Moosetrack Megan – Montana Outdoor

On Saturday, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Director Christy Clark, FWP staff and local stakeholders cut the ribbon on the brand-new Reed’s Slough Wildlife Viewing Area.

FWP to perform maintenance, habitat enhancement at several sites in southwestern Montana

Recreationists may see several construction and habitat -enhancement projects happening in southwestern Montana this month. Temporary closures may be in effect for some sites during construction.

Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park announces tours for 2025 season

Cave tours will be offered May 1 through Sept. 30.

Big Hole River Foundation Joins Forces with Save Wild Trout

BHRF officially joins forces with Save Wild Trout – an exciting merger that will allow for the expansion of BHRF’s highly respected water quality monitoring program to all four rivers of the Jefferson Basin – the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Ruby, and Jefferson Rivers.

Temporary Closure on West Rosebud Road (#2072) for New Bridge Installation Across Chicken Creek

The Beartooth Ranger District will temporarily close a section of Forest Road 2072, known as West Rosebud Road, from April 22 to May 8, 2025.

Montana mine one of 10 projects advanced by Trump administration

A proposed Montana mine is one of 10 projects being expedited by the Trump administration to advance domestic critical minerals production.

20TH ANNUAL PADDLING FILM FEST WORLD TOUR TWO WEEKS AWAY

The Paddling Film Festival is an international adventure film tour presenting the world’s best paddling films of the year – whitewater, sea kayaking, canoeing, rafting, SUP, action and lifestyle around the world.

Three bears killed after woman bitten, dragged from porch

The bears reportedly had previously broken into a vehicle to access groceries and damaged it so badly it was totaled.

California spends millions on gray wolf expansion efforts

Since 2022, CDFW has awarded or approved $3.1 million in compensation for livestock loss es, for indirect impacts of wolf prescence, and costs of nonlethal deterrence.

Forest Service Announces Hiring of Firefighters

Up to 50 Permanent Firefighter and Fire Management Positions Available Regionally.

Grizzly bear killed in encounter near Dupuyer

April 14, 2025

The man was searching for antlers on a brushy hillside when he first saw a bear. As he was leaving the area, the bear charged him at close range.

Kalispell man found guilty on seven criminal counts related to poaching crimes

April 14, 2025

Carr was convicted of two counts of unlawful possession of wildlife, two counts of hunting or killing an overlimit of game animals, two counts of waste of game animals, and a single count of loan or transfer of a license.

BLM reminds recreational shooters to prioritize safety and fire prevention on public lands

April 14, 2025

With warmer spring weather drawing more people outdoors, the Bureau of Land Management is reminding the public to follow safe and responsible shooting practices on BLM-managed lands in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

Two Men Sentenced in Largest-Ever Bird Mount Trafficking Case in U.S. History

$900,000 Fine is One of the Largest Ever Ordered for an Endangered Species Act Case. Waldrop amassed an extensive collection of 1,401 taxidermy bird mounts and 2,594 eggs.

Alpha female wolf of the Canyon pack; Neal Herbert; April 2016;

Annual survey shows increase in gray wolf packs in Washington, decrease in overall minimum wolf count

As of Dec. 31, 2024, WDFW and partnering tribes counted 230 wolves (a 9% decrease from 2023) in 43 packs in Washington.

Bridger Aerospace Awarded Exclusive-Use Contract by State of Montana for Innovative Wildfire Detection Aircraft

Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (“Bridger” or “Bridger Aerospace”) (NASDAQ: BAER, BAERW), announced today that, after participating in a competitive bidding process, it has been notified by the State of Montana as the successful bidder for an exclusive-use contract to provide wildfire detection and mapping using a specially modified Daher Kodiak 100 aircraft.

Flathead National Forest seeks public input on Holland Lake Lodge special use authorization application

The Flathead National Forest announced the acceptance of the special use authorization application for Holland Lake Lodge, allowing the potential buyers, Eric Jacobsen and Thomas Knowles, to operate the lodge within the existing footprint and facilities.

BOLO: Gallatin County asks for help in locating hiker missing since fall

As more and more people venture outside to enjoy our spring weather, Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office is requesting assistance from hunters and hikers who explore the New World Gulch/Bear Canyon area.

Seattle woman sentenced to 7 days incarceration for approaching Old Faithful

Ms. Flaherty left the boardwalk and viewing area surrounding Old Faithful geyser and walked approximately 10 feet onto the cone of Old Faithful.

More than 150,000 geese push through Freezout Lake on Thursday, Friday

Earlier this week, bird counters noted on the Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area’s migration tracker that the migration numbers had […]

BLM to increase fees at recreation sites across Montana

Read this before you head out this spring. Some fee increases already went into effect April 1, 2025.

Interior Secretary directs National Park Service to keep parks open and staffed

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum issued an order late Thursday that directs the National Park Service to ensure the National Park System “is properly staffed to support the operating hours and needs of each park unit.”

Secretary Rollins Announces Sweeping Reforms to Protect National Forests and Boost Domestic Timber Production

More than 112 million acres are now under an emergency declaration meant to boost American timber production by 25%.

BLM reports damage at Acton Recreation Area

The Billings Field Office staff has seen an increase in activities occurring at Acton Recreation Area which have caused a substantial amount of resource damage,

Nearly 90 Morgan horses up for adoption in Madison County

Are you looking to adopt a four-legged buddy to enjoy the outdoors with? Nearly 90 Morgan horses are coming up for adoption in Madison County.

Ross Creek Cedars Nature Trail closed until September

A closure is anticipated to be in effect in the area from April through September 2025.

Study finds mercury contamination in the Rocky Mountains

A new study finds that mines in the Pacific Northwest, Idaho, and Montana are likely the source of mercury and other […]

Man sentenced to week in jail for parking on Yellowstone thermal area

Is this sentence too much? Or too little?

MSU Extension’s Schutter Lab identifies first known blacklegged tick in Montana

April 1, 2025

For the first time, specialists in Montana have identified a blacklegged tick in the state, a species that can carry and transmit Lyme disease.

2025 Migratory Bird Stamp announced

FWP launched the Migratory Bird Stamp contest in 2024 to help raise additional awareness and appreciation for wetlands conservation and the benefits of intact wetlands to people and wildlife.

Montana House Set to Vote on Resolution Supporting Federal Land Transfer

Here’s the Montana Wildlife Federation’s take on the proposed bill, but what is yours?

Jet boat sinks near Kootenai Falls

The 14-foot jet boat sank just below Kootenai Falls.

Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area antler hunter vehicle registration opens April 1

In a continued effort to improve safety on opening day at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area (WMA), antler hunters wanting to enter by vehicle when the animals WMA opens at noon on May 15, 2025 should register beginning at noon on Tuesday, April 1.

Coyote attacks on people, including children, continue in Washington

March 29, 2025

You might remember back in January, when we reported that a 5-year-old boy was attacked and dragged by a coyote in Washington.

Public notice: BIA considers spraying 2,000 acres, reservoir draw down to control EWM in Pablo Reservoir

March 28, 2025

Public comments are being accepted through April 3rd for a proposal that would allow for the drawdown of Pablo Reservoir and aerial herbicide treatment of 2,000 acres to reduce Eurasian Water Milfoil. The treatment would begin in fall 2025 and could be repeated, up to 3 times over 10 years.

Mules at UM to Promote Summer Programming

March 28, 2025

The U.S. Forest Service Northern Region Pack Train of mules will again be at the University of Montana Oval at noon Tuesday, April 1, to raise awareness of summer course offerings as part of the fifth annual UM Summer Kickoff.

Commission to consider closing bighorn sheep hunting in HD 622

March 28, 2025

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold an emergency public meeting Monday, March 31 to consider closing bighorn sheep hunting for 2025 in hunting district 622.

Butte Ranger District issues special order banning pallets/construction debris

March 27, 2025

The Butte Ranger District of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest has implemented a Special Order prohibiting the possession or storage of any material containing nails, screws, or other metal hardware, including wood pallets and construction debris, that could be used as firewood.

FWP releases final Montana Wolf Management Plan

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks released the 2025 Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan today, wrapping up an extensive public process to capture updates to wolf management strategies and research into a new plan.

SHOWDOWN: City of Whitefish vs. FWP over proposed trail near Whitefish River

“Our hard-working biologists concluded this project would have long-term adverse impacts to the Whitefish River’s bed, banks, and fishery.”

BLM seeks campground hosts for summer

The BLM is recruiting for locations like Divide Bridge Campground, Clark’s Bay Day Use Area, Devil’s Elbow Campground, White Sandy Campground, Log Gulch Campground, Holter Dam Campground, and Holter Lake Campground.

Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument campgrounds, facilities gear up for springtime visitors

The new boat ramp was constructed at the upriver end of the campground and has room for both jet boat and canoe launching. The old boat ramp is still available for use by non-motorized vessel operators.

Forest Service Chief Schultz announces acting regional forester for Northern Region

USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz today announced Kristin Bail will serve as acting regional forester for the Northern Region, effective March 31, 2025. Bail will temporarily succeed Regional Forester Leanne Marten as she reaches her long-planned retirement date after 34 years of service.  

Hyalite Canyon Recreation Corridor to Temporarily Close to Motorized Vehicles for Spring Break Up Starting April 1

The annual spring closure of Hyalite Canyon Recreation Corridor to all motorized vehicles will begin on April 1st through May 15th, with anticipated reopening on May 16th.

Man found dead in Lincoln County believed to have gotten stuck in snow, tried to walk out

Even if things are starting to thaw, remember to keep an emergency kit and warming materials in your car.

Southfork Clearwater Localized Broodstock End of Program Report: Another successful year!