The state Department of Commerce is investing in promotion of tourism to Eastern Montana in an attempt to bolster economies in the region. Right now, hunting and fishing are two of the big attractions to this half of the state. But even those businesses could increase tourism by adding things like rental boats, places to stay that cater to bird hunters with cleaning stations or by making it easier to find guides. That may not be good news for hunters and anglers who already like the wide open spaces, game and fish without sharing it with more folks. But tourism is seen as one way to add to the economies of what are often dying towns.

To read more about the issues, check out my story in the Billings Gazette at https://billingsgazette.com/news/state-and-regional/state-works-to-increase-eastern-montana-tourism/article_a1f4ed47-9fcc-57d1-91ca-fbf8a664047f.html.

(written by Brett French-Outdoors Editor for the Billings Gazette/Montana Untamed)