Montana wildlife officials have closed black bear archery hunting in Bear Management Unit 520, effective September 10, 2026, at sunset. This closure includes all black bears and will last until the end of the archery-only season, as mandated by the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission.

Talk about showing up and accidentally rewriting the record book. According to an article from Outdoor Life, Illinois bowhunter Drew […]

The Gallatin River is currently offering excellent fishing conditions, particularly in the mornings, with the canyon and upper river areas being most productive. Trout are active due to cooler weather, responding well to hoppers, ants, and caddis. A dry-dropper setup is recommended, along with nymphing and exploring various dry-fly options.

Jackson Heino achieved an impressive feat by harvesting a Montana bull elk on his first archery hunt, showcasing his skills and dedication. Hunt Montana, a lifestyle brand promoting outdoor adventures, extends good wishes to all hunters this season, reminding them to hunt safely and stay updated with the Montana FWP regulations.

Montana’s elk depredation conflict is quietly eroding hunter access. Here’s what’s at stake for ranchers, public lands, and the hunters who depend on both.

September fishing is thriving across various locations, with walleye, rainbow trout, and kokanee actively biting. Key spots include Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter. Techniques vary from trolling to jigging with specific baits. The kokanee salmon snagging season is also open, allowing anglers to catch larger fish.

Montana’s archery elk season is in week two. Here’s how to escalate from cow calls to aggressive raking on pressured public land bulls.

The flyer provides age estimates for walleye based on size, noting that a 6–12 inch walleye may be 1–3 years old, while larger specimens can be significantly older. Growth varies due to environmental factors, and female walleyes tend to grow larger and live longer than males. Biologists use specialized methods for more accurate age determination.

The CampSage app revolutionizes campground booking in Montana by providing real-time availability across state parks and federal sites, including national forests and Glacier. It allows users to set cancellation alerts and browse nearly 5,000 campgrounds nationwide for free, eliminating the hassle of traditional campsite booking.

The Upper Madison River offers excellent fishing conditions as summer fades, according to a September 4, 2026 report by Big Sky Angler. Midday fishing is optimal, with an emphasis on terrestrials like hoppers and ants. The report suggests effective techniques and highlights the importance of adjusting fly selections as temperatures cool.

The Best Ever Bear Chili recipe by Allie Doran showcases ground bear meat as a flavorful and hearty option for chili. Combining bear with peppers, beans, tomatoes, beer, and spices, this dish shines through its simplicity and robust flavors. Cooking bear thoroughly is crucial due to potential parasites. Enjoy with toppings of choice.

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has declared the BLACK BEAR MANAGEMENT UNIT: 700 closed to all black bear hunting, effective one-half hour after sunset on September 9, 2026, for the remainder of the archery season.

As of August 6, 2026, the Bighorn River is in excellent condition with clear water at 1,500 CFS. Effective fishing techniques include using small midges in the morning and focusing on BWOs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Subtle approaches with 5X or 6X leaders are recommended, particularly in shaded areas and during evening hours.

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.

A free outdoor skills open house at Glasgow Trap Club on September 15 will help young hunters, aged 10 and older, prepare for Montana’s youth pheasant and waterfowl weekends. From 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., participants can practice shooting, learn safety, and obtain hunting tips. All attendees receive a vest and cap.

In Western Montana, trout fishing proved challenging yet rewarding, with notable catches by anglers including a significant 20-inch cuttbow. Despite finicky conditions and variable success, expectations for improved fall mayfly hatches and cooler weather could enhance trout activity. Outfitter Tony Reinhardt shared insights on recent outings and fishing strategies.

WEST GLACIER, Mont. – Glacier National Park is implementing a temporary road closure of the alpine sections of Going-to-the-Sun Road. The closure […]

Northwest Montana elk hunters have a couple of rule changes to keep on the radar before grabbing the bow and […]

This recipe transforms a pound of trout into smoky, spicy jerky strips, perfect for snacking. After preparing the fish and marinating it with a blend of seasonings, the trout is dehydrated until chewy yet tender. The final product delivers a delightful cayenne-chipotle flavor boost, making it an irresistible treat.

Archery elk season is open and bulls are bugling. Here’s how to call pressured public land bulls in Montana right now.

A poacher near Whitefish racked up 48 charges after killing 20+ mature bucks and leaving them to rot. Here’s why this case matters to every Montana hunter.

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WASHINGTON — September 5, 2026 — President Donald Trump has ordered the federal government to review whether gray wolves and Mexican […]

Changes are happening around Montana with weather conditions, regulations, and fishing conditions. Get prepared, and be prepared right here for […]

Catch Up on Last Week’s Montana Outdoor Radio Show September 5th, Mack Days starts up next week, FWP reports on […]

Montana elk hunters know logging can blow up a reliable spot overnight. Here’s how to scout new country and adapt before the season opens.

Discover 5 proven elk calling setups for Montana’s early archery season. Learn why pre-rut bulls respond differently and how to seal the deal.

Twice yearly, anglers gather at Flathead Lake for Mack Days, a unique fishing tournament promoting conservation and offering cash prizes. This podcast episode features Tournament Director Joe Santos, providing essential information for participants. Highlights include registration tips, cash opportunities, fishing guidelines, safety advice, and more. Enjoy fishing and support Montana's fisheries.

Kokanee Quinn shares a mouth-watering recipe for hoisin-glazed venison skewers, a delightful dish perfect for potlucks. Featuring a flavorful marinade and quick grilling method, these skewers serve as an easy appetizer or main dish, appealing to both adventurous and hesitant eaters alike. Enjoy them hot or cold.

Montana FWP has added a proposal to convert Thompson Island into a public fishing access site to the Oct. 15 Fish and Wildlife Commission agenda. The state would acquire a 32-acre island and access easement. Other discussion topics include fishing regulations, grizzly bear releases, and public use fees. Comments are due by Sept. 24.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that Fort Peck Powerhouse's generating units resumed service after a grass fire incident late Thursday. All personnel were evacuated safely with no injuries. Emergency services managed the fire, and the units were offline briefly for safety checks. Investigations are ongoing, and powerhouse tours are canceled.

Walleye and lake trout are being caught in deeper waters, 25-40 feet and 125-140 feet respectively, with jigging techniques proving effective. Deep-running lures, particularly the Salmo freedivers, work well for walleye. For pike, trolling crankbaits in white or silver has yielded better results, especially in the mornings.

On Thursday night, over 3,100 Northwestern Energy customers in Glasgow experienced a power outage due to a damaged transmission line. The issue started around 11 p.m., but crews worked promptly, restoring power by approximately 12:17 a.m. Efforts continue to ensure reliable electricity for Glasgow and nearby areas.

Montana FWP reduced its wolf population estimate and raised harvest quotas. Here’s what the change means for hunters in wolf country this fall.

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is seeking public feedback to improve outdated rules regarding recreational use of state lands, focusing on trapping and motorized activities. With a comment period open until September 25, the aim is to increase clarity and consistency across regulations, reflecting public concerns and promoting equitable access.

Tyler Harmon and his son made an unforgettable catch while fishing on the Ohio River, reeling in a 72.75-pound blue catfish, setting a new West Virginia state record. Harmon's son initially mistook the fish for a shark. The catch, made on a specific fishing rod, could qualify Harmon for a $20,000 payout.