Oct 27, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Wolves Got the Blame — But Yellowstone’s Elk Herd Tells a Messier Story

Wolves seemed like the obvious answer for Yellowstone’s shrinking elk herd. Turns out, biologists still can’t say for certain. Here’s why it matters.

Oct 26, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

How 69 Swans Saved Themselves in Southwest Montana

In 1935, only 69 trumpeter swans survived in the lower 48 — most of them in one remote Montana valley. Here’s that story.

Oct 26, 2026 · Angela Montana

Want to See Nature? Go Fishing!

On the last day of trout fishing, an angler witnesses a dramatic scene as a buck is chased by a coyote along the riverbank. He remains still to capture the moment on his phone, concluding his fishing season with an unexpected encounter with nature, highlighting the essence of patience in fishing.

Oct 25, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Deer Decoy in a Blizzard Catches a Night Shooter Near Glasgow

Montana wardens set a deer decoy in a blizzard near Glasgow and catch a shooter on the run. Here’s why this sting matters to every honest hunter.

Oct 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Warden Measures $8,000 Poached Bull Elk — Then Catches Hunters Shooting a Decoy Deer

Montana wardens bust poachers using a decoy deer — and measure a 6×6 bull elk worth $8,000 in trophy restitution. Here’s what every hunter needs to know.

Oct 19, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Before You Pack Out That Buck, Here’s What Montana Hunters Need to Know About CWD Testing

Montana FWP’s new CWD testing video tells hunters exactly where to go and how to prep their deer, elk, or moose samples this season.

Oct 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Ted Turner’s 45,000 Bison: What It Means for Montana

Turner replaced cattle with bison on the Flying D in 1989. Now 45,000 animals roam 2 million acres. Here's what that means for Montana hunters and wildlife.

Oct 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Slippery Ann Elk Viewing Area: What to Know Before You Make the Drive into CMR Country

Slippery Ann in the CMR Refuge is one of Montana’s best free elk viewing spots. Here’s what to know about timing, access, and what to expect during the rut.

Oct 11, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Three Years of Montana Antelope Hunts Finally Paid Off for This Father and Son

A Montana father spent three years building toward this moment with his son. Watch their antelope hunt finally come together the right way.

Oct 4, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

The Warden Was Already Watching — These Montana Elk Hunters Didn’t Know It

Montana wardens used robotic elk decoys on opening morning to catch hunters violating brow-tine bull restrictions. The whole thing was caught on camera.

Oct 1, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Southern Yellowstone’s Best Fly Fishing Water — A Complete Tour with Fly Fish Food

Fly Fish Food takes you on the ultimate southern Yellowstone fly fishing tour — here’s why every Montana angler needs to watch this one.

Sep 30, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana’s Problem Beavers Are Being Put Back to Work

Montana FWP is moving conflict beavers to degraded streams where their dam-building can restore habitat for fish, wildlife, and water.

Sep 24, 2026 · Angela Montana

Breaking News: Local Gets Lost, Town Loses Its Mind

A yearling male mountain goat wandered into Bozeman, causing a stir by settling in a church parking lot. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff deemed it healthy but confused. After safely transporting it back to the Gallatin Range, locals appreciated the coordination that ensured its safe return without disturbance.

Sep 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

Rethinking America’s Wolf Rules

The Trump administration has initiated a federal review of wolf management, assessing whether gray and Mexican wolves can lose Endangered Species Act protections. This move aims to aid cattle ranchers and could shift management authority to states. The impact will vary across regions, especially where wolf populations are still federally protected.

Sep 16, 2026 · Angela Montana

BISON SAFETY REMINDER: Give them space!

Bison appear calm but are unpredictable and can run faster than humans. It's crucial to maintain a distance of at least 25 yards, avoid approaching them for photos, and heed warning signs of aggression. Stay patient and respect their space to ensure safety for both yourself and the animals.

Sep 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

The One Question Montana Game Wardens Ask That Honest Hunters Never Worry About

A Montana game warden’s simple field question reveals more than hunters expect. Here’s what it means for you and how to hunt Region 4 the right way.

Sep 7, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

The Warden Was Already Watching — Three Hunters Didn’t Know It

A Montana game warden watched three hunters shoot a mule deer buck through his scope before walking down to ask one question. Here’s what happened.

Sep 2, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Mule Deer Are Rebounding in Southwest Montana — Here’s What Region 3 Data Shows

Montana FWP breaks down mule deer population trends in Region 3 after years of drought and hard winters. Here’s what hunters need to know.

Aug 31, 2026 · Angela Montana

Wedding Crasher Skips the Vows, Heads Straight for the Flowers

Estella Kirk and Gavin Guthrie's beach wedding in the Florida Keys took an unexpected turn when a Key deer named Rosy invaded their floral arrangements, causing laughter among their 25 guests. Instead of a typical ceremony, Rosy's antics turned their wedding into a memorable story, complete with candid photos and viral moments.

Aug 30, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Late August Spruce Moths Are Turning Southwest Montana Trout Stupid

Late August spruce moth season in SW Montana has hungry trout looking up. Here’s what you need to know before you hit the water.

Aug 26, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

When Game Wardens Come Knocking: The Real Price of Poaching in Montana

Montana game wardens are cracking down on poaching and untagged game. Here’s what wildlife crime actually costs — and why it matters to every legal hunter.

Aug 18, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Pike on the Fly Before Breakfast: Montana’s Most Underrated Summer Target

Northern pike on the fly rod — Montana’s most aggressive warmwater predator gets the early morning treatment in this must-watch episode from The Reel 406.

Aug 16, 2026 · Angela Montana

Two Minutes to Save a Life: How a Hunter Revived a Lifeless Buck

What started as a regular day in the woods, turned into an intense, heart-pounding rescue mission when a group of […]

Aug 9, 2026 · Angela Montana

Why Bears Are Now Better at Opening Cars Than You Are

During a trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a family encountered a mother black bear and her cubs inside their car, highlighting the issue of bear encounters in the region. With an estimated 1,900 black bears in the Smokies, proper precautions like locking doors and removing scented items are crucial to prevent such interactions.

Aug 9, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

She Drew a Montana Bull Elk Tag — Then Discovered Most of the Unit Was Private Land

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

Aug 8, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

A 500-Pound Grizzly Came Within 20 Feet of This NW Montana Cabin — Trail Cam Footage Inside

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

Aug 7, 2026 · Angela Montana

Recent Bear Sighting at Tongue River Marina

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.

Aug 1, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Backcountry Bowhunter Earns a Public Land Elk Hunt for the Ages

Born and Raised Outdoors caps Elk Week with a backcountry public land bowhunt that every Montana archer needs to see before September.

Jul 30, 2026 · Angela Montana

The Kool-Aid Man of Poultry: When Wild Turkeys Choose Property Damage

Wild turkeys can escalate from a minor nuisance to a serious problem, as they can cause significant damage, like crashing through fences. Instead of typical animal deterrents, homeowners may require stronger solutions to handle these hefty birds, making a plea for help in finding effective methods to protect their property.

Jul 22, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Grizzly Management Returns to Montana: What State Control Means for Hunters, Ranchers, and Backcountry Users

Montana grizzly management shifts to state control. Here’s what hunters, ranchers, and backcountry users need to know about what comes next.

Jul 21, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Father-Son Guides Show Colby Acuff What This State Is Really About

Colby Acuff heads to Montana for Fin and Feather Episode 6 with the Hoffman Brothers — a father-son guiding operation that defines this state’s outdoor heritage.

Jul 18, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Ted Turner’s Flying D Ranch: What 30 Years of Bison Ranching Has Done to the Gallatin Valley Landscape

How Ted Turner’s Flying D Ranch near Bozeman transformed overgrazed ranchland over 30 years — and what it means for Montana hunters and anglers.

Jul 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Guide Puts Clients on the Biggest Bull on the Mountain After 3 Hard Days in Southwest Montana

A guided elk hunt in a Southwest Montana general unit ends with the biggest bull on the mountain after 3 hard days of searching.

Jul 9, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Stop Losing Your Target in the Scope When It Matters Most

Lost a bull in your scope at the worst moment? Montana Wild’s latest tip fixes the most frustrating mistake hunters make in the field.

Jul 5, 2026 · Angela Montana

Discover the Intelligence of Moose: Tetherball Fun!

A moose near Bear Lake, Utah, has gained fame for playing tetherball in a cabin’s backyard, as shown in a viral Facebook video. The homeowner reports daily visits, with the moose demonstrating improved skills. This behavior emphasizes the intelligent and curious nature of moose, highlighting their cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills.

Jun 30, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Inside RMEF Headquarters: What the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Actually Does for Montana Elk Country

Gear company Eberlestock visits RMEF headquarters in Missoula to show how the foundation protects Montana elk habitat and public land access.

Jun 25, 2026 · Angela Montana

Grounded: Why Snakes Aren’t Exempt from the Shock Zone

Electric fences can shock snakes despite the myth that their lack of legs prevents them from completing a circuit. Snakes can bridge the gap between the electrified wire and the ground, making them susceptible to electric shocks. Standard fencing often fails to deter snakes unless specifically designed to do so.

Jun 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Can Arkansas Hunters Really Prepare for a Montana Spring Bear Hunt? Deadhaul Outdoors Finds Out

Arkansas hunters attempt to get ready for a brutal Montana spring bear hunt. Here's why the mountains don't care how hard you trained.

Jun 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Beavers Rewilded 12,000 Montana Wetland Acres Better Than Anyone Expected

Montana restored 12,000 acres of dying wetlands — then beavers moved in and changed everything. Here's why it matters for hunters and anglers.

Jun 10, 2026 · Angela Montana

When Your Backyard Guest Is a Mountain Lion

Mountain lions are increasingly found in residential areas across the western U.S., often appearing relaxed and non-threatening. Wildlife experts emphasize that while these encounters are rare, people should remain calm and avoid approaching them. Homeowners are advised to keep pets indoors and report sightings to authorities, highlighting the blurred lines between human and wildlife territories.

Apr 30, 2026 · Angela Montana

Discover the Colorful Ocellated Turkey of the Yucatán

The Ocellated turkey, a vibrant and striking bird from the Yucatán Peninsula, flaunts iridescent feathers and a unique appearance, contrasting with its more subdued North American relatives, showcasing evolutionary flamboyance.

Apr 25, 2026 · Angela Montana

Don’t Follow the Buffet: Yellowstone’s Bear Trapping Season is Live

If you’re planning on trekking through the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem this season, you might notice some new decor in the […]

Apr 3, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Draw Results 2026: Dates, Links & Next Steps

FWP drops elk, deer, antelope & sheep results on different dates. Get the exact 2026 schedule, direct login links, and your action plan before tags are gone.

Mar 16, 2026 · Angela Montana

When Wildlife Interrupts Fishing Adventures

A fisherman’s quiet day on the water takes a wild turn when an aggressive beaver repeatedly charges and follows him, creating a surprising wildlife encounter anglers won’t soon forget.

Mar 11, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Freezout Lake Snow Goose Migration: Why Montana Hunters Should Go in March (Best Scouting Before Fall)

Freezout Lake is famous for fall waterfowl hunting—but March is when it turns into a “snowstorm of wings.” With hundreds of thousands of snow geese and tundra swans staging between Great Falls and Choteau, this is also a rare chance to scout roosts, feed fields, and flight lines you can use next season.