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Early Spring Fishing Report: Navigating Flathead Valley’s River Flows
In March, the Flathead Valley’s unpredictable weather has led to unusual fishing conditions. Despite challenges, trout fishing is thriving, with…
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Kickoff to Spring at Hell Creek Marina
As of March 22, 2026, ice has melted and Hell Creek Marina is open, heralding an exciting season ahead at…
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Transform Your Shepard’s Pie with Venison
Venison Shepherd’s Pie offers a tasty twist on the classic recipe, using lean, flavorful venison to create a healthier, gourmet…
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Lake Access Restored: Hell Creek Marina’s Latest Update
Between a sudden 80° fever and a little help from the wind, Mother Nature just gave the ice an eviction…
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Hebgen Lake Ice Fishing 3.20.26
Garrett Ostler is relishing the lovely weather and ice conditions at Hebgen Lake, as shared in his video.
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Breaking the Ice: Why Fort Peck Marina is the Place to Be This Week
With the ice clearing at Fort Peck Marina, boating season is upon us. Eddie Mindt has worked tirelessly to open…
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Montana Outdoor Podcast: Unique Ice Fishing Tournament Rules Explained
The Montana Outdoor Podcast features Downrigger Dale interviewing USA Ice Fishing Team members before the World Ice Fishing Championship in…
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Cooking with Kokanee Quinn: The Only Pecan-Crusted Salmon Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Kokanee Quinn reveals a simple yet gourmet roasted pecan-crusted salmon recipe. Featuring fresh ingredients and easy preparation, it promises a…
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Don Wilkins’ Fort Peck Fishing Report: Shore Hot, Ice Cold
Fort Peck is still in a deep freeze from the Shafthouse to Rock Creek, so keep the boat on the…
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Goldfish, Pike, and the “Wrong” Kind of Romance: Montana’s 2026 Underwater Eviction Notice
If you thought your dating life was complicated, try being a Westslope Cutthroat Trout in the Big Hole Drainage. Between…
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Beefing Up the Defense: Why Montana Ranchers Are Heading to Court Over I-194
Montana’s MSGA opposes ballot initiative I-194, which they argue restricts free speech by banning certain entities from influencing political matters.…
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Don’t Get Bitten by a Poaching Charge: Why Your Montana Mountain Lion Tag Can’t Be a “Post-Shot” Purchase
Central Montana game wardens saw a rise in illegally taken mountain lions in 2025, with three hunters cited for buying…
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Bear’s Dinner Party: Why Your Favorite Bozeman Trails are Temporarily Off-Limits
Due to a wildlife attractant’s presence, the Bozeman Ranger District has closed popular hiking trails around Big Sky from March…
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The Temecula Standoff: When Viral Clips Meet Harsh Realities
A viral Temecula standoff proves context is king. Is a landowner’s gunfire an unhinged overreaction or the “boiling point” of…
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Grizzly Bears: Nature’s Muscular Monuments to Power
Meet the Grizzly: Montana’s ultimate heavyweight. With 1,200 PSI bite force and armor-thick skin, these biological bulldozers redefine power. Discover…
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The “Anti-Winter” Strategy: Why March and April on the Kootenai are Montana’s Best Kept Secret
Spring fishing in Montana is prime between mid-March and late April, featuring slow trout behavior and a focus on nymphing.…
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From the Big Sky to Big Water: Why Montana Sledders Should Take Note of the Michigan “Ice-Capades”
A snowmobiler in Michigan floated on ice near Mackinac Island during a storm, highlighting dangers of unstable ice. Safety gear…
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Montana’s Wolf Season: That’s a Wrap for 2025-2026
The Montana wolf season ended on March 15, with 243 wolves harvested out of a quota of 452. Region 1…
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CWD Is Spreading North from Wyoming: What Montana Mule Deer Hunters Must Know
Wyoming’s CWD surge threatens Montana mule deer. With permit apps due April 1, here’s what hunters must know about carcass…
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When Nature Meets Urban Life: Wildlife Encounters
Life’s unpredictability affects both humans and wildlife. As animals adapt to urban landscapes, encounters with obstacles can lead to tricky…
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The Great Madison Range Meet-Up: Giving Bighorn Sheep a Lift
In the world of Montana real estate, the Madison Range has a bit of a “middle child” problem. To the…
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Elk Tenderloin Done Right: Best Cooking Methods Montana Hunters Swear By
Montana elk hunters, don’t let that last tenderloin sit in the freezer. Here are the best cooking methods to do…
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So… There’s a Grizzly Bear in Your Yard. Now What?
Picture this: you step outside with your morning coffee, ready to enjoy the peaceful countryside… and there’s a grizzly bear…
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What a Lost GoPro at West Yellowstone’s Bear Center Reveals About Grizzly Behavior in Your Hunting Ground
A lost GoPro at a grizzly bear center captured fascinating footage of how bears interact with unfamiliar objects—valuable insight for…
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Anglers Brave Wind and Snow for First Week of 2026 Spring Mack Days
The first week of the 2026 Spring Mack Days saw nearly 1,900 lake trout caught despite harsh winter conditions. The…
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Montana Deer & Elk Permit Application Deadline, April 1
If deer or elk hunting is on your Montana to-do list this year, remember that the deadline to apply for…
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When Wildlife Interrupts Fishing Adventures
A fisherman’s quiet day on the water takes a wild turn when an aggressive beaver repeatedly charges and follows him,…
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Trout Jerky Recipe: Sweet and Smoky Flavor Made Easy
Trout jerky offers a flavorful alternative to traditional beef jerky, using a maple-whisky marinade and simple preparation methods. It’s perfect…
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Celebrate Fishing Conservation at the Wolf Point Walleyes Unlimited Annual Banquet
Join the 40th Annual Walleyes Unlimited Banquet on March 21 in Wolf Point, Montana, featuring dinner, raffles, and prizes, while…
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Special Youth Turkey Hunt Opportunity in Flathead Valley, Montana
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a free youth turkey hunt on May 2-3, 2026, for ages 10-15, including…
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Current Snowpack Conditions in Montana’s River Basins
Montana’s snowpack varies significantly; while overall moisture is above normal in many basins, some areas remain below average. The state…
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Don’t Miss the April 2026 MTA Banquet – Tickets Available Now!
The Montana Trappers Association Banquet on April 11, 2026, at Anaconda Elks Lodge features good food, entertainment, and community spirit,…
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How Weather Affects Fish Feeding Behavior
Weather significantly impacts fish feeding behavior, with factors like temperature and pressure influencing activity. Understanding these changes helps anglers adjust…
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Spring Mack Days: Fishing Tips from Ryker and Patrick
This week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast features Ryker Bair and Patrick Casey discussing their experiences in Mack Days, highlighting the collaborative…
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Cooking with Kokanee Quinn: Pheasant Cordon Bleu Recipe (Easy Wild Game Dinner)
Pheasant Cordon Bleu is an easy, gourmet recipe combining pheasant with Canadian bacon, prosciutto, Swiss cheese, and breadcrumbs, perfect for…
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Disease, development, warming climate threaten mule deer, according to Wyoming study
A Wyoming study indicates that mule deer populations are declining due to habitat loss, climate change, and other stressors, with…
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Mountain Men Stars Tom Oar and Paul Antczak Coming to Missoula Pig Roast April 18
MTSFW’s 16th Annual Pig Roast Banquet & Fundraiser on April 18, 2026, offers great food, raffles, and special guests from…
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Don Wilkins’ Weekly Fort Peck Fishing Report 3.13.26
This past week, fishing on Peck was impossible due to warm weather and unsafe ice conditions, signaling the end of…
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Paddlefish Permit Deadline Approaches: Apply by April 1
Apply for paddlefish permits by April 1 to participate in the unique season. Applications are easy online or in-person at…
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When Man’s Best Friend Pulls the Trigger: Bizarre Hunting Accidents Involving Dogs
Unusual hunting accidents have occurred when dogs accidentally discharged firearms. From an Indiana hunter injured in the blind to a…
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Understanding Wildlife Management Beyond AI
Hyper-real AI wildlife clips can feel more convincing than reality—until you notice the cartoon voiceovers and emotional storylines. But wolves…
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Bighorn River Fishing Report (St. Xavier) — March 11, 2026: Windy Week, Strong Nymphing on Sowbugs & Scuds, Plus Streamers
The Bighorn near St. Xavier is setting up for a productive week despite strong winds. Expect slightly warmer temps than…
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Food Coma Phenomenon: Why Bears (and Humans) Crash After a Big Meal
From berry-stuffed bears to hunters nodding off at daybreak, the “eat big, pass out” pattern shows up across species. Here’s…
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Central Montana game wardens report an increase in illegally taken mountain lions
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens reported a rise in illegally harvested mountain lions in central Montana in 2025, including…
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Smoked Salmon Ice Cream From Fort Peck? This Surprisingly Good Recipe Is Worth the Dare
Fort Peck Lake anglers are getting creative with their catch: smoked salmon ice cream. It’s cold, creamy, lightly smoky, and…
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Hipcamp’s 2025 Best in North Dakota RV Park: Basecamp for Theodore Roosevelt NP, Makoshika & the Enchanted Highway
American RV Park is a veteran-owned, no-frills RV stop near Dickinson—about 25 minutes from Theodore Roosevelt National Park and within…
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Montana Hunter Education Classes (2026): Spring & Summer Dates in Central and Eastern MT + How to Register
Ready to hunt in Montana? Montana FWP is listing in-person hunter education classes and online-student field days across central and…
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Walleye Alfredo With Crispy Fried Walleye Bites: The Creamy Camp (or RV) Pasta Recipe Anglers Crave
Turn today’s walleye into a comfort-food win: creamy Alfredo, al dente fettuccine, and golden fried walleye bites. Easy enough for…
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Montana FWP: LMU 422 Will Close to Male Mountain Lion Hunting After Sunset on March 12, 2026
The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has ordered LMU 422 closed to all hunting of male mountain lions one-half hour…
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Where Trophy Whitetails Come From: Boone and Crockett Data Ranks the Top U.S. States (Plus Montana’s Big-Buck Potential)
Montana’s river bottoms and ranch country can grow gnarly whitetails—but Boone and Crockett’s latest record book shows exactly which states…
