Montana wardens are stopping every kayak, canoe, and paddleboard at AIS check stations. Here’s what paddlers and anglers need to know right now.

During January and February, winter coyotes hunt with heightened senses, making them receptive to unconventional sounds. Hunters are encouraged to use unique distress calls like tire screeches or woodpecker sounds alongside classic techniques to attract coyotes. Unusual noises can help lure coyotes by evading their instinctive caution.

Thatcher angler beats record set just three months earlier This summer’s hot streak of record fish continues to churn out […]

Missed it, listen here to your favorite reports and content. From Flathead Lake to up the Bitterroot, entering the Helena […]

Montana game wardens unravel a deer hunter’s suspicious story in this WILDLANDS episode — a real-world reminder of what FWP enforcement actually looks like.

Montana anglers are gearing up for new regulations, changing conditions, and expectations. Brett French Outdoor Editor of the Billings Gazette […]

The Montana Outdoor Podcast explores hunting in Region 5, featuring insights from wildlife biologist Shawn Stewart. He highlights elk hunting challenges, deer population trends, and alarming bear behavior changes. The discussion also covers other game species and encourages hunters to stay informed about regulations and wildlife management.

Kalispell, MT, October 16, 2026) — The Flathead National Forest announced today that the Piper Creek Project has completed the planning […]

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission announces the closure of the specified hunting district to all Bighorn Sheep hunting. This prohibition will be in effect beginning one-half hour after sunset on Saturday, October 17, 2026, as outlined in the legal descriptions provided.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announces a new bull elk permit for HD 101-50 (North Tobacco) for the 2026-2027 season, allowing only permit holders to hunt antlered elk in that area. General license holders may hunt antlered elk elsewhere in HD 101, excluding North Tobacco. Regulations are available for review.

FWP reports a rise in dead and dying deer and antelope, particularly near rivers, due to hemorrhagic diseases like EHD and BT. These diseases, not harmful to humans, typically decline with colder weather. Hunters are advised not to harvest sick animals. FWP is monitoring the situation and public reporting is limited.

A Montana rancher outside Vaughn cloned the world’s largest wild sheep. What happened next raises serious questions for hunters and conservationists alike.

U.S. District Court Judge William Mercer indicated willingness to allow the Bureau of Land Management to proceed with a wild horse gather, pending a hold on adoptions for advocacy arguments. Concerns over potential irreparable harm to the Pryor Mountain herd were discussed, along with the BLM's claims of necessary emergency actions due to poor forage conditions.

This past week, fishing was fruitful for smallmouth and pike, with effective lures like hair jigs and hammered spoons. Lake trout remained deeper, requiring specific jigs for success. Salmon populations are rising in the bays, with over 300,000 eggs collected by Fish and Game, marking a positive trend.

Montana's big game hunting season begins on October 24, with early youth deer hunt on October 15-16. Hunters can purchase licenses online, at FWP offices, or through local "License Ambassador" locations. Important details include card-only transactions at ambassadors, possible fees, and options for email or E-Tag licenses through the MyFWP app.

The 12th Annual Winnett/Grass Range Coyote Derby will take place from December 11-13, 2023, at the Wrangler Bar in Grass Range, Montana. It features competitive divisions for teams of hunters, with cash prizes and side pots. The event fosters community engagement while addressing coyote-related predation issues affecting livestock.

Montana Wild’s latest film follows a 355-inch opening morning bull taken on public land. Here’s what elk hunters can take away from the hunt.

In October, dry fly fishing on the Missouri River is promising, particularly for Blue-Winged Olives above Craig and below Cascade. Nymphing with large zonkers and attractors is effective. The river will remain a good option into late October, with potential for winter fishing. Certain flies are recommended for current conditions.

Idaho Fish and Game's 2026 Upper Salmon River steelhead report indicates a historically low return at Bonneville Dam, leading to reduced bag limits of two steelhead per day. Angler effort has been light, with a catch rate of 64 hours per fish. However, 90% of the steelhead are larger 2-ocean fish, averaging 28 inches.

The deadline for Montana’s Livestock Loss Board’s (LLB) 2027 grant cycle is fast approaching. Approximately $400,000 is available for prevention […]

During the opening weekend of the antelope rifle season in southeast Montana, weather varied from sunny to cold and rainy. Harvest success for antelope hunters ranged from 53 to 61 percent across check stations, with adequate numbers reported. Upland bird hunters faced challenges due to poor bird numbers, impacting overall success rates.

The general antelope hunting season in Montana opened on October 10, with check stations reporting varied attendance and success rates. Cold weather and snow impacted hunting, leading to fewer hunters at some stations. Upcoming youth deer hunts are scheduled for October 15-16, with regulations available online. The antelope season runs until November 8.

The Upper Madison is currently flowing at 897 CFS, with some sections offering great fishing. Focus on the town water near Ennis, using recommended flies like Barred Mini Dungeon and Pink Frenchie for best results. For personalized advice, contact River's Edge in Bozeman, a leading outfitter.

Dillon Ness successfully hunted an impressive bull elk in Montana, as showcased by Trophy Bucks and Bulls of MT. This achievement comes during a challenging archery season, which runs from September 5 to October 18, offering more opportunities for hunters before the general rifle season begins.

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.

The Prairie County Sportsman Association is hosting its 27th Annual Coyote Calling Contest from December 4-6, 2026. The event offers cash prizes and emphasizes traditional hunting methods, prohibiting modern aids. Teams must register on the first day and adhere to specific rules. Side contests, meals, and door prizes enhance the experience.

Creating antler and turquoise rings transforms mistakes into artistic features. Unlike traditional hobbies that discard errors, this craft embraces flaws by filling them with crushed stones, enhancing the piece's character. With a complete kit costing $104.78, beginners can turn their learning curve into unique designs in just a weekend.

Week 5 of the 2026 Fall Mack Days event reported 13,535 lake trout entries, aiming to reduce non-native lake trout for native species support. The event runs until November 8, 2026, with numerous tagged fish prizes available. Top anglers include Terry Krogstad and Julie Perkins leading their respective categories. Safety reminders for anglers are included.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold a virtual meeting tomorrow at 8 a.m., adding two items to discuss proposed amendments to the 2027-2028 Fishing Regulations. A special closed meeting will follow to address litigation strategy. Public comments on the amendments will be accepted until 4 p.m. today.

This fall, a notable 36-pound king salmon was caught at Fort Peck, surpassing Montana's previous record of 32.65 pounds. While snagging is legal here, a debate persists about whether snagged fish should count in records like those caught on tackle. Currently, 361,000 eggs have been collected towards a goal of 800,000.

Cold weather kept boat anglers away from Canyon Ferry, Hauser, and Holter this past weekend, yet trout fishing thrived along shorelines. With stable weather expected, walleye fishing should improve at Canyon Ferry. Additionally, kokanee snagging is yielding larger fish at Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir, continuing through October 31st.

This Cowboy Butter recipe elevates venison backstrap with a flavorful blend of garlic, herbs, and spice. Melt butter, then mix in garlic, oregano, parsley, and seasonings. Grill the seasoned backstrap, brush with warm Cowboy Butter, and let rest before serving. Prep and cook in a total of 25 minutes for four servings.

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.

In July, Michigan's Department of Natural Resources requested public gray fox sightings to map the species better. A 2019 photo of a unique melanistic gray fox near Hastings created buzz online, raising questions about its rarity. In contrast, Montana lacks a gray fox account, focusing instead on red fox observations.

Autumn in Yellowstone brings changing conditions for fishing, with active trout and spawning whitefish. Bright days favor hopper-dropper and nymphing, while incoming rain and snow should enhance baetis activity and streamer fishing. The week features notable catches, signaling it’s peak streamer season. Book a trip with Montana Angler for optimal fishing.

(Washington, D.C., October 12, 2026) – Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins urged state partners to review their wolf […]