wildlife Archives - Montana Outdoor

Sneaky Bull Snake: A Bird Nest’s Security Nightmare

A Bull snake was spotted emerging from sparrow nests in Park Grove, Montana, highlighting the security risks of bird real estate. Captured by Tyler and Cameron Moline, this impressive display…

animal attack, Black Bear, wildlife

Black Bear Learns the Hard Way That Dogs Have Humans with Hatchets

A Monday morning dog walk turned into an absolute brawl in California’s Old Mammoth area. Around 6 a.m., a woman went outside to see why her dogs were barking, only…

wildlife

The Ultimate Guide to Getting a $100,000 Fine (and Becoming Bear Bait)

We’ve all seen some questionable behavior on social media, but a couple of recent images circulating out of Smithers, BC, really take the prize for peak internet Darwinism. The BC…

wildlife

Ditch the Spray, Bring the Noise: Why California’s National Parks are a Whole Different Ball Game than MT

California prohibits bear spray in national parks due to the presence of only black bears, which are generally less aggressive. Hikers should instead use air horns or bells and practice…

wildlife, Montana News, Montana Outdoors

Montana Ranch Life: Battling Unexpected Houseguests

A Montana woman discovered a swarm of garter snakes emerging from her home’s foundation, highlighting the issue of wildlife seeking winter shelter in residential areas due to human development.

wildlife

Witnessing Nature: A Massive Elk Herd Migration

A hunter and his son witnessed a breathtaking herd of elk during a 2021 trip, highlighting the majesty of nature and creating unforgettable memories amidst the wilderness.

wildlife

What Is Wrong with This Buck?

Does anybody have any ideas on why this young buck is currently writhing around on the ground? We are genuinely curious if he’s just feeling his oats or if there’s…

Conservation, Fishing, wildlife

Caught an Albino Bass? Here’s What You’re Looking At

A ghost-white bass on your line isn’t a fluke — it’s a rare genetic condition. Here’s the science, the survival odds, and exactly what to do with it.

Conservation, Public Lands, wildlife

The Royal Teton Ranch Deal Explained: What Montana Hunters Need to Know About the Conservation Win That Protected Yellowstone’s Northern Corridor

How the Royal Teton Ranch conservation deal protects elk migration, river access, and hunting habitat in Montana’s Paradise Valley near Yellowstone.

Conservation, Montana News, wildlife

Why Your Bird Feeder Will Draw Grizzlies This Spring

Learn why bird feeders and salt licks attract hungry grizzly bears to your Montana property each spring and how to prevent dangerous wildlife conflicts.

Wolf, wildlife

Washington Wolf Population Soars 17% in 2025

Washington’s gray wolf population rose to 270 in 2025, reflecting a 17% increase, yet faces movement challenges south of I-90. Most packs coexist peacefully with livestock, showing effective management.

FWP, wildlife

Official Notice: Spring Black Bear Closure for BMU 411

The Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission has closed the Spring Black Bear season in Management Unit 411 effective April 23, 2026, transitioning to a hound training season starting April 24,…

wildlife, Hunt in Montana

A Montana Pheasant Hunt Turned Grizzly

Imagine waking up thinking about bagging a few pheasants and ending the day with 320 stitches and a crazy story for the grandkids. That was the reality for 25-year-old Mark…

wildlife

The Distinctive Features of Coyotes and Gray Wolves

Coyotes are compact, agile canines weighing 30-45 pounds, while gray wolves are larger, heavier apex predators over 100 pounds. Understanding their differences enhances wild encounters and promotes safety.

wildlife

The 900-Pound Security Blanket: Why Every Hunter Needs an Emotional Support Elk

A new therapeutic trend involves hunting bull elk, which serve as unconventional emotional support animals. Their presence offers stress relief, physical engagement, and non-judgmental listening, successfully blending therapy with hunting.

wildlife

Humanoid Robots: The Future of Animal Control?

And so it begins…or cintinues… Residents of Warsaw recently learned that the future of neighborhood watch isn’t a retired veteran with a clipboard, but a humanoid robot with a zero-tolerance…

Hunting, Montana Hunting, wildlife

How to Judge a Bear’s Weight Before You Pull the Trigger

Montana’s spring bear season opens April 15. Here’s how to field-judge a bear’s weight and age before you pull the trigger.

Hunting, Conservation, Montana Hunting, Montana News, wildlife

Wisconsin Hunter Lost 10 Years: What Montana Poaching Actually Costs

A Wisconsin man just lost 10 years of Montana hunting privileges. Here’s exactly what triggers long-term bans — and what every hunter must know right now.

Hunting, Public Lands, wildlife

14 Bear Encounters in the Bitterroot: One DIY Hunter’s Hard-Earned Spring Tag

A DIY hunter logs 14 bear encounters in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley before finally closing the deal. Here’s why this one’s worth your time.

wildlife, Grizzly Bear

Grizzly Bear Footage from Glacier National Park

A viral video of a massive grizzly bear at Glacier National Park emphasizes the importance of bear safety, reminding visitors to secure food and respect wildlife.

Hunting, Montana Hunting, wildlife

Six Wolves vs. One Grizzly: Who Really Wins in Montana?

Spring bear season opens April 15. Here’s what science and trail cam footage reveal about wolf-grizzly showdowns — and what it means for your safety this spring.

Grizzly Bear, wildlife

A Close Encounter with a Grizzly [VIDEO]

A seasoned hiker’s familiar trek nearly turned deadly due to a surprise encounter with grizzlies. Quick thinking and a timely pause to film saved him from disaster. Bear safety tips…

wildlife, Bull Elk

Gravity 1, Elk 0: The Tragic 462-Inch Gymnastics Fail of Kittson County

In a -25°F Minnesota deep freeze, a 900-pound world-record elk famously somersaulted into the muck. Despite a daring 2×4 rescue, the “Mud Bull” remains the state’s most tragic, 462-inch gymnastics…

Hunting, Conservation, Public Lands, wildlife

Sage Grouse Lawsuits Stack Up — What Montana Upland Hunters Need to Know Right Now

Legal battles threaten sage grouse habitat and hunting access across Montana’s eastern prairie. What upland bird hunters need to know now.

wildlife

Watch Rare Footage of a Dusky Grouse Mating Ritual in Action

The Dusky Grouse is a hardy, slow-moving bird found in the Rockies, known for its unique winter behavior, distinct mating rituals, and excellent camouflage in mountainous forests.

wildlife, Wolf

The Million-Dollar Meal: Colorado’s Wolf Bill is Getting Spicy

Colorado’s plan to reintroduce wolves has resulted in over $1 million in livestock loss claims, burdening ranchers while funding comes from wolf-themed license plates amid escalating costs.

wildlife

A Game Warden’s Lesson In ‘Hunter Suspicion’

Put yourself watching this scene described by the North Dakota Game and Fish Department: District Game Warden Riley Gerding is out in the middle of North Dakota nowhere, doing the…

Hunting, Montana Hunting, Montana Outdoors, wildlife

Foothills Sheds Are Dropping Now: Best Montana Units This Weekend

Warm March temps are dropping elk and mule deer sheds early across Montana. Here’s exactly where to look this weekend before the window closes.

Shed hunting, Deer Hunting, Elk Hunting, Hunting, Montana Hunting, wildlife

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.

Elk Hunting, Montana Hunting, Public Lands, wildlife

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.

Grizzly Bear, wildlife

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 why the “hump” is pure muscle and how they dominate.

wildlife, Conservation, Deer Hunting, Montana Hunting

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.

wildlife

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 situations, highlighting our overlapping worlds and shared challenges.

wildlife, FWP

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 far north, there’s a herd of bighorn sheep. To the…

Elk Hunting, Hunting, Montana Hunting, Public Lands, wildlife

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.

wildlife, Conservation, Montana Outdoors

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 backcountry safety.

Hunting, Montana News, Montana Outdoors, wildlife

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.

Conservation, Montana Hunting, Montana News, Public Lands, wildlife

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.

Hunting, Public Lands, wildlife

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.