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Anchor Ranch has been at center of access disputes
At the crossroads of wilderness and ownership, Anchor Ranch has become ground zero in a battle over who gets in—and who gets kept out.
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It was a short season for some backcountry bighorn hunters
Montana’s backcountry bighorn sheep hunt in the Gallatin-Yellowstone district lasted just two days before the quota was filled, leaving more than 100 hopeful hunters sidelined…
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Fish and Wildlife Commission Oks more than 122,300 acres of easements
Montana’s newest conservation easements show how ranchers, hunters, and wildlife can all share the same ground — and win.
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OnX map identifies BLM acres for potential disposal
One map, 6.08 million acres flagged, and a federal agency tapping the brakes…
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Montana native new leader of Red Lodge Mountain ski area
Montana native Jean Mikulas returns home to lead the ski area into its next chapter.”
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How should mule deer be managed? Public weighs in with ideas
Facing a steep decline in mule deer numbers, Montana wildlife officials are drafting a new plan that weighs disease, predators, habitat loss, and hunting limits — with passionate public input shaping the debate….
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Weird tales from Wyoming wardens
From meth-fueled fishing fugitives to overloaded freezers of trout, Wyoming Game and Fish wardens had no shortage of strange cases in 2024… More from Brett French here.
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Madison River island being restored to help fish
State biologists are rebuilding a vanishing island on the lower Madison in hopes of bringing back the trout. Read more from Brett French here…
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State lands near Gallatin County dump closed to shooting
Recreational shooting will be banned on three state land tracts near Logan starting July 15 after leaseholders raised safety concerns.. read more from Brett French here.
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Yellowstone River users locked out as negotiations on access drag on
Montana’s fishing season is in full swing—but one popular Yellowstone River spot is still off-limits… Read more from Brett French here.
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Fish and Wildlife Commission OKs Elk Hunting Access deals
Some hunters and commissioners are raising red flags over Montana’s Elk Hunting Access program, saying it promises exclusive access but often delivers crowded conditions — all while landowners stack benefits from multiple state programs. Read more from Brett French…
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Gated road blocks route to BLM’s Seven Blackfoot WSA
A controversial gate on a rugged Montana road has cut off public access to thousands of acres of wildlands… Read more from Brett French here.
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A perfect storm of problems for popular Boulder River road
Two counties, one busted road, and a whole lot of finger-pointing… Read more from Brett French here.
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Coming to water near you: A tiger in the creel
Montana’s fish scene is about to get a bold new stripe. Read more from Brett French here….
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Legislation puts limits on helicopter, plane, drone use
A new Montana law aims to protect fair chase hunting by cracking down on helicopters and drones that disrupt wildlife and give hunters an unfair advantage.
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Legislature passes bills for upland hunters, habitat, access
Montana hunters may soon get a 10-day head start on their feathered foes—before the out-of-staters flock in. Read more from Brett French here…
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Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks eyes more fall turkey hunts
With turkey numbers booming in parts of Eastern Montana, FWP is eyeing a fall hunt comeback to help landowners—and thin the flocks. Read more from Brett French here…
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Trout Unlimited work improves cutthroat trout habitat
A once-golden creek is being reshaped—not for fortune this time, but for the future. Read more from Brett French here…
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The Yellowstone is a river in transition
When a sleepy stream surges 30-fold overnight and jet boats can’t float in spring, Montana’s rivers are telling a story—and it’s one we can’t ignore…
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Dude ranch’s history, 1930 film unearthed after family research
When city slickers traded skylines for sawtooths, one dude ranch adventure in 1930 captured all the grit, grace, and goofy glory of Montana’s wild side on film. Here’s more from Brett French….
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Numerous studies examine wild sheep for answers to die-off events
The bighorns of the Missouri Breaks once thrived—now, scientists are scrambling to find out why they’re gone…
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400 Yellowstone bison removed through hunt, slaughter, quarantine this season
As Montana sues over Yellowstone’s bison plan, hundreds of buffalo are shipped to slaughter—while others dodge traps, lawyers, and horses in a bureaucratic stampede.
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Selling landlocked state parcels to lessees proposed in Montana water bill
A controversial Montana bill could put 1.25 million acres of state land up for sale—along with its water rights—sparking debates over access, revenue, and the future of public lands.
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Ticks carrying Lyme disease may have infiltrated Montana; found on bird dog
Tick Trouble…Could Lyme-Carrying Deer Ticks Be Creeping into Montana?
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Montana hunters request study in hopes of easing crowding
Montana hunters aim to ‘track’ solutions to overcrowding with new study request.
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Bill would protect ‘furry friends’ by requiring signs when trapping FWP lands
House Bill 436 aims to protect Montana’s ‘furry friends’ by requiring signs at FWP access points where trapping is conducted—helping recreationists make safer choices for their pets. Read more from Brett French here..
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Lawmaker sponsors resolution supporting federal land transfer to states
Montana’s public lands are back in the political crosshairs, with a new push to transfer federal lands to state control—reviving an old battle that could reshape access, management, and the future of our wild places…
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Is forever too long? Landowners tell Montana lawmakers to butt out of property decisions
BRETT FRENCH bfrench@billingsgazette.com To make something perpetual is everlasting and permanent — so a long, long time. When it comes to […]
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Bill would raise nonresident base license to boost hunter access funding
Will a proposed fee hike for nonresident hunters boost public access—or drive them away? Read more from Brett French…
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Bill would increase private fish pond license fees to $600
Montana’s private fish ponds may seem like small fry compared to our famous rivers, but they’ve sparked a big debate. Read more from Brett French.
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FWP conservation easement in Fergus County stalls amid confusion, miscommunication
After months of miscommunication and delays, the Fergus County Commission gave the green light to the Stafford Ferry Conservation Easement, ending a saga of confusion and setting the stage for better access to Montana’s wildlands—proving that collaboration can still win the day.
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Ancient trees reveal possible futures for Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem
Frozen in time: Ancient trees preserved in a Beartooth ice patch for 5,000 years are revealing secrets about past climates—and what they mean for our warming future. Read more from Brett French…
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DEQ water quality studies lay groundwork for Smith River restoration
BRETT FRENCH bfrench@billingsgazette.com If the Smith River were a medical patient, its doctors now have in hand a series of […]
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High land prices stall Montana sage grouse easements
With Montana’s land prices soaring, conservation efforts to protect sage grouse habitat are hitting financial hurdles, putting the future of this vital program—and the iconic birds it protects—at risk.
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Brett French reports: Collars reveal wild treks by migratory mule deer
Don’t let their backyard snacking fool you—Cody, Wyoming’s mule deer are world-class migrators. Read more from Brett French here.
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Brett French reports: Property owner group appeals elk lawsuit
Montana’s elk management debate heats up as ranches, lawsuits, and wily elk take center stage! Is it about population control or just keeping elk in check?
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BLM unveils travel plan for southern Carbon County
The Bureau of Land Management has released a draft travel plan for a 76,000-acre region in southern Carbon County.
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Brett French reports: Fish and Wildlife Commission restricts catch limit
Going against the Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ staff recommendations, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission recently restricted raising […]
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Brett French reports: Judith River land donated for state park
A history-rich parcel of land along the Judith and Missouri rivers in north-central Montana has been donated to the Montana […]
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Brett French reports: Study adds new understanding of chronic wasting diseasets:
A recently published study conducted at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton mapped […]
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Brett French reports: 10-year Montana moose study wraps up
There was a lot of concern 11 years ago when Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks started a 10-year study of […]
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Brett French presents: River advisory council drafting ideas
An advisory council created by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to provide guidance on river recreation has come up with […]
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Brett French reports: Big medicine’ for combat veterans
Post-9/11 combat veterans can now learn the sport of archery hunting through Bozeman-based Warriors & Quiet Waters. The nonprofit began […]
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Brett French Reports: Forest Service: Budget restrictions won’t affect Montana avalanche centers
As Congress has delayed finalizing the federal budget for fiscal year 2025, the Forest Service has constricted its employment of […]
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Brett French reports: Wildlife overpass engineer work funded
Funding has been awarded to conduct an engineering study aimed at building two wildlife overpasses between Livingston and Gardiner along […]
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Brett French reports: 3 lakes in 3 days
Montana’s Tobacco Root Mountains have been discovered, for good reason. They are centrally located, full of public campgrounds, trails and […]
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Brett French reports: A national wolf discussion
People who disagree seem to get angrier easier these days. When it comes to talking about large predators, like wolves, […]
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Brett French Reports: Bears in the crosshairs
A noted grizzly bear biologist said Yellowstone-area bears can handle a “well-managed, conservate” hunt. Frank van Manen, leader of the […]
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Brett French reports: Hawg hunting–Lunker Fort Peck chinook salmon lure anglers
There are so many intricacies to fishing for chinook salmon at Fort Peck Reservoir it can be a bit intimidating. […]
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Brett French reports: Stories in ancient rock art
Central Montana is home to some unique and ancient rock art sites, places where Native Americans painted or etched figures […]