Keren drew a coveted Montana bull elk tag — but nearly the entire unit was private land. Here’s how it played out.

A black bear that attempted to enter two tents while they were occupied with campers on the Bighorn National Forest […]

Knowing how to tie reliable knots is a crucial skill for outdoor enthusiasts, aiding in various activities like camping, fishing, and utility work. Vic Rope Craft provides practical tutorials on essential knots that enhance safety and efficiency. Their YouTube channel offers visual guides to help you master these techniques effectively.

LERT: Go status reached.  Effective immediately, the Beaverhead County Sheriff, in coordination with fire officials and local cooperators, moved evacuation status from […]

MISSOULA – The University of Montana Police Department wants assistance from the community to help locate a missing individual, Josef W. […]

Cornell University has banned students from processing wild game in community kitchens following a 2025 incident involving the butchering of […]

A grizzly bear returned just 20 feet from a remote NW Montana cabin — trail cam footage and hard-won bear-proofing lessons inside.

The Dog Days of Summer are here, and the Montana Outdoor Radio Show checked in around Montana for final updates […]

The results are in from the Ft Peck Tournament of Kings, the water conditions around Montana are stabilizing in areas […]

High water temperatures in Montana are leading to fire restrictions and fishing closures. The Montana Outdoor Podcast emphasizes visiting West Yellowstone for cooler weather and excellent flyfishing opportunities at Hebgen Lake. Host Downrigger Dale and expert Garrett Ostler share insights on outdoor activities and resourceful fishing alternatives amidst rising temperatures.

Kokanee Quinn discovers the perfect venison burger recipe, the Venison Sweet Onion Bourbon Burger, that prevents dry meat. The unique flavor comes from a homemade bourbon barbecue sauce and caramelized onions, enhancing the wild game experience. This recipe, featuring a careful cooking process, elevates the venison burger to a delicious dining option.

Camp Crook, SD, August 7, 2026—Custer Gallatin National Forest fire managers are implementing Stage 1 Fire Restrictions effective immediately on […]

Hamilton, MT, August 7, 2026) — On the same day that Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are taking effect, the Bitterroot National Forest […]

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today issued an executive order to mobilize members of the Montana National Guard to support […]

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BILLINGS – A Laurel man who was found with an illicit firearm while under felony indictment admitted to charges today, […]

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks sites in Stillwater County are now under Stage I fire restrictions due to dry conditions. Fires and campfires are prohibited, smoking is limited to certain areas, and cooking is allowed only on propane stoves. These restrictions remain until further notice to enhance safety against wildfire threats.

In mid-August, fishing conditions improve with cooler water temperatures in the Yellowstone River, allowing for successful nymph and streamer fishing. Paradise Valley’s spring creeks and Yellowstone National Park also present good opportunities, especially with hoppers in the afternoons. Alpine lakes offer exceptional trout fishing, requiring careful preparation and stealthy techniques.

Montana’s bison management debate raises a hard question for hunters and public lands users: what does “wild” actually mean on American public land?

At Tongue River Marina, a black bear unexpectedly joined the summer festivities, roaming through the campground before being gently escorted away by trained staff. The marina reminds visitors to stay cautious in bear country by securing food and trash and to avoid approaching wildlife, contacting park staff if spotted.

Walleye fishing remains strong, with success reported at 15-18 feet, using slow death hooks and half crawlers. Pike are abundant, caught by casting spoons or trolling crankbaits in depths ranging from 15 to 30 feet. Salmon fishing is challenging, with best results at 70-90 feet using specific gear.

A Texas couple, David and Crystal Watts, pursuing the purchase of Montana's Diamond Cross Ranch, voluntarily dismissed their complaint against the Trophies West Outfitters amid a legal dispute over hunting rights. The parties allegedly resolved the issue, but details remain undisclosed. The closing is set for August 24, and hunting agreements are a key concern.

Three feral bunnies at Billings’ Rocky Mountain College tested positive for Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease 2 (RHDV2), a highly contagious and often deadly virus. While it poses no risk to humans or non-rabbit pets, precautions are necessary when handling dead rabbits. Keep domestic bunnies away from wild ones and maintain hygiene.

When temperatures rise, trout congregate near dam releases, where the cold water is oxygen-rich. Effective flies include scuds and nymphs. Grasshoppers become viable for topwater fishing in summer evenings. In warmer downstream areas, larger pike lurk, best targeted with aggressive flies like black sex dungeons.

Holter and the Regulating Reservoirs are seeing fluctuating fish activity, including kokanee, walleye, and pike. Kokanee are deeper, while walleye thrive in weed beds using jigs and drop shots. For effective results, use chartreuse, pink, or orange lures. Early mornings and evenings offer the best chances for bites.

Hauser Lake is providing excellent late-summer fishing for walleye, pike, and trout. Walleye are active in weed beds using drop shots and jigs, while pike have become aggressive. Trout are deeper, with black/gold lures effective. Limited kokanee are caught, but tactics for trout still ensure a successful outing.

Canyon Ferry's fishing scene is thriving, with successful walleye catches from the south to north end, particularly using pink and other vibrant colors on bottom bouncers and jigs. Trout fishing is also fruitful in deeper waters, with bright deep diving cranks and troll setups yielding 2-3 pound catches.

First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park is hosting its annual Mammoth Hunt on August 8 and 9. Visitors can learn to use the ancient atlatl spear-thrower from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Additionally, a free ranger talk will be held at 1:00 p.m. Park entry is free for Montana residents.

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.

During a mountain bike ride, Jake encounters a black bear charging towards him, only to realize that the bear is fleeing from his dog, who is new to training. The unexpected situation highlights the dog’s confidence and throws Jake into a surreal moment as he witnesses nature's unpredictability and humor.

System Reconstruction Includes Modernized Lagoon System (Kalispell, MT, August 4, 2026) — The Flathead National Forest today released the Finding of […]

The drawings for antelope and nonresident winter hound licenses are complete. Results can be accessed by logging into MyFWP at fwp.mt.gov, calling FWP offices, or visiting in person. Most FWP offices operate Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

A Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks press release reveals a significant conservation effort in the upper Shields River aimed at saving the native Yellowstone cutthroat trout from invasive brook trout. Crews will relocate the cutthroats and use a plant-based toxicant to remove the invasives while temporarily closing the area to recreational access for safety.

Recent cool nights have lowered Yellowstone River's water temperatures to a comfortable 61° to 68°, reviving the trout fishing season. Anglers are encouraged to explore various fly options, including nocturnal stoneflies and PMDs. Strict regulations are in place, requiring fishing to stop by 2:00 PM for conservation. Early mornings are ideal for optimal fishing.

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.