Mar 24, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Warm March 2026 Is Moving Merriam’s Strut Zones — Scout Now

Montana's warm dry March is shifting where Merriam's toms strut. Here's how to adjust your pre-season scouting before the April opener.

Mar 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Shed Hunting 2026: Which Units and Elevations Are Dropping Right Now

Late March snowpack is receding fast. Here's exactly which Montana units and elevation bands are producing fresh elk and mule deer sheds this week.

Mar 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Fire Weather Watch: What Montana Spring Hunters Must Know This Week

A Fire Weather Watch is active in Montana this week — here's what turkey scouts, shed hunters, and spring bear hunters need to know before heading out.

Mar 23, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Turkey Opener 21 Days Out: Scout Water Now Before Strut Zones Lock In

Montana's turkey opener is 21 days out. Here's the one late-March scouting move on public land that most hunters skip — but shouldn't.

Mar 20, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Elk Migration Exodus: Where Montana’s 2026 Migration Hits First

Thousands of elk are leaving Wyoming's National Elk Refuge now. Here's exactly where they'll enter Montana and how to use it to your advantage.

Mar 18, 2026 · Angela Montana

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 rules and testing.

Mar 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

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 this prized cut justice.

Mar 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Wyoming’s Elk Season Overhaul: 5 Things Montana Border Hunters Must Know

Wyoming's elk season changes affect Montana border hunters now. With MT draw deadlines April 1, here's what you need to know before submitting applications.

Mar 17, 2026 · Angela Montana

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 […]

Mar 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

How Montana’s Deer and Elk Draw System Actually Works — And How Not to Get Burned by It

Montana's deer and elk draw system is complicated. Here's what hunters need to know about preference points, deadlines, and limited entry permits.

Mar 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Outdoor Recreation Hit 5% of GDP — What Hunters and Anglers Need to Know

Montana's outdoor rec sector hit 5% of GDP in 2024 — here's why that $3.8B number matters for public land access and conservation funding right now.

Mar 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Shed Hunting Now: Hit These Elevations Before Green-Up Buries Everything

Mid-March is your last realistic window to find elk and mule deer sheds in Montana before green-up hits. Here's where to walk right now.

Mar 17, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana’s $3.8B Outdoor Boom: What 32,000 New Jobs Mean for Your Hunting Season

Montana's $3.8B outdoor economy now ranks 3rd nationally, but explosive growth means more crowded trails, harder access, and tougher hunting seasons ahead.

Mar 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Bears Emerging in February 2026: What Shed Hunters and Spring Outdoorsmen Must Know

Montana's mild 2026 winter has bears out weeks early. Here's what shed hunters, turkey scouts, and backcountry anglers need to know right now.

Mar 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

The Buffalo Slaughter That Wrote Montana’s Hunting Laws

How the 19th-century buffalo slaughter wiped out Montana's great herds — and directly shaped every tag, season, and law you hunt under today.

Mar 16, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Fixed vs. Mechanical Broadheads: What Montana Bowhunters Actually Need

Montana bowhunters debate fixed vs. mechanical broadheads for spring bear and fall elk. Here's what outfitters and public land hunters actually trust.

Mar 16, 2026 · Angela Montana

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 […]

Mar 16, 2026 · Angela Montana

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 safety training and mentorship. Applications are due soon.

Mar 15, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan

More than 156,000 geese push through Freezout Lake WMA in past six days

The migration is on at Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area near Choteau, where bird counters have observed more than 156,000 light geese and hundreds of swans pushing through!

Mar 15, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan

North Idaho angler hauls in new state record cutthroat trout

Imagine then the wave of hysteria after reeling in a 27-inch long Westslope cutthroat trout one day. For Coeur d’Alene angler Kyle Hatrock, that day was Feb. 1.

Mar 15, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

How Montana Hunters Lost $800 in Venison—And How You Won’t

Montana hunters risk losing a freezer full of elk or deer every storm season. Here's how to protect your wild game before next outage hits.

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Turkey Season 2026: Public Land Scout and Prep Guide

Montana's spring turkey season opens April 15. Here's your one-month public land scouting and prep guide to punch your tag opening week.

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Hard Lessons Montana Outdoorsmen Learn Too Late Every Spring

Mid-March is Montana's most dangerous season. Here's what kills trips—and sometimes people—when anglers and hunters rush back outside too soon.

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Realtree’s Spring Thunder Heads West — What Montana Merriam’s Hunters Can Learn From It

Realtree's Spring Thunder crew chases Merriam's turkeys in Black Hills country — here's what Montana hunters can take from it for a DIY public land spring hunt.

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Backcountry Trail Cam Footage Shows What’s Really Moving When Nobody’s Watching

Year-round Montana backcountry trail cam footage from Diaries of a Trailcam — with tips on how hunters can use this intel to scout smarter.

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Cracking Montana’s Elk Draw: What Every Non-Resident Needs to Know

Montana's elk draw is one of the most competitive in the West. Here's what non-residents need to know before applying this season.

Mar 14, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Cuts 2,500 Nonresident Deer Combo Tags: What Hunters Need to Know for 2026

Montana just cut 2,500 nonresident deer combo tags. Here's what hunters need to know before planning their 2026 season.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana FWP Cracks Down as Illegal Lion Kills Spike This Spring

Montana FWP reports a spike in illegal mountain lion kills this spring. Here's what violations are happening, penalties involved, and how to stay legal.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Duck Hunters Can Shape 2026-27 Waterfowl Seasons Right Now

Montana waterfowl hunters have a rare window to influence 2026-27 season dates and bag limits. Here's what's proposed and how to comment now.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

What Montana Mountain Lion Hunters Must Know Right Now

Montana mountain lion hunters face strict new regulations amid rising illegal harvests. Learn the essential rules, quota systems, and penalties to stay legal.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana’s Truck-Mounted Thermal Scanner Laws: What Hunters Risk This Spring

Montana hunters need to know where the legal lines are on vehicle-mounted thermal scanners before spring predator and bear seasons begin.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

What Montana Hunters Should Do With Extra Elk and Deer Antlers

Shed season is peaking in Montana. Here's exactly what to do with extra elk and deer antlers — sell, craft, donate, or chew.

Mar 13, 2026 · Angela Montana

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 fatal incident in Turkey, these cases highlight the importance of gun safety.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Hunters First Act: What It Means for Your 2026 Tags

The Montana Hunters First Act reshapes resident hunting rights. Here's what it means for public land access, draw seasons, and your 2026 tags.

Mar 13, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Why Montana Hunters Are Losing Their Best Spots to Out-of-State Pressure

Montana hunters face growing pressure from out-of-state crowds on public lands. Why protecting local hunting traditions and giving resident voices priority matters now.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

More Grizzlies Are Waking Up: What Spring Backcountry Hunters Must Do Now

A Yellowstone grizzly is already out in mid-March. Montana backcountry hunters and anglers need bear safety dialed in before spring seasons open.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Shed Hunting 2026: Where to Find Elk and Mule Deer Antlers Right Now

Mid-March is your best window for Montana shed hunting. Here's where to find elk and mule deer antlers before the crowds beat you to them.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Hunter Ed 2026: Deadlines, Locations, and How to Register

Montana hunter ed classes are filling fast. Here's where to find 2026 spring/summer sessions before fall draw deadlines close the door.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

What Every Montana Hunter Loses by Skipping FWP Meetings

Montana hunters who skip FWP meetings may lose hunting opportunities. These hearings decide tag allocations, district changes, and seasons that directly impact you.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

How to Navigate FWP’s Hunting and Fishing Reg System Before Spring Seasons Open

Montana FWP's updated reg system is live. Here's how to navigate it fast before spring turkey, bear, and paddlefish deadlines hit.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana’s 2026 Elk Regulations Changed: What to Know Before Drawing Deadlines

Montana's 2026 elk hunting rules just changed. Review new regulations now before application deadlines—quota shifts could affect your season plans.

Mar 12, 2026 · Moosetrack Megan

Volunteers sought to monitor osprey nests in Flathead Valley

As spring approaches in northwest Montana, the return of ospreys signals the beginning of another breeding season in the Flathead Valley. The Flathead Audubon Society is inviting community members to help track the health of the local osprey population through its Osprey Nest Monitoring Project.

Mar 12, 2026 · Angela Montana

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 why food comas look so similar in the wild and at home—and how the same instincts can kick in when calories are plentiful.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Tagged Elk on Public Land? What Montana Hunters Must Know

Montana hunters need to know the law before shooting a tagged elk. Here's exactly what FWP says about escaped game farm elk.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Turkey Season 2026: Tag Deadlines, Scouting Spots, and Call Prep

Montana's turkey opener is April 15. Here's how to scout Merriam's birds right now, nail your calls, and grab a tag before quotas close.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

First 2026 Yellowstone Grizzly Is Out: Montana Spring Backcountry Warning

A grizzly was spotted in Yellowstone March 10 feeding on bison. Montana backcountry users need to know what this means right now.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

5 Pro Tips for Finding Fresh Elk and Deer Sheds in Montana This March

Discover 5 expert tips for finding fresh elk and deer antlers in Montana this March. Prime shed hunting season is here – learn where to look now!

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Barnes TTSX Copper Bullets: Is the Switch Worth It for Montana Elk Hunters?

Montana hunters ask: is switching to Barnes TTSX copper bullets worth the hassle? We break down barrel prep, accuracy, and Montana-specific reasons to make the switch.

Mar 12, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Montana Shed Hunting 2026: Find Elk Antlers Before the Rush

Low snowpack is opening Montana elk country weeks early. Here's exactly where to go right now to find fresh sheds before everyone else does.

Mar 11, 2026 · montanaoutdoor

Grizzlies Are Out Early and Hungry: What It Means for Your Spring Backcountry Safety

Grizzlies are emerging early and hungry. Learn what this means for your spring fishing, shed hunting, and backcountry scouting safety in bear country.