Apr 9, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan

Biologists observe leks to estimate bird populations

Mountain grouse males, such as the dusky grouse, ruffed grouse and spruce grouse, perform their breeding displays in forested areas, usually on their own or in small groups, and aren’t really “leks” per se.

Apr 8, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Federal Lead Ammo Bill: What Montana Bear and Elk Hunters Need to Know

A new federal bill protects lead ammo on BLM and Forest Service land — here's what it means for Montana hunters this spring and beyond.

Apr 7, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

How to Judge a Bear’s Weight Before You Pull the Trigger

Montana's spring bear season opens April 15. Here's how to field-judge a bear's weight and age before you pull the trigger.

Apr 3, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Wisconsin Hunter Lost 10 Years: What Montana Poaching Actually Costs

A Wisconsin man just lost 10 years of Montana hunting privileges. Here's exactly what triggers long-term bans — and what every hunter must know right now.

Mar 29, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Six Wolves vs. One Grizzly: Who Really Wins in Montana?

Spring bear season opens April 15. Here's what science and trail cam footage reveal about wolf-grizzly showdowns — and what it means for your safety this spring.

Mar 28, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

How to Age a Black Bear in the Field: Montana 2026 Guide

Montana's spring bear season is almost here. Learn how to age black bears on the hoof before you pull the trigger this spring.

Mar 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Foothills Sheds Are Dropping Now: Best Montana Units This Weekend

Warm March temps are dropping elk and mule deer sheds early across Montana. Here's exactly where to look this weekend before the window closes.

Mar 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Warm March 2026 Is Moving Merriam’s Strut Zones — Scout Now

Montana's warm dry March is shifting where Merriam's toms strut. Here's how to adjust your pre-season scouting before the April opener.

Mar 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Shed Hunting 2026: Which Units and Elevations Are Dropping Right Now

Late March snowpack is receding fast. Here's exactly which Montana units and elevation bands are producing fresh elk and mule deer sheds this week.

Mar 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Fire Weather Watch: What Montana Spring Hunters Must Know This Week

A Fire Weather Watch is active in Montana this week — here's what turkey scouts, shed hunters, and spring bear hunters need to know before heading out.

Mar 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Turkey Opener 21 Days Out: Scout Water Now Before Strut Zones Lock In

Montana's turkey opener is 21 days out. Here's the one late-March scouting move on public land that most hunters skip — but shouldn't.

Mar 20, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Elk Migration Exodus: Where Montana’s 2026 Migration Hits First

Thousands of elk are leaving Wyoming's National Elk Refuge now. Here's exactly where they'll enter Montana and how to use it to your advantage.

Mar 18, 2026 · Angela Montana

CWD Is Spreading North from Wyoming: What Montana Mule Deer Hunters Must Know

Wyoming's CWD surge threatens Montana mule deer. With permit apps due April 1, here's what hunters must know about carcass rules and testing.

Mar 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

Elk Tenderloin Done Right: Best Cooking Methods Montana Hunters Swear By

Montana elk hunters, don't let that last tenderloin sit in the freezer. Here are the best cooking methods to do this prized cut justice.

Mar 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Wyoming’s Elk Season Overhaul: 5 Things Montana Border Hunters Must Know

Wyoming's elk season changes affect Montana border hunters now. With MT draw deadlines April 1, here's what you need to know before submitting applications.

Mar 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Shed Hunting Now: Hit These Elevations Before Green-Up Buries Everything

Mid-March is your last realistic window to find elk and mule deer sheds in Montana before green-up hits. Here's where to walk right now.

Mar 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

The Buffalo Slaughter That Wrote Montana’s Hunting Laws

How the 19th-century buffalo slaughter wiped out Montana's great herds — and directly shaped every tag, season, and law you hunt under today.

Mar 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Fixed vs. Mechanical Broadheads: What Montana Bowhunters Actually Need

Montana bowhunters debate fixed vs. mechanical broadheads for spring bear and fall elk. Here's what outfitters and public land hunters actually trust.

Mar 15, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

How Montana Hunters Lost $800 in Venison—And How You Won’t

Montana hunters risk losing a freezer full of elk or deer every storm season. Here's how to protect your wild game before next outage hits.

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Turkey Season 2026: Public Land Scout and Prep Guide

Montana's spring turkey season opens April 15. Here's your one-month public land scouting and prep guide to punch your tag opening week.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Duck Hunters Can Shape 2026-27 Waterfowl Seasons Right Now

Montana waterfowl hunters have a rare window to influence 2026-27 season dates and bag limits. Here's what's proposed and how to comment now.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana’s Truck-Mounted Thermal Scanner Laws: What Hunters Risk This Spring

Montana hunters need to know where the legal lines are on vehicle-mounted thermal scanners before spring predator and bear seasons begin.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

What Montana Hunters Should Do With Extra Elk and Deer Antlers

Shed season is peaking in Montana. Here's exactly what to do with extra elk and deer antlers — sell, craft, donate, or chew.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Hunters First Act: What It Means for Your 2026 Tags

The Montana Hunters First Act reshapes resident hunting rights. Here's what it means for public land access, draw seasons, and your 2026 tags.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Shed Hunting 2026: Where to Find Elk and Mule Deer Antlers Right Now

Mid-March is your best window for Montana shed hunting. Here's where to find elk and mule deer antlers before the crowds beat you to them.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Hunter Ed 2026: Deadlines, Locations, and How to Register

Montana hunter ed classes are filling fast. Here's where to find 2026 spring/summer sessions before fall draw deadlines close the door.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana’s 2026 Elk Regulations Changed: What to Know Before Drawing Deadlines

Montana's 2026 elk hunting rules just changed. Review new regulations now before application deadlines—quota shifts could affect your season plans.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Tagged Elk on Public Land? What Montana Hunters Must Know

Montana hunters need to know the law before shooting a tagged elk. Here's exactly what FWP says about escaped game farm elk.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Turkey Season 2026: Tag Deadlines, Scouting Spots, and Call Prep

Montana's turkey opener is April 15. Here's how to scout Merriam's birds right now, nail your calls, and grab a tag before quotas close.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Barnes TTSX Copper Bullets: Is the Switch Worth It for Montana Elk Hunters?

Montana hunters ask: is switching to Barnes TTSX copper bullets worth the hassle? We break down barrel prep, accuracy, and Montana-specific reasons to make the switch.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Shed Hunting 2026: Find Elk Antlers Before the Rush

Low snowpack is opening Montana elk country weeks early. Here's exactly where to go right now to find fresh sheds before everyone else does.

Mar 11, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Spring Turkey Season Opens April 15, 2026: Scout Merriam’s Gobblers Now (Public Land Tips, Calls, and a Pre-Season Checklist)

Montana’s spring gobbler season opens April 15, 2026 in most districts—and the hunters who tag out usually aren’t winging it on opening morning. Use mid-March to locate winter flocks, mark roosts, identify strut zones, and dial in your calling plan so you’re ready when the woods light up with gobbling.

Mar 11, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

No Public Meetings in Montana: Forest Service Push to Scrap the Roadless Rule Could Reshape Elk Country and Trout Streams

A coalition of 17 Montana recreation and sportsmen’s groups says federal officials are moving to eliminate the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule—without holding a single public meeting in Montana. Here’s what the Roadless Rule protects, why the process matters, and what hunters, anglers, and other backcountry users can do right now.