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.
Montana Outdoor
Montana Hunting and Fishing News, Reports and More
Overdue Last read · last published · next check
Last read 11 hours ago, longer than this feed's 1 hour schedule.
Latest articles
Why Just Knowing How to Shoot Does Not Always Make You a Safe Hunter
An off-duty Wisconsin deputy is facing multiple felony charges after an awful turkey hunting mishap that Outdoor Life reports is […]
Your Montana Archery Elk Checklist: What to Verify Before September 1
Montana archery elk season 2026 starts September 1. Run through this complete bowhunter checklist before the opener so you don’t leave opportunity behind.
When a Whistle Won’t Cut It: The Return of the Backcountry Hand Cannon
Smith & Wesson's Model 500, designed for heavy-duty wilderness survival, led to the creation of the 500ES Emergency Survival Kit in 2006. This kit combined a powerful handgun with essential survival gear. Fast forward to today, Custom & Collectable Firearms has introduced a modern Grizzly Emergency Kit, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Spicy Red Riding Hood: When a Yellowstone Wolf Took Some Bear Spray to the Face
If you ever needed definitive proof that carry-on capsicum isn’t just for grizzlies, ask the Yellowstone hiker who found themselves […]
Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Bites: The Appetizer That Disappears Fast
Smoked salmon cream cheese bites are an impressive, easy appetizer perfect for gatherings. Simply smoke salmon and cream cheese for about an hour, then spread the mixture on crispy toasted baguette slices topped with chili crisp and dill. These bites remain delicious even when cooled, allowing hosts to enjoy their party.
Ready, Aim, Trade: The Lewistown Gun Show Coming to Fergus County
The Lewistown Gun Show will take place from October 9 to 11, 2026, at the Fergus County Fairgrounds in Montana. Admission is $10, valid for all three days. The event emphasizes firearms and related gear, with vendors required to showcase at least 80% gun-related items, promoting serious trading and buying opportunities.
2026 Fall Mack Days Begins September 10
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are hosting Fall Mack Days on Flathead Lake from September 10 to November 8. Anglers can compete for cash prizes, bonuses, lottery drawings, and thousands of tagged lake trout, providing numerous opportunities for fishing and potential earnings during the event.
Madison County FWP lands now under Stage I fire restrictions
Montana FWP lands in Madison County are now under Stage I fire restrictions, prohibiting open campfires and limiting smoking and cooking on FWP-managed properties.
Your Input Needed for Montana’s 2026-2027 Ice Fishing Season
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is preparing for the 2026–2027 ice fishing contest season and seeks input from anglers and locals. The public can submit comments until August 24, 2026, via email. Contest organizers are reminded to submit applications and reports on time for a successful season.
Bowhunting Mule Deer and Bull Elk in Montana: Twin Elements’ Latest Film Is Worth Your Time
Twin Elements’ new film covers a Montana archery combo hunt for mule deer bucks and bull elk — plus tips, season dates, and public land context.
Catch Up on Last Week’s Montana Outdoor Radio Show August 22nd
Missed last week’s Montana Outdoor Radio Show? No worries. We’ve got the full show ready for you to catch up. […]
Montana Fishing Report: August 22nd The bite is on for those in the know.
The days are starting to get shorter, but the fish are not. Reports are in from across Montana and if […]
MT Outdoor Podcast: Team USA, World Champions & Montana’s Legendary Trout Waters
The 2026 World Fly Fishing Championship will soon take place in Montana, attracting top anglers from around the globe. The event highlights the unique competition format, emphasizing technique and strategy. Team USA aims for gold on familiar waters, with international participants eager to experience the region's renowned fisheries.
CLOSURE – Harmful Algal Blooms Confirmed on Hebgen Reservoir, Corey Springs
Bozeman, Mont. – August 21, 2026 – Harmful algal blooms (HABs) persist on different areas of Hebgen Reservoir. Currently, the toxin levels at Corey Springs area have increased, and that area is now closed for water-based […]
BLM implements restrictions at Carbella Recreation Site due to grizzly bear activity
BUTTE, Mont. — The Bureau of Land Management has issued a temporary order restricting camping at the Carbella Recreation Site in […]
Tom Miner Campground Temporarily Closed Due to Hazard Tree Concerns
Gardiner, MT, August 21, 2026—The Gardiner Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest has implemented a temporary closure of […]
Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report 8.21.26
Walleye are being caught using bottom bouncers in 24-30 FOW with slow death hooks, especially favoring orange blades or white beads. Pike fishing is successful with crankbaits or spoons in 15-35 FOW, while salmon remain scarce but are being caught at 70-100 feet down with blues and greens, trolling at 2.1-2.2 MPH.
Close black bear encounter in Red Lodge enforces need for bear safety in town
RED LODGE – Around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18, an adult black bear attempted to attack a person walking near Roosevelt Middle School in […]
Missouri River Fishing Insights from Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports
Crisp mornings signal the approach of fall fishing along the Missouri River. As water temperatures cool, anglers can target walleye with jigs and drop shots, especially in the mornings. In more challenging areas, nymphing remains effective. Pike are actively chasing streamers, offering an exciting option for fly fishing.
Latest Holter Fishing Update: Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports
Kokanee salmon and walleye are actively being caught at Holter Reservoir. Successful salmon fishing occurs 60 feet down using dodgers and hoochies, especially during early morning and evening. Walleye are found around deeper weed beds and drop-offs, responding well to jigs and jerk baits, with perch patterns being particularly effective.
Prime Time Fishing at Hauser and Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir with Jonathan Miller, Capital Sports
It's prime fishing season at Hauser and Helena Valley Regulating Reservoir. Trout are active near Spokane Bay, while walleyes are thriving off weed lines, with large catches reported. At Regulating Reservoir, kokanee are biting at depths of 10 to 35 feet. Anglers are advised on effective tackle and techniques for success.
Jonathan Miller with Capital Sports Reports the Walleye Bite Continues at Canyon Ferry
Canyon Ferry's south end walleyes are still actively biting, favoring bottom bouncer or lindy rigs with pink, purple, and blue tackle. The north end is yielding fewer but higher-quality fish, mainly rainbows, with deeper trolling techniques effective. The best areas are between White Earth and the dam.
How to Lose 33 Grand, Your Guns, and Your Dignity
Carter J. Hickey, a 21-year-old from Ohio, faced severe legal consequences after flaunting illegal hunting activities on TikTok. He pled guilty to seventeen wildlife crimes, incurring over $33,000 in fines, jail time, and a ban on hunting. His case highlights the importance of reporting wildlife crimes to protect ethical hunting and conservation efforts.
Billings, Laurel backpackers take130-mile wilderness trek
After three years of dreaming, 57-year-old James Haskins embarked on a hike through the Beartooth Mountains with friend Keil Clavadetscher. Over ten days, they covered 132 miles, facing challenges like wildlife encounters and inclement weather. Despite hardships, the adventure brought joy and a sense of accomplishment, inspiring plans for future hikes.
Forest Service Moves Forward to Revise Travel Management Rule
Washington, D.C., August 21, 2026 – The U.S. Forest Service today announced plans to publish a notice of intent to prepare […]
How Aerial Wildlife Surveys Actually Determine Your Montana Hunting Tags
Learn how Montana FWP aerial surveys shape tag quotas — and how understanding the process helps you make smarter application decisions each season.
Upper Madison & Yellowstone Fishing Report (Mid-August)
In August, Montana's fishing conditions vary. Anglers face morning trout activity, midday lulls, and skittish fish. Successful strategies include using hopper-dropper setups and stealth techniques. The Upper Madison is productive, while closures affect some waters in Yellowstone. Good dry fly fishing persists at Hebgen Lake, with improved conditions expected.
ACCOUNTABILITY FOR ACCESS: NEW NETWORK WILL ENFORCE RULES ON BLOCK MANAGEMENT AREAS
Hunters in Montana will experience new regulations this year as landowners join an enforcement network established by Senate Bill 441. This aims to ensure compliance with landowner rules on block management areas (BMAs). Violations can lead to access restrictions for offenders, highlighting the importance of respecting private property in hunting.
Hands-On Hunter Education Course Starts Soon: Register Today
To enjoy a fall weekend of hunting in Great Falls, you need a hunter education certification. An in-person course is now open for registration, featuring experienced instructors. Classes run in September, culminating in a field day on September 26. Enrollment is open to those aged 10 and up, with limited spots available.
Fort Peck Water Elevation Could Drop Almost 8 Feet by Feb 27
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers forecasts a decline in Fort Peck Reservoir's elevation from 2,223.9 feet on July 31 to approximately 2,216.0 feet by February 28, 2027. The report includes three scenarios, showing potential levels between 2,214.5 and 2,218.3 feet, influenced by runoff and weather conditions.
Delicious Venison Bites with Tangy Horseradish Sauce in Under 20 Minutes
Venison Steak Bites with Creamy Horseradish Dipping Sauce offer an impressive appetizer requiring just under 20 minutes of preparation and cooking. The tender venison, seasoned and quickly seared, pairs perfectly with a tangy dip made from Greek yogurt, horseradish, Dijon mustard, and garlic, creating a flavorful culinary experience.
3 Days Fly Fishing Montana’s Missouri River — What Out-of-State Anglers Need to Know
Desert Fly Duo spent 3 days fly fishing Montana’s Missouri River. Here’s what they found — and what you should know before you go.
Bighorn on the Brain: Updates for Montana’s Premier Tailwater, Aug 16-23, 2026
The Bighorn River in Montana is experiencing optimal tailwater conditions with steady flows of 1,000–1,500 cfs and clear water below Yellowtail Dam. Ideal fishing times and insect patterns are crucial: early mornings feature Tricos and midges, while afternoons highlight PMDs and Black Caddis, followed by hoppers and olives in the evening.
Picky Eaters, Desperate Times: The Bruin Diet Crisis
The unusual early spring and late frost have caused severe natural food shortages for bears, leading them to invade residential areas in search of food. Wildlife officials warn that hungry grizzlies and black bears are disrupting neighborhoods as they seek pre-hibernation nourishment, emphasizing the importance of securing garbage and bird feeders.
Buying a Suppressor Recently Got a Decibel Quieter
A recent federal court ruling in North Texas has shifted silencer ownership regulations, removing them from the National Firearms Act’s restricted items list. While buyers can purchase suppressors like regular firearms, certain restrictions and state laws still apply, and further guidance from the ATF is awaited as retailers pause sales amid ongoing legal challenges.
A Montana Escape: 6th Annual Veteran Cow Elk Hunt on the Horizon
Big Sky Warrior Outreach is preparing for its 6th Annual Cow Elk Hunt from December 3-8, inviting combat veterans and Purple Heart recipients for a week in the Montana wilderness. Four veterans will be selected for this opportunity. Applications will open soon, so interested parties should stay updated on their page.
Mountain Goats Took Over a Beartooth Wilderness Camp — Here’s What Happened
Mountain goats invaded a remote Beartooth Wilderness campsite. Here’s what the crew from Carnivore Expeditions experienced — and what you should know before you go.
Win a Propane Fire Pit This Labor Day!
Tongue River Marina is hosting a Labor Day Celebration with a chance to win a propane fire pit, perfect for backyard gatherings. Tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20, available at the marina. The drawing will take place on September 5th at 7:00 PM, and attendance is required to win.