Outdoors

News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks HELENA — Three juvenile grizzly bears tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus this fall. The three bears, one near Augusta, one near Dupuyer, and another near Kalispell, were observed to be in poor condition and exhibited disorientation and partial blindness, among other neurological issues. They were euthanized due to their sickness and poor condition. These were the first documented cases of HPAI in grizzly bears. A fox and a skunk in Montana also tested positive for HPAI last year, and the virus has been found in raccoons, black bears and even a coyote in other states and countries.    “We su...

News from the CKST Natural Resources Department FLATHEAD RESERVATION — People may have heard about or seen three bison on Ravalli Hill near the highway. Two were shot near Old Freight Road and Highway 93. Those were escaped “livestock” bison from a private herd southeast of St. Ignatiu...

News from the CSKT Natural Resources Department FLATHEAD RESERVATION — The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Wildlife Management Program responds to human/wildlife conflicts on the Flathead Indian Reservation, including both rural and urban deer depredations. Conflicts between deer and human...

News from Flathead Land Trust MISSION VALLEY — On Dec. 27, an agricultural gem in the Mission Valley was protected in perpetuity under a conservation easement held by Flathead Land Trust. For over 50 years, a Mission Valley family has been farming this area south of Polson. Their 315-acre family f...

News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks GREAT FALLS – Permit applications to float the Smith River will be accepted through Feb. 15. The permit drawing will be held on Feb. 21. Celebrated for its spectacular scenery, remote location and excellent fishing, floating the Smith River is one of Mont...

News from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife staff completed its final assessment of grizzly bear activity in occupied grizzly bear habitat. Effective Saturday, Dec. 24, wolf trapping season is open in all areas of occupied grizzly bear habitat ...

 News from the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation MISSOULA — Montana’s largest wildlife management area offers more room to roam for hunters, anglers and others thanks to a collaborate effort led by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.  RMEF teamed up with private landowners with a his...

GLACIER — Glacier National Park will expand its vehicle registration program to limit access and reduce crowding during the busy summer months. But a decision to include east-side destinations like the Many Glacier and Two Medicine valleys is getting mixed reviews from residents and business owners on ...

News from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks HELENA — The Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program (WHIP) advisory council will meet Thursday, Jan. 12, at 9 a.m. at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks conference room. People can attend via Zoom or in-person. WHIP was established during the 2017 ...

During this season of gratitude, let’s think about the goodwill and shared goals for our hunting traditions. Let’s thank private landowners that opened their land to public hunters and let’s thank hunters who voluntarily donated over $218k to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Block ...