane
A secret northwestern Montana river, a guide who wouldn’t talk, and spring dry fly action that’ll make you want to cancel your weekend plans.
Jul 29, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
5 Streamer Fishing Mistakes That Cost You Big Montana Trout — And How to Fix Them
Fix the 5 most common streamer fishing mistakes before your next Montana float. Practical tips for the Clark Fork, Blackfoot, Madison, and more.
Jul 29, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Additional fishing restrictions and closures begin July 29 on several Montana rivers and creeks
Montana FWP expands hoot owl fishing restrictions starting July 29 on the Big Hole, Blackfoot, and other southwest and western Montana rivers due to rising water temperatures.
Jul 28, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Huns and Sharpies Over Pointing Dogs: Montana Upland Season Delivers
Watch Montana hunters work pointing dogs on Huns and Sharp-tailed Grouse in this bird hunting video from Wilber’s Wingshooting. Classic Big Sky upland action.
Jul 27, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Illegal Fish Introductions Now Threatening Montana’s Most Prized Trout Waters
Montana wildlife officials warn illegal introductions of non-native predatory fish are putting the state’s best trout fisheries at serious risk.
Jul 26, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Best Breed for a Coyote Decoy Dog? What Montana Predator Hunters Need to Know Before Picking a Partner
Levi Johnson breaks down the best decoy dog breed for coyote hunting. Here’s what Montana predator hunters should know before adding a dog to their setup.
Jul 25, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
When Montana’s Backcountry Fly Fishing Trip Turned Genuinely Sketchy
Day two of a 3-day backcountry Montana fly fishing trip went sideways fast — here’s what happened when the wilderness pushed back.
Jul 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Early Season vs. Rut: Why Montana Archery Elk Hunters Need to Ditch the September Bugle
Montana archery elk season runs early Sept through mid-October. Here’s why your rut calling tactics will wreck an early season hunt — and what to do instead.
Jul 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Spearfishing Pike in Montana’s Murky Water: What They Found
Deep State Spearo dives into northwest Montana's stained pike water early summer — low visibility, big teeth, and a surprise they didn't expect. Watch this.
Jul 22, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Grizzly Management Returns to Montana: What State Control Means for Hunters, Ranchers, and Backcountry Users
Montana grizzly management shifts to state control. Here’s what hunters, ranchers, and backcountry users need to know about what comes next.
Jul 21, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Montana Father-Son Guides Show Colby Acuff What This State Is Really About
Colby Acuff heads to Montana for Fin and Feather Episode 6 with the Hoffman Brothers — a father-son guiding operation that defines this state’s outdoor heritage.
Jul 20, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
How to Hunt Elk in Thick Timber — Tactics That Actually Work in Montana’s Dense Drainages
Spot-and-stalk doesn’t cut it in Montana’s thick timber. Here’s how to hunt elk in dense lodgepole drainages and actually fill your tag.
Jul 18, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Ted Turner’s Flying D Ranch: What 30 Years of Bison Ranching Has Done to the Gallatin Valley Landscape
How Ted Turner’s Flying D Ranch near Bozeman transformed overgrazed ranchland over 30 years — and what it means for Montana hunters and anglers.
Jul 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
The Brothers Wild Finally Strike Gold on Montana’s Flathead River
The Brothers Wild Fishing hit Montana’s Flathead River and finally found what they came for — here’s why this one is worth watching.
Jul 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Flathead Lake: The Complete Fishing, Recreation, and Wildlife Guide for Montana Outdoorsmen
Flathead Lake is Montana’s crown jewel for fishing, wildlife, and outdoor recreation. Here’s your complete guide to making the most of every season.
Jul 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor
Guide Puts Clients on the Biggest Bull on the Mountain After 3 Hard Days in Southwest Montana
A guided elk hunt in a Southwest Montana general unit ends with the biggest bull on the mountain after 3 hard days of searching.