Apr 28, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Why Your Bird Feeder Will Draw Grizzlies This Spring

Learn why bird feeders and salt licks attract hungry grizzly bears to your Montana property each spring and how to prevent dangerous wildlife conflicts.

Apr 27, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

FWP announces public comment opportunities

Montana FWP seeks public comment on Recreational Trails Program grant awards and other environmental assessments. Visit fwp.mt.gov/public-notices to review and submit input.

Apr 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

Mystery Fish Kill: Black Crappie Die-Off Reported at Nelson Reservoir

Montana FWP is investigating a black crappie fish kill at Nelson Reservoir, prompted by reports of dead fish. Biologists are analyzing samples to determine the cause, with no current consumption advisories.

Apr 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Bear safety workshop happening in Bozeman on April 20

Montana FWP hosts a free bear safety workshop in Bozeman on April 20, featuring bear spray practice, grizzly and black bear mounts, and expert safety tips for bear country.

Apr 5, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

LMU 312 Closes to Female Mountain Lion Hunting April 6

LMU 312 closes to female mountain lion hunting at 7:30 p.m. on April 6, 2026, per Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission order. Check FWP's site for current quota status.

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 30, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Fresno Reservoir Public Meeting April 9: What Hi-Line Anglers Need to Know

Montana FWP hosts an April 9 open house in Havre to share updates on Fresno Reservoir fisheries management, 2025 netting results, and 2026 Milk River water forecasts.

Mar 30, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Reminder: Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area vehicle registration for shed hunters opens April 1

Shed antler hunters can register online April 1-19 to access the Blackfoot-Clearwater WMA by vehicle when it opens at noon May 15. Registration is free and unlimited.

Mar 29, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Zebra Mussels 2026: Which Montana Waters Are at Risk and What Every Angler Needs to Know Before Launch Day

Zebra mussels threaten Montana's top fisheries in 2026. Here's which waters are at risk and what FWP's boat checkpoints mean for you this spring.

Mar 28, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Holter Lake Fishing Report 2026: What’s Biting Right Now After Ice-Out (And Where to Find Them)

Current Holter Lake fishing report: post ice-out walleye, perch & trout action, dam tailwater conditions, and exactly where fish are holding right now.

Mar 28, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Idaho Fish & Game Commissioner Faces 7 Hunting Charges: What Montana Hunters Need to Know

An Idaho Fish and Game commissioner faces 7 criminal hunting charges. Here's why Montana hunters should be paying close attention right now.

Mar 26, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

FWP releases 2026–2030 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan

Montana FWP releases its 2026–2030 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, focusing on trail access, inclusive recreation, facility maintenance, and conservation balance.

Mar 25, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Full Moon Sunset Hike at First Peoples Buffalo Jump — April 1

Join ranger Andy Keller for a full moon sunset hike at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park on April 1. The 3-mile guided hike begins at 7 p.m. Registration required; $4 fee.

Mar 25, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Upcoming Montana State Park Events

Montana State Parks hosts wolverine presentation March 28 and a full moon sunset hike April 1, both at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park near Great Falls.

Mar 25, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area vehicle registration for antler hunters opens April 1

Shed antler hunters heading to the Blackfoot-Clearwater WMA by vehicle can register online April 1–19 ahead of the May 15 noon season opener near Seeley Lake.

Mar 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Grey Bear Boat Ramp Closes March 30 for Construction—What Yellowstone Anglers Need to Know

Grey Bear Fishing Access Site on the Yellowstone River will see partial closures starting March 30 due to construction. Work wraps up April 30; campground stays open.

Mar 19, 2026 · Angela Montana

Don’t Get Bitten by a Poaching Charge: Why Your Montana Mountain Lion Tag Can’t Be a “Post-Shot” Purchase

Central Montana game wardens saw a rise in illegally taken mountain lions in 2025, with three hunters cited for buying licenses after killing lions. Fines totaled $3,605.

Mar 19, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

The Big Timber Pond Project: Why Montana Anglers Are Diving Into This Particular Permit Application

Montana's FWP seeks public comments on the Big Timber Ranch Private Ponds License proposal, focusing on its environmental impact and water management before the March 30, 2026 deadline.

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 · 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 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Bears Emerging in February 2026: What Shed Hunters and Spring Outdoorsmen Must Know

Montana's mild 2026 winter has bears out weeks early. Here's what shed hunters, turkey scouts, and backcountry anglers need to know right now.

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 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Cracking Montana’s Elk Draw: What Every Non-Resident Needs to Know

Montana's elk draw is one of the most competitive in the West. Here's what non-residents need to know before applying this season.

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Why Dumping Bait Fish Could Destroy Your Favorite Montana Lake

Illegal fish stocking is one of Montana's biggest fishery threats. Here's why dumping bait fish or "pet" fish can ruin a waterbody forever.

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

What Montana Mountain Lion Hunters Must Know Right Now

Montana mountain lion hunters face strict new regulations amid rising illegal harvests. Learn the essential rules, quota systems, and penalties to stay legal.

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

Ghost Bass and Albino Walleye: Montana’s Rarest Fish Explained

Have you ever landed a ghost-white or golden fish in Montana? Here's what those rare catches mean and exactly what to do with one.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

California Wants Yellowstone Grizzlies: Why Montana’s Delisting Fight Just Got Urgent

Montana's growing grizzly population faces delisting battles while California considers reintroducing bears from Yellowstone after 100 years without 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

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

Why Fly Fishing Film Tours Matter to Montana’s Rivers

Discover how fly fishing films have become essential to Montana's angling culture, community identity, and conservation efforts in mountain towns across Big Sky Country.

Mar 11, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

2026 Montana Fishing Licenses Are On Sale Now: Prices, License Types, Stamps, and the Fastest Way to Buy

Montana’s spring bite is already turning on—and 2026 fishing licenses are available now. Here’s the simple breakdown of resident and nonresident costs, the required Conservation License, species-specific permits (like paddlefish and sturgeon), and the quickest ways to buy through FWP before the opener rush.

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.