Mar 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Massive Railroad Merger Could Leave Montana Farmers and Ranchers Over a Barrel

Montana farmers face potential pricing nightmare as $85B railroad merger threatens to eliminate competition and spike shipping costs for grain and cattle feed.

Mar 16, 2026 · Angela Montana

Current Snowpack Conditions in Montana’s River Basins

Montana's snowpack varies significantly; while overall moisture is above normal in many basins, some areas remain below average. The state may still see beneficial late-season snowfall through April.

Mar 15, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan

Texas Man Sentenced After Firearm Discovered During Yellowstone Traffic Stop

A Texas man will spend time in federal prison after a traffic stop in Yellowstone National Park led to the discovery of a loaded handgun.

Mar 15, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan

More than 156,000 geese push through Freezout Lake WMA in past six days

The migration is on at Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area near Choteau, where bird counters have observed more than 156,000 light geese and hundreds of swans pushing through!

Mar 15, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan

North Idaho angler hauls in new state record cutthroat trout

Imagine then the wave of hysteria after reeling in a 27-inch long Westslope cutthroat trout one day. For Coeur d’Alene angler Kyle Hatrock, that day was Feb. 1.

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Backcountry Trail Cam Footage Shows What’s Really Moving When Nobody’s Watching

Year-round Montana backcountry trail cam footage from Diaries of a Trailcam — with tips on how hunters can use this intel to scout smarter.

Mar 14, 2026 · Kamp Cook

Montana Fishing Report – March 14th

Mid-March in Montana means winter and spring are still arguing about who’s in charge. Ice fishing opportunities are fading quickly […]

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

The Silent Killer in Your Neighbor’s Yard: Why Japanese Yew is Dropping Montana Elk

Montana elk are dying from Japanese yew, a common landscaping shrub. Learn why this ornamental plant is lethal to wildlife and what you can do to protect herds.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana FWP Cracks Down as Illegal Lion Kills Spike This Spring

Montana FWP reports a spike in illegal mountain lion kills this spring. Here's what violations are happening, penalties involved, and how to stay legal.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Wyoming Rancher Takes DEF Fight to U.S. Senate: ‘It’s a Battle Against Cold and Clock’

Wyoming rancher tells Senate how frozen diesel fluid regulations threaten cattle feeding in sub-zero weather, demanding practical solutions for farmers

Mar 13, 2026 · Angela Montana

Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report 3.13.26

This past week, fishing on Peck was impossible due to warm weather and unsafe ice conditions, signaling the end of the season. Areas near the dam have opened up, hinting at potential boat usage soon. It's an opportune time to service ice fishing gear and prepare for next winter.

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

Why Montana Hunters Are Losing Their Best Spots to Out-of-State Pressure

Montana hunters face growing pressure from out-of-state crowds on public lands. Why protecting local hunting traditions and giving resident voices priority matters now.

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 · Moosetrack Megan

Flathead Avalanche Center issues AVALANCHE WARNING

The Flathead Avalanche Center in Hungry Horse has issued a BACKCOUNTRY AVALANCHE WARNING.

Mar 12, 2026 · Angela Montana

Central Montana game wardens report an increase in illegally taken mountain lions

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens reported a rise in illegally harvested mountain lions in central Montana in 2025, including hunters who shot lions first and only purchased hunting licenses afterward.

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

300,000 Snow Geese Are Funnel­ing Into Freezout Lake Right Now—Best Viewing Tips, Timing, and What to Know

Freezout Lake’s spring migration is ramping up fast, with major early flocks already confirmed and peak numbers typically arriving in late March. Here’s where to go, when to show up for the sunrise blast-off, what you’ll need, and how the Wild Wings Festival and spring Conservation Order fit into the month ahead.

Mar 11, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Dangerous Ice Warning (March 11, 2026): Canyon Ferry, Holter, Fort Peck & Flathead Lake Conditions

Mid-March is Montana’s most dangerous stretch for ice fishing. Here’s what local guides, marina operators, and FWP officials are seeing on Canyon Ferry, Holter, Fort Peck, and Flathead—plus late-season safety gear, best practices, and when to switch to open water.

Mar 10, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Shed Hunting Hotspots: 7 Public Land Areas to Find Fresh Elk & Deer Antlers in March (Plus Timing & Gear Tips)

Montana’s prime shed-hunting window is here. As bulls and bucks start dropping, March 10–25 can be the sweet spot for finding fresh elk and deer antlers on public ground. Here are seven proven public-land areas—from the Missouri River Breaks to the Milk River country—plus practical tips on timing, gear, and reading the landscape so you can cover ground efficiently and boost your odds.

Mar 10, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Fishing Forecast (Mid-March): Ice-Out Updates, Best Rivers & Lakes, and Top Flies as Spring Starts

Mid-March is Montana’s ice-out hinge point: dangerous, variable ice on many reservoirs, but growing open-water options and the season’s first meaningful midge windows. Here’s a historically grounded look at where to go this week, what to throw, and how to stay safe as waters transition to spring.

Mar 10, 2026 · Angela Montana

Helicoptering Into Landlocked Public Land in Wyoming for Elk Sparks Viral Rancher Confrontation—and a Theft Charge

After more than a decade of building Wyoming elk preference points, Andrew McKean and friends cashed in on a hard-to-access unit by flying a helicopter into landlocked public ground surrounded by private ranches. The hunt was lights-out—until a nearby rancher allegedly hauled off an elk head, triggering a tense confrontation, a viral video, and a theft charge.

Mar 9, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Early Spring Walleye Below a Missouri River Dam: Shore Fishing Tips + Catch-Clean-Cook Video

MinnDak Outdoors hits the Missouri River below a dam for early spring walleye—covering lure and bait approach, subtle bites, and the full catch-clean-cook experience from riverbank to plate.

Mar 9, 2026 · Angela Montana

University of Montana Launches New Fisheries Science Chair Backed by $5 Million to Protect Cold-Water Trout

The University of Montana has launched a new Chair of Fisheries Science with $5 million from 56 donors. Yoichiro Kanno will lead research on how warming temperatures and shrinking snowpack are reshaping trout habitat—and what restoration, student training, and science can do to help Montana’s iconic rivers endure.

Mar 8, 2026 · Angela Montana

Idaho Hunter’s “Bow-Season” Trophy Elk Story Unravels After Rifle Evidence Found, Officials Say

Idaho investigators say an archery-season trophy bull elk was illegally killed with a rifle—and then staged to look like a legal bow kill. A recovered 6.5 mm bullet, a search warrant, and additional spotlighting allegations in a separate case helped drive major penalties, including jail time, steep fines, restitution, and long-term hunting license revocations.

Mar 8, 2026 · Angela Montana

Idaho Shed Hunter Stumbles on Two Napping Mountain Lions—Can You Spot Them in the Photos?

An Idaho outdoorsman looking for sheds got the surprise of a lifetime when he accidentally walked into a pair of mountain lions napping in the sun. The photos and video are a sharp reminder of how easily these predators disappear into the landscape.

Mar 7, 2026 · Angela Montana

NW Montana Fishing Report (March 5, 2026): Echo Open, Flathead Lake Laker Bite, Koocanusa Rainbows — Chancy’s Fish Camp

Northwest Montana waters are opening up fast. Chancy’s Fish Camp reports Echo Lake is fully open with early smallmouth showing, McGregor is producing lake trout and rainbows, Flathead Lake is fishing well for lakers, and Koocanusa is kicking out rainbows and bull trout. Plus: which Flathead River sloughs are open, a Thompson River update, and an ice-safety reminder.

Mar 3, 2026 · Angela Montana

Kootenai River Fishing Report (Montana) Feb. 28, 2026: 4,000 CFS Flows, Cold Water Nymphing & Streamer Tips

Low, steady flows out of Libby Dam (4,000 cfs) and mild weather have the Kootenai River fishing very doable heading into early March. With water temps around 40°F, expect limited dry-fly action—but consistent nymphing and slow, deep streamer presentations can still turn up quality fish, especially in softer 5+ foot holding water.

Mar 2, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana FWP’s Spring Electrofishing on 7 Rivers: What Anglers Need to Know About Tagged Trout (and Rewards)

FWP crews are floating seven Montana rivers over the next several weeks for their annual electrofishing “science tour,” collecting trout data and continuing tagging efforts. If you catch a tagged trout on the Beaverhead, Big Hole, Ruby, or Madison, you can help the research—clip the tag, report it online, and you may even qualify for prizes or cash depending on the tag color.

Mar 2, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Wolf Harvest Update: 241 Taken So Far (Out of 452) — Regional Breakdown, Open Units, and Season Dates

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reports 241 wolves harvested statewide so far this season out of a 452 quota (excluding WMUs 313 and 316). Here’s the regional breakdown, which units are open/closed, season dates, and why checking FWP’s live counter matters before you head out.

Mar 1, 2026 · Angela Montana

Tongue River Marina Ice Fishing Report (Feb. 28): Open Water Growing Near Ramp, Marina Bay Still Iced

Tongue River Marina reports 15–20 feet of open water off the ramp, with Marina Bay still mostly iced over but improving. More open water is showing from Rattlesnake south toward the mine as daytime temps warm—boat fishing could be just weeks away.

Mar 1, 2026 · Angela Montana

Makoshika State Park: Montana’s Largest State Park (Badlands Hikes, Dinosaurs & Stargazing in Glendive)

Makoshika State Park near Glendive is Montana’s largest state park—about 11,538 acres of rugged badlands, hoodoos, and wide-open sky. Built on the fossil-rich Hell Creek Formation, it’s a must for dinosaur fans and anyone looking for hiking, a scenic drive, camping, a visitor center, and even disc golf in the badlands.

Feb 28, 2026 · Kamp Cook

Montana Fishing Report (Feb. 28): Late-Winter Ice Update, Where the Bite Is (and What to Avoid)

Closing out February with classic late-winter conditions: some lakes are finally offering decent ice, but thickness varies—especially on larger reservoirs. Here’s the latest on Fort Peck, Canyon Ferry, and why smaller lakes remain the safer bet.

Feb 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

Blackfoot-Clearwater WMA Shed Hunting Opening Day 2026: May 15 Noon Access, Vehicle Entry Registration, and New Nonresident Rules

Headed to Montana’s Blackfoot-Clearwater WMA for opening day shed hunting? Here’s the May 15, 2026 noon access plan, how vehicle entry registration and lineup work, where walk/bike/horse users can enter, and what the new seven-day nonresident restriction and $50 WMA shed-hunting license mean.

Feb 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Big Cat Closures: Region 6 Bobcat Season Ends Feb. 28; LMU 280 Male Mountain Lion Closes Feb. 27, 2026

Montana FWP reports two quota-driven big cat closures: bobcat hunting and trapping in Region 6 ends at midnight Saturday, Feb. 28, and LMU 280 closes to the hunting of male mountain lions one-half hour after sunset Friday, Feb. 27, 2026. Here’s what to know and where to check official quota updates before you head out.

Feb 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

2026 Fort Peck Tournament of Kings (Montana): Dates, Entry Fee, $10K Daily Payouts + Random Weight Salmon Pots

Montana’s 1st Annual Fort Peck Tournament of Kings hits July 31–Aug. 1, 2026 with a 150-boat cap, $400 team entry, top-four daily payouts, and a twist: Random Salmon Weight Pots that could pay $15,000 per day. Registration opens online March 15, 2026.

Feb 25, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Elk Don’t Follow a Script—How FWP Uses GPS Tracklogs to Survey Smarter

Montana wildlife surveys have evolved from paper maps and pencils to handheld GPS units and digital mapping tools. As elk shift with mild winters and changing habitat, Montana FWP biologists use detailed tracklogs to verify coverage, avoid double-counting, and improve year-to-year consistency—leading to sharper data and smarter management decisions.

Feb 23, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Shed Antler Hunting Rules for 2026: $50 Nonresident WMA License + 7-Day Waiting Period

Montana’s 2026 shed antler rule updates mainly affect nonresidents on Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): a new $50 WMA shed hunting license and a seven-day wait before picking up sheds after WMAs open. Most WMAs open at 12 p.m. on May 15, but verify the specific area’s opening time.

Feb 23, 2026 · Angela Montana

Helena Area Reservoirs Fishing Report (Feb. 23, 2026): Final Winter Update + Urgent Ice Safety Warning as Canyon Ferry Opens Up

Final winter fishing report for Helena-area reservoirs before updates resume in April. Ice is highly variable and can change fast, and Canyon Ferry’s south end is seeing expanding open water that’s undermining nearby ice—use extreme caution on any ice.

Feb 23, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Hunting Licenses Go on Sale March 1: What Opens, What Changed This Year, and What to Check Before You Buy

March 1 is Montana’s “opening day for paperwork”: licenses go on sale and special draw applications open. With multiple rule changes tied to the 2025 Legislature and the Fish and Wildlife Commission, this is the year to double-check requirements before you buy—don’t assume it’s the same as last season.

Feb 20, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Drought 2025: Golden Triangle Now in Extreme Drought

Dry February is strangling Montana's winter moisture recharge. The Golden Triangle has slipped into extreme drought — here's what it means for the season ahead.

Feb 20, 2026 · Angela Montana

NW Montana Ice & Fishing Report (Feb. 20, 2026): Where Ice Is Still Holding, Where It’s Sketchy, and What’s Biting

From Chancy’s Fish Camp in Evergreen, MT: ice conditions are a mixed bag across NW Montana—some lakes still have decent ice, others are getting questionable, and a few are leaning into “boat season” vibes. Here’s what to watch for (including pressure ridges) and what anglers are targeting: perch, salmon through the ice, plus trolling for lake trout and rainbow trout.

Feb 19, 2026 · Angela Montana

Upper Salmon River Steelhead Report (Feb. 11–15, 2026): Mild Winter, Stable Flows, and Fish Pushing Farther Upstream

A mild winter kept the Upper Salmon River more open than usual in mid-February, with warmer water, a shorter ice jam, and stable flows. Monitoring from Feb. 11–15, 2026 also showed steelhead moving farther upstream than typical, with strong angler effort and good catch rates across most monitored areas.

Feb 19, 2026 · Angela Montana

Flathead Area Fishing Report (Feb. 18, 2026): Ice Depths, Open-Water Hot Spots, and McGregor Tournament Update

Macman’s latest Flathead-area fishing report: Browns Lake is around 10 inches of ice and Upper Thompson about 6, but no ice is truly safe. Lake Mary Ronan and Flathead River sloughs are in good shape, colder temps should help, and McGregor Lake hosts a combo ice/open-water tournament next weekend. For open water, Yellow Bay has been productive past 200 feet—avoid Rocky Point due to gill netting.

Feb 18, 2026 · Angela Montana

Fort Peck Ice Update: 20–30 mph Winds Break Up Remaining Sheets, Leaving Unstable Ice and Open Water

Strong 20–30 mph winds are rapidly changing conditions on Fort Peck. Lakeridge Lodging and Bait Shop reports remaining ice sheets have broken up, leaving a mix of wide-open water and unstable, fragmented ice—use extreme caution and avoid questionable surfaces.

Feb 18, 2026 · Angela Montana

Fort Peck Lake Ice Rescue: Search & Rescue, Airboat Crew, and Locals Bring Stranded People Safely Back to Shore

Valley County Search and Rescue responded around 4:00 p.m. after several people became stranded on Fort Peck Lake. An airboat team launched while others staged on land, and local good Samaritans used side-by-sides to help get everyone off drifting ice and back to shore safely. A timely reminder that late-winter ice can change fast.

Feb 18, 2026 · Angela Montana

Montana Wolf Harvest Update (Feb. 17, 2026): 229 Wolves Taken Toward 452-Quota; WMU 313 Closed

FWP reports 229 wolves harvested statewide toward a 452-wolf quota (excluding WMUs 313 and 316). Region 1 leads with 96, followed by Region 2 (73) and Region 3 (49). Region 3 remains open (49 of 60), WMU 316 is open (1 of 3), and WMU 313 has closed after reaching its 3-wolf limit. The general season and trapping run through March 15.

Feb 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

Ice Safety Update: Lakeridge Lodging & Bait Shop Says Lake Is Blown Open—No Safe Ice Access

Lakeridge Lodging & Bait Shop shared an update (Feb. 17, ~6:30 p.m.) warning that the ice “did not make it” and the lake is blown open with no safe access. More updates are expected after the storm passes.

Feb 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

Fox Haas Dies at 95: Legendary Turkey Hunter, Mossy Oak Patriarch, and Mississippi Conservation Force

Fox Haas, the celebrated turkey hunter and conservation advocate, has died at 95. From a 75-season run (with only two missed years during tuberculosis) to helping spur Mississippi turkey reintroductions and inspiring Mossy Oak’s roots, Haas leaves a legacy that shaped spring woods for generations.

Feb 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

Helena Area Fishing & Ice Report (Feb. 17, 2026): Canyon Ferry, Hauser, Holter & Helena Valley Reservoir

Montana FWP’s latest Helena-area reservoir update: ice is extremely variable, with open water in spots. Here’s where anglers are finding rainbows, walleye, perch, kokanee, and burbot—plus what’s being used and where conditions are unsafe.