Complete guide to hunting in Big Sky Country.
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LMU 680 pending closure to female lions
By the order of the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission, LMU 680 shall be closed to all hunting of female Mountain Lions one-half hour […]
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Don’t Miss This Podcast on Life-Saving Skills!
In this week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast, host Downrigger Dale interviews Racheal Vargas, who teaches vital safety courses, including Wilderness First Aid and Pet First Aid, emphasizing the importance of community training.
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Closure Notice for Female Mountain Lion Hunting in Montana
Heads up, lion hunters — there’s a change you’ll want on your radar. The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has […]
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Lakeridge Lodging and Bait Shop Fort Peck, MT Ice Report 2.20.26
Lakeside Lodging reports thin, snow-covered ice conditions with unstable areas and hidden hazards. Remain cautious when heading out, as not all frozen sections are safe. Stay safe and warm.
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Join MT Hunter Education Classes Before Summer Rush
More than 15 hunter and bowhunter education courses are available for registration in north-central Montana. Spring is ideal for signing up to avoid competitive fall classes.
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February Fishing Report: Missouri River Strategies
The Missouri River fishing is improving despite some wind, with nymphing and midges being effective. Focus on subsurface techniques and smaller streamers for success during winter outings.
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Understanding Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Through History
Montana’s history encompasses a vibrant legacy shaped by diverse communities, emphasizing wildlife conservation and the state’s iconic landscapes, while educational efforts continue to promote responsible stewardship for future generations.
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The Dramatic Dating Ritual of Bald Eagles
Bald Eagles engage in a dramatic courtship ritual called “cartwheeling,” where they lock talons and freefall, testing their compatibility and strength to ensure only the most committed pairs breed.
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Easy Cheesy Venison Bombs Recipe
As hunting season approaches, families can utilize leftover venison by making cheesy venison bombs, a simple and flavorful dish combining ground venison, cheese, and bacon for a delicious meal.
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Captivating Taxidermy: The Art of Realistic Wildlife Displays
A striking black bear mount on a loft railing showcases expert taxidermy craftsmanship. This art form has evolved, capturing lifelike motion and personality, blending biology and sculpture since the 1800s.
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New Backcountry Camping Rules at Beartooth WMA
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will no longer allow caching supplies at Beartooth Wildlife Management Area, enforcing a leave-no-trace policy starting May 15 for visitors during hunting season.
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Enroll in Spring 2026 Montana Hunter Safety Classes
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers various hunter education options this spring, including in-person classes and online courses, required for hunters born after January 1, 1985. Classes fill quickly.
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Highlights from the 28th Annual Ice Fishing Derby in Glasgow
The 28th Annual Ice Fishing Derby in Glasgow attracted 150 participants despite warm weather, featuring competitions and prizes, including a $2,000 win for a 5.34-pound pike and free rods for youth anglers.
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Hunting and trapping for bobcats to close in Region 4 on Wednesday
Bobcat hunting and trapping in Montana Region 4 ends on February 11 at midnight. Hunters should check quota status online to ensure compliance with regulations before the season closes.
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Hunt Ends in Close Call With Wounded Deer
A hunter’s close call with a wounded buck is a powerful reminder that recovery can be dangerous and patience matters. Never assume an animal is dead—safety must always come first.
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12 Creative Duct Tape Uses for Fishing Trips
Duct tape is an invaluable fishing tool, offering twelve innovative uses such as repairing gear, waterproofing shoes, securing items, and improving grip, making it essential for any fishing trip.
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Skiing in Montana: Latest Snow Reports & Conditions
Montana’s snowpack is only 32% of normal, significantly impacting ski conditions. OnTheSnow provides detailed reports on snow depth, open runs, and weather for local resorts.
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Meet the Stars at the 2026 Montana Spring Rendezvous
The Montana Fur Harvesters Spring Rendezvous, scheduled for May 15–16, 2026, at Majestic Valley Arena, promises expanded activities, a chance to meet ‘Mountain Men’ cast members, and engaging community experiences.
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Balancing Ecosystems: The Role of Wolves in Conservation
Wolf management in Alberta and Montana aims to maintain ecosystem balance, addressing stressed prey populations. It emphasizes science-based strategies rather than emotional reactions, ensuring both predators and prey are sustainably managed.
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Top-Notch Montana Taxidermy
Montana taxidermist Chad Steward impresses with his mountain lion rug, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, earning a 5-star rating and reputation for high-quality work.
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Current Status of Wolf Harvests in Montana 1.28.26
As of January 28, 2026, Montana hunters have harvested 179 wolves towards a 452 quota, with many regions still open. Check unit-specific closures to avoid surprises while hunting.
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Montana 2026 Hunting Regulations Available Now
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has released the 2026 hunting regulations for deer, elk, antelope, and moose, sheep, goat, and bison. Hunters should review them online before the application period.
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Southwest Montana Sportsmen Achieve Wildlife Conservation Success
The Southwest Montana Chapter of MTSFW successfully removed over 80 coyotes during their derby, benefiting wildlife and ranchers by protecting fawns and livestock, demonstrating the positive impact of sportsmen’s efforts.
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Top Dogs of the 1st Annual Belfry FFA Coyote Derby
See Who Dominated the very first Belfry FFA Coyote Derby…
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Missouri River Fishing Report 1.14.26
Unseasonably warm weather and light winds around Craig are making the Missouri below Holter Dam a solid winter option. Midges […]
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From Campus to Backcountry: UM Students Fuel a Resurgence in Hunting and Fishing Club
On a chilly October morning at the Teller Wildlife Refuge, before most students had even reached for coffee, a group of University of Montana undergraduates crouched in cattails as geese lifted over the Bitterroot Mountains. For many students, this wasn’t just a workshop, it was an immersive experience in the recreation and heritage of Montana’s backyard.
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Concessioner Selected to Provide Backcountry Lodging in Glacier National Park
The National Park Service has selected Belton Chalets, Inc. to provide backcountry lodging, food and beverage, and other services at Glacier National Park under concession contract CC-GLAC004-26. The new contract will begin on Jan. 1, 2026, and has a term of 10 years.
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E-Bikes Are Changing Western Hunting — For Better or Worse?
Would you hunt a particular spot if everybody had e-bikes?
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TONIGHT: Foundational new “Dinosaurs of Montana” book debuts from Horner, Rogers, MBMG
A limited edition hardbound copy ($30) will only be available at the official launch of the book (and after, as supplies last), on December 16, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Montana Tech Library Auditorium. Both Dr. Horner and Dr. Rogers will speak and sign copies at that event.
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Spoiler Alert: Hunters Were ‘Posting’ Long Before Social Media
What makes YOU hit ‘post’ after a successful hunt or catch?
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Persistence Paid Off for Callie Cromwell This Season
Sometimes, when you see one you like, you just gotta chase it!
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When a 6.5 Creedmoor Meets Serious Montana Mass
This buck is so heavy-horned the photo can’t even do it justice…
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When Hard Work Pays Off with Three Elk
Warning: This post contains Images of three very successful hunters!
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Whitetail Antler Overload
Some bucks stop you in your tracks—this one makes you forget how to count…
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The Great Tailgate Triumph of 2025
Check out what was falling over the sky this weekend…..and we aren’t talking about the snow!
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Father-Son Deer Hunt Turns Into Double Elk Jackpot
What’s rarer than one bull elk during a deer hunt? The second one napping 50 yards from the first…
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Tagged Before the Turkey
If you think Black Friday deals are impressive, wait till you see Don’s Wednesday whitetail!
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It’s not all in the the antlers
A hunter in southwestern Montana, faced with their last opportunity to hunt for the season, shared this photo of a buck they harvested. “Any deer would do,” was the philosophy that day (of course, within constraints of regulations).
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The MT Whitey That Wouldn’t Give Him a Shot…Until It Did
This Montana Whitetail Is an Absolute FREAK! Check Out the Score!
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A First Deer, a Fast Buck, and One Very Proud Mama
If you need proof that getting kids outdoors pays off… here it is!
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This Kid’s First Deer Is Better Than Most Adults Get All Season
The mentor program just created a rising star. See what happened…
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How a School Trip Turned into a Life-or-Death Battle…with a Grizzly Bear
Chaos erupted in Canada on a Bella Coola trail Thursday when a grizzly bear charged out of the trees, seriously […]
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FWP investigating white-tailed buck shot and left in Condon
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking information after a white-tailed deer was shot and left off the road in Condon.FWP wardens received a report from hunters who found the buck still alive but paralyzed on the afternoon of Nov. 20.
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This Is What Happens When Persistence Meets a Monster Muley
Dan Greer just couldn’t forget this buck, and it’s a good thing he went back for it!
