Last winter’s mild weather and this summer’s exceptional drought could have contrasting effects on big game hunting in southwest Montana this fall, according to wildlife managers.

The predictions come as staff at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks prepare for chronic wasting disease surveillance during the upcoming deer and elk archery season and general rifle season. Southwest Montana is a priority surveillance area this year.

Montana’s archery season runs from Sept. 4 to Oct. 17 and rifle season runs from Oct. 23 to Nov. 28. Hunters can also bag antlerless elk on private land in some areas of southwest Montana during early and late shoulder seasons.

The shoulder seasons vary between hunting districts. In August, officials…

If you're new to farming and ranching, you'll benefit from fencing 101. From time to time, livestock finds a hole or has a wooly coat and does not notice the electric fence. Otherwise, they run amuck onto the road risking getting hit or they discover your tasty landscaping and the flowers, plants and landscaping you worked tirelessly over the summer are destroyed...plants chewed down to nubs, flowers uprooted, grass trampled and trees bare on the lower half. A good fence will do a lot more for you than just save you some grief. It ups the property value. It gives your property a good clean border. Also, it keeps your cows, horses, sheep or anything else you may have where they belong a lot better than a single strand hot wire. Barbwire is a staple…

Here’s a look at a few trends that may redefine what ranching looks like.

Burke Teichert | Aug 06, 2020

 

Occasionally I see or hear someone’s description of the ranch of the future. So far, I haven’t seen or heard one that I think does a very good job; and this one may do no better. Let’s consider cattle ranches that, in addition to cattle, may have other livestock or cropping enterprises I see all types and kinds of cattle ranches. There are several types of hobby ranches. Some are owned by wealthy people who want to have a fancy showplace where they can enjoy the scenery and outdoor activities. Without wanting to offend, I struggle to call them ranches. They seem like recreation venues situated on a pretty piece of real estate; and I can’t…

Whether a family sells the ranch or keeps it and is looking for a manager, absentee ownership is on the rise. Here are tips on how to find the right person to manage your operation.

Aug 24, 2017

In this article, we’ll look at how an absentee ranch owner can find and qualify a ranch manager to oversee the operation. Often, an absentee owner can begin the search by asking neighboring ranches or ag-related business owners in town for names of possible candidates. This is where the reputation of potential candidates becomes critical. A person’s reputation includes what others say about him, his track record and his successes. Talk to those he has worked with and worked for. You will find those who have glowing admiration and those who will grind an axe…

President Trump called on Congress to send him a bill that would fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which was established by Congress in 1964, and restore our national parks. On August 4, 2020, President Trump signed the Great American Outdoors Act into law, alongside bipartisan support from Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester. It is being called

"The biggest land conservation legislation in a generation"

This funding is much needed to fix deferred maintenance at national parks, wildlife refuges, forests, and other federal lands, with $6.5 billion earmarked specifically to the 419 national park units. The number of visitors to the national parks system has increased by 50 percent since 1980, but the parks’ budget has…