Aug 21, 2026 · Angela Montana
Billings, Laurel backpackers take130-mile wilderness trek
After three years of dreaming, 57-year-old James Haskins embarked on a hike through the Beartooth Mountains with friend Keil Clavadetscher. Over ten days, they covered 132 miles, facing challenges like wildlife encounters and inclement weather. Despite hardships, the adventure brought joy and a sense of accomplishment, inspiring plans for future hikes.
Aug 14, 2026 · Angela Montana
Groups compete to auction off Montana hunting tags
Since 1986, Montana's auctioning of game tags has generated $12.67 million for conservation efforts. Five hunting tags are available for auction this year, with rising interest among conservation groups. Bidding has peaked as tags attract high bids, notably for bighorn sheep and elk, amid competition and public engagement in the process.
Aug 7, 2026 · Angela Montana
Legal standoff ends: Forsyth outfitter complaint dropped
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.
Jul 31, 2026 · Angela Montana
A path to hunting grizzlies? Alberta offers option
BRETT FRENCH | bfrench@billingsgazette.com No grizzly bear hunt has been held in the Canadian province of Alberta since 2006, yet […]
Jul 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
Storms send mudslides across SW Montana, NW Wyoming
Heavy rains in Montana and Wyoming have caused mudslides and flash flooding, particularly in wildfire burn areas. The West Yellowstone region experienced severe storms with significant rainfall, leading to bridge blockages and road obstructions from mud and debris. Ongoing cleanup efforts are in place after unprecedented storm activity.
Jul 18, 2026 · Angela Montana
Grand Teton National Park grew from visionary donations
Grand Teton National Park, originally established in 1929, has grown significantly due to the efforts of philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr. His vision for preserving the natural beauty of Wyoming's Teton Valley led to the acquisition of land, culminating in the park's expansion and the creation of the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Memorial Parkway.
Jul 10, 2026 · Angela Montana
Kitchen Sink rapid on Madison River lives up to Class IV
BRETT FRENCH | bfrench@billingsgazette.com It’s surprising how a whitewater rapid looks so different from above, compared to when standing downstream. […]
Jul 3, 2026 · Angela Montana
Proposed Big Snowy conservation easement provides elk access
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks proposes a 99-year conservation easement for a 3,652-acre section of the Hannah Ranch, aimed at enhancing elk management and providing 400 public hunter days annually. Valued at $3.56 million, the easement would offer limited public access, addressing habitat preservation and recreational opportunities while managing local hunting pressures. Public comments are open until July 28.
Jun 26, 2026 · Angela Montana
Program aims to educate upper Yellowstone River boaters
Wendy Weaver, influenced by her childhood river experiences, is now leading the Yellowstone River Ambassadors program in Montana. This initiative aims to educate recreational users on river etiquette, conservation, and responsible usage. By addressing issues like overcrowding and waste management, Weaver hopes to foster better stewardship of the Yellowstone River for future generations.
Jun 19, 2026 · Angela Montana
New parking area offers easier access to 6,400 acres of BLM land in Carbon County
The Bureau of Land Management has opened a new parking area west of Belfry, giving access to 6,400 acres of federal land. Suggested by the Beartooth Backcountry Horsemen, this area aims to improve public access. While lacking trails currently, future plans include developing pathways, despite limited funding and staffing challenges.
Jun 11, 2026 · Angela Montana
Northeast Montana bison hunt halted following BLM ruling
BRETT FRENCH | bfrench@billingsgazette.com American Prairie has cancelled its annual public lottery that authorizes winning hunters to kill bison, citing […]
Jun 5, 2026 · Angela Montana
FWP calculates landlocked acreage in Montana
Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks estimated 3.1 million acres of landlocked public land, slightly exceeding a private company's figure. Of this, 2.2 million acres are locked by private land, and 628,000 acres are accessible only by corner crossing. Discussions highlight the need for solutions to enhance public access.
May 28, 2026 · Angela Montana
Record 72 Grizzlies Killed in Yellowstone Area in 2025
A record-high 72 grizzly bears died in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem in 2025 — and all 18 deaths outside the monitored zone were human-caused. Here's what it means for delisting.
May 21, 2026 · Angela Montana
Stillwater River bank armoring has reduced fish habitat
The 2022 Stillwater River floods prompted extensive bank projects, harming fish habitats. Fisheries biologist Bryan Giordano warns of a 90% decline in fish populations due to human interventions and climate change impacts.
May 14, 2026 · Angela Montana
West Boulder River public access dispute resolved
In 2025, modifications were made to a fence blocking access to the West Boulder River after negotiations, allowing public access while controversies over landowner restrictions continue to rise in Montana.
May 8, 2026 · Angela Montana
Interest in Montana’s ‘bulls for billionaires’ program wanes
BRETT FRENCH | bfrench@billingsgazette.com Interest in a once-controversial program that gives free elk tags to landowners to encourage them to allow public […]
May 1, 2026 · Angela Montana
Butte hunter started unique outfitting biz in Beartooths
Jack Atcheson Jr., a pioneering outfitter in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, emphasizes low-impact hunting while advocating for bighorn sheep conservation, reflecting over 50 years of dedication and global experience.
Apr 24, 2026 · Angela Montana
Bighorn Canyon NRA water levels rising for Memorial Day
Water levels in Bighorn, Boysen, and Buffalo Bill reservoirs are significantly low due to a dry winter, impacting boating and fishing. Predictions indicate reduced runoff and earlier peak snowpack, affecting recreational access.
Apr 17, 2026 · Angela Montana
Bighorn River Trout Numbers Rise Amid Grim Water Forecast
Low water levels on Montana's Bighorn River threaten trout spawning, despite healthy fish populations. Experts call for action to preserve habitats as drought risks increase and fishing restrictions may be implemented.
Apr 10, 2026 · Angela Montana
Montana FWP SCORP report highlights recreation challenges
Flathead County in Montana is projected to grow by nearly 30% by 2040, increasing pressure on outdoor recreation areas. Public lands drive this growth, highlighting the need for improved access and facilities across the state.
Apr 3, 2026 · Angela Montana
Montana FWP leases water in fight for trout, river survival
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is focusing on preserving streamflows to combat rising river temperatures, employing water leasing to support Yellowstone cutthroat trout populations amidst significant environmental challenges.
Mar 27, 2026 · Angela Montana
Yellowstone River island in Paradise Valley offered to FWP
A proposal to donate an 82-acre island in the Yellowstone River to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks aims to preserve its wildlife habitat, named Pine Siskin fishing access site, for public benefit.
Mar 13, 2026 · Angela Montana
Disease, development, warming climate threaten mule deer, according to Wyoming study
A Wyoming study indicates that mule deer populations are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and other stressors, with current estimates dropping significantly since their peak in 1991.
Mar 6, 2026 · Angela Montana
Idaho Avalanche Report: Father and Son Buried 15 Feet Apart in Deadly Carrot Canyon Slide
An avalanche investigation says a Feb. 22 slide in Idaho buried a Minnesota father and his 21-year-old son just 15 feet apart, creating overlapping transceiver signals that complicated the rescue. The incident unfolded in Carrot Canyon near West Yellowstone during “considerable” avalanche danger above 8,000 feet, with multiple slides triggered on the same slope.
Feb 27, 2026 · Angela Montana
Montana FWP’s Block Management Squeeze: 700,000 Hunters, Fewer Acres—and a Plan to Bring Landowners Back
Montana’s Block Management Program is seeing far more demand even as enrolled private-land acres shrink. FWP is surveying landowners—and considering new incentives and outreach—to ease crowding and rebuild access.
Feb 20, 2026 · Angela Montana
Montana Expands Hunter Education: FWP Adds 7 Regional Technicians as Youth Participation Declines
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is expanding hunter education support by hiring seven regional education technicians, even as youth participation faces headwinds from overscheduled kids, two-income parents, and volunteer instructors. The technicians will help backstop the required firearm safety program for anyone born after Jan. 1, 1985.