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  • Hunting Preview for Montana Region 1! The Search for a Better Hunt.

    Hunting Preview for Montana Region 1! The Search for a Better Hunt.
    2026/09/19
    Send us Fan MailBig timber, rugged mountains and a whitetail buck slipping through the trees. If that sounds like your kind of hunting, this week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast is for you.The Search for a Better Hunt continues as Downrigger Dale welcomes Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 1 Wildlife Manager Neil Anderson for a look at hunting opportunities in Montana’s northwest corner. From deer and elk to black bears, mountain grouse and waterfowl, Neil explains what hunters can expect—and what deserves some extra homework before heading out.Rigger once called this country home, so this conversation comes with a little extra enthusiasm. But there’s plenty here for anyone discovering Region 1 for the first time, too.Whitetails lead the wayOne of the most encouraging parts of the conversation is Neil’s outlook for white-tailed deer. Several mild winters and good recruitment have him optimistic! Hmm rumor has it hunters just might start seeing more mature bucks! Watch or listen for the details!Mule deer offer a different experience. Neil describes populations as steady to slightly increasing, with deer concentrated in pockets of suitable habitat. He gives some great suggestions on where to find them!Black bears and a patchy berry cropRegion 1 is also known for its black bears, but this year’s food supply could affect where hunters find them.Neil describes the huckleberry crop as spotty, with other berry crops struggling in some places as well. Productive berry patches may concentrate bears, while wetter areas near streams and other water sources can become increasingly important. Neil tells you where you’ll find those areas…Odds increased? Check! The discussion also turns to grizzlies and the importance of preparing for bear encounters. Rigger and Neil cover accessible bear spray, expiration dates, food storage and handling harvested game. Review the FWP bear-safety resources with the link below.Encouraging elk trends—and details worth checkingNeil reports encouraging elk calf recruitment in areas where surveys are possible. He also discusses research around Thompson Falls and Noxon indicating gradual population growth over time. Plus he’ll give you the hunting districts that should be the places to start!Bring your bird-hunting plans, tooNeil’s gives a great report on mountain grouse from Ruffed, Spruce and Dusky grouse you will get some useful info to help you plan a great grouse hunt.Turkeys provide another opportunity, with Neil describing a growing population and places to look.The conversation also covers pheasants, Hungarian partridge, ducks and geese, including opportunities around Ninepipe, the north shore of Flathead Lake and more!Access, preparation and the people behind the wildlifeNeil describes a region with substantial public land, extensive Block Management opportunities and conservation easements helping protect access for future generations. As well as solid info on how to prepare if Region 1 is new to you.There’s more in this episode, including mountain lions, wolves, moose, bighorn sheep and wildlife research. Neil also explains why hunters’ observations matter, particularly in heavily forested country where counting animals from the air can be difficult.And before the conversation ends, there’s an unexpected wildlife story: a coordinated effort to vaccinate hundreds of bats against white-nose syndrome. Oh and he tells a very funny story about some Canadian Monties that were about to site some hunters big time for wandering across the border and hunting in the wrong country, that is until the hunters told Monties that THEY were actually in the wrong country! Oh Canada!!Watch or listen to this week’s Montana Outdoor Podcast for the full Region 1 hunting preview. Come for the hunting information, stay for the stories, and get ready to explore one of Montana’s most beautiful corners.Our thanks to Rocky Mountain Truck and Trailer and Superior Hardwoods of Montana for supporting the Montana Outdoor Podcast. LINKS:FWP Hunt Planner: Open the interactive hunting mapRegion 1 information and wildlife reports: Visit FWP Region 1Region 1 and 2 Block Management information and maps: Find access information and BMA mapsCurrent hunting regulations: Find regulations by speciesFWP Region 1 Big Game Hunting Forecast: Read the hunting forecastBear-safety video—How to Use Bear Spray: Watch the video linked by FWPBear-safety video—Montana Hunter Safety in Bear Country: Watch the video linked by FWPMore bear-safety information: FWP Bear Aware resourcesChronic wasting disease information and testing: Visit FWP’s CWD resource pageQUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?Click here to contact Neil Anderson! To contact your buddy Downrigger Dale, click here! Check current regulations, district boundaries, access requirements and closures before hunting. This interview is a seasonal preview; the current regulations govern your hunt.Please subscribe, like and share the Montana Outdoor ...
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    1 時間
  • The Search for a Better Hunt! 2026 MT Region 6 Hunting Preview.

    The Search for a Better Hunt! 2026 MT Region 6 Hunting Preview.
    2026/09/11
    Send us Fan MailPlanning a hunt in northeast Montana this fall? Before you decide where to spend your valuable hunting days, hear directly from the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wildlife manager responsible for Region 6.In the first episode of our annual Montana Outdoor Podcast’s Montana Hunting Preview Series, Downrigger Dale sits down with Region 6 Wildlife Manager Scott Thompson to discuss what hunters can expect for the 2026 season.Topics include:• Mule deer numbers continue improving after several difficult years.• Whitetail deer remain below average following EHD outbreaks.• Pronghorn populations are well above average in many districts.• Elk numbers are mixed, with the Bear Paw Mountains remaining one of the brighter spots.• Upland bird hunting looks fair to good, with encouraging signs for pheasants and Hungarian partridge.• Waterfowl success will depend heavily on migration timing and weather.Best of all Scott gives some great recommendations of where you can find all those critters we just listed above. Scott also discusses public access, Block Management, hunter ethics, chronic wasting disease, and why respecting private landowners is more important than ever. Whether you're a lifelong Montana hunter or planning your first trip, this annual series provides some of the most valuable preseason information available directly from the professionals managing Montana's wildlife. So, what are you waiting for click here to watch or here to listen and get to planning your hunt! Don’t forget This is Episode 1 of our seven-part Montana Hunting Preview Series. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss the remaining six regions over the coming weeks.Links:To learn more about Region 6 click here.Click here to read the Northeast Montana Big Game Forecast.For the Upland Game Bird Forecast click here.Click here for interactive map of Region 6 hunting districts.For info about Block Management access in Region 6 click here.Click here to go to the interactive hunt planner map. For Montana Deer, Elk and Antelope (Pronghorn) Regulations click here.Click here for Montana Upland Game Bird Hunting Regulations.For Montana Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations click here.Click Here to learn about the FWP Protect the Hunt Respect Access Program.To watch the Podcast Rigger did with Greg Lemon about that program, click here.Questions for Region 6 Wildlife Manager Scott Thompson? Click here to send Scott an email.Questions, comments or suggestions for Downrigger Dale? Click here to email him.Support the showRemember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.
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    1 時間 8 分
  • Fall Mack Days Returns to Flathead Lake… and So Does Your Chance to Catch the $10,000 Fish!

    Fall Mack Days Returns to Flathead Lake… and So Does Your Chance to Catch the $10,000 Fish!
    2026/09/11
    Send us Fan MailThere are fishing tournaments……and then there's Mack Days.Twice each year, anglers from across Montana—and increasingly from around the country—head to legendary Flathead Lake for one of the most unique fishing tournaments you'll find anywhere. Why? Because Mack Days isn't just about catching fish. It's about helping protect one of Montana's most treasured fisheries while having the chance to win thousands of dollars in cash and prizes.In this special Fall Mack Days edition of the Montana Outdoor Podcast, Downrigger Dale sits down with new Mack Days Tournament Director Joe Santos to explain everything you need to know before the tournament begins.Whether you've fished Mack Days for years or you're thinking about entering for the very first time, when you watch or listen to this episode, you’ll find answers to just about every question you can imagine.You'll learn:Why Mack Days exists and how anglers are helping native bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout.How to register—even after the tournament has started.The many different ways to win cash and prizes.How tagged fish work—including the famous $10,000 fish.The best places to launch your boat.Where to camp during the tournament.How to identify lake trout versus protected bull trout.Tips for staying safe on Flathead Lake during changing fall weather.Where to find fishing maps, instructional videos, and tournament resources.Whether you're hoping to win big, spend time with family on one of the most beautiful lakes in America, or simply enjoy helping conserve one of Montana's most iconic fisheries, Fall Mack Days offers something for everyone.Watch or Listen to the podcast, gather your gear, and we'll see you on Flathead Lake September 10th through November 8th! Links:Click the links below to get info on most everything Rigger and Joe talked about:Main Webpage for Fall Mack DaysTournament Entry FormRulesEvent PosterPrizesBonus ChartPhoto GalleryFish IdentificationMoviesMapsFishing TipsWeather ResourcesAIS inspection informationState Parks on Flathead LakeBlue Bay CampgroundTo email Joe Santos click here or call him: Cell: (406) 274-0613Office: (406) 883-2888 Ext: 7290Of course, just click here to email your buddy Downrigger DaleSupport the showRemember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.
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    47 分
  • The Battle Followed Him Home

    The Battle Followed Him Home
    2026/08/29

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    Some battles don't end when the deployment does. For many veterans, coming home is only the beginning of a different fight—one that can't be seen. It's the battle of rediscovering purpose, rebuilding relationships, and finding peace after war.

    In this powerful episode of the Montana Outdoor Podcast, host Downrigger Dale sits down with Army Veteran Nick Gonzalas, whose journey took him from the streets of Iraq to helping fellow veterans heal through Montana's outdoors, yoga, community, and service.

    When you click here to watch or here to listen you will hear Nick share his deeply personal story of military service, returning home carrying invisible wounds, and the long road toward healing. Along the way he discovered something unexpected—that helping other veterans find hope became part of his own recovery.

    Today, through South Side Studio Yoga and his work with veterans, Nick is creating opportunities for others to reconnect with themselves, each other, and the healing power of Montana's wild places. Every veteran that joins his free Yoga Class for Vertrans program also gets the opportunity to take a free guided weeklong trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. This is an amazing trip for veterans as they pack in by horse and get float out!

    This podcast isn't just for veterans. It's for military families. It's for friends trying to understand someone they love. And it's for anyone who believes the outdoors can change lives. Whether you've worn the uniform yourself or simply want to understand what many veterans face after they come home, this is a conversation that will stay with you long after it ends. If you know a veteran or a family member of a veteran who could benefit from hearing Nick's story, please share this episode with them. Sometimes hope begins with a single conversation.

    Links:

    • South Side Studio Yoga (Nick's organization)
    • Book a Yoga Class with Nick
    • Veterans, Here is Your Link For You Free Class with Nick!
    • Let’s Support Nicks Yurt Project! Click and Donate Today!
    • South Side Studio Yoga Instagram page
    • Nick’s YouTube Channel, Come On Veterans Join in Online!
    • Red Willow Learning Center
    • Project Healing Waters
    • Patrol Base Abbate
    • Water Master Rafts
    • Questions for Nick? Click here to send him an email!
    • Questions for Downrigger Dale? Click here to send him and email!9

    Support the show

    Remember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.
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    58 分
  • The World is Coming...To Compete

    The World is Coming...To Compete
    2026/08/22

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    Every year, the world's best fly anglers gather to compete in one of the most prestigious events in competitive fly fishing. This year, they aren't heading to Europe or another faraway destination. They're coming here! In just a few weeks, the 2026 World Fly Fishing Championship will bring competitors from around the world to some of the most legendary trout waters in the world known are the Golden Triangle of Fly Fishing which includes Montana's beautiful Hebgen Lake along with famous fisheries in Idaho and Wyoming. This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast, Downrigger Dale visits with World Fly Fishing Championship organizer Glade Gunther and Team USA veteran Devin Olsen to learn what makes this event so special, how Team USA prepares to compete against the world's best, and why so many international anglers dream of fishing the waters we sometimes take for granted. When you watch or listen you'll learn how these competitions actually work (WAY different than a typical fishing tournament), why catching one extra fish can mean the difference between winning a gold, silver or bronze medal or going home empty-handed, and some of the fascinating techniques the competitors use that most everyday anglers have never seen. You'll also discover why fly anglers from Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and beyond are excited to experience the incredible fisheries of Montana, Idaho and Wyoming, and why Team USA believes this could be one of its best opportunities yet to bring home a World Championship and gold medal on home waters. DO NOT miss this podcast it is SUPER interesting! Click here watch or listen!

    Links:

    • To learn more about Team USA Fly Fishing click here to see the website and here to check out their Facebook Page. We will add more info as we get closer to when the competition kicks off. Or check back to MontanaOutdoor.com.
    • Our guest Glade is looking for folks that would like to bring their boat to Hebgen Lake near West Yellowstone to help take these competitors from all over the world. Interested? You would get to be part of this incredible event that will likely not be back in the USA for 10 or 20 years. They will pay your gas, lodging and so on. Contact Downrigger for more info.
    • Questions for Glade the International Organizer of the World Fly Fishing Championship? Click here to send him an email.
    • Questions for Devin Olsen, Team Member on Team USA Fly Fishing? Just click here.
    • 9Let your buddy Downrigger Dale know what you thought of this Podcast. Click here to email him.

    Support the show

    Remember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.
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    56 分
  • It Really is Up to Us! Protect the Hunt!

    It Really is Up to Us! Protect the Hunt!
    2026/08/15
    Send us Fan MailEvery hunter knows someone who has heard the words...”No...we don't allow hunting here anymore.” Sometimes that decision comes after years of allowing respectful hunters onto private property. Sometimes...It only takes one bad experience.This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast, your Host Downrigger Dale sits down with Information Bureau Chief for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks', Greg Lemon to talk about one of the most important hunting initiatives we've seen in years. It's called Protect the Hunt, Respect Access and while there are some incredible prize packages involved, when YOU get involve that's not really what this program is about. It's about preserving something that's becoming harder and harder to find...Access. During this conversation you'll hear the true story of how one unfortunate incident permanently changed access on Rigger's own family ranch, why FWP believes hunter ethics matter more now than ever, and how just a few minutes of your time could help strengthen the relationship between hunters and Montana landowners for years to come. When you watch or listen to this Podcast you'll also learn how to enter for a chance to win an amazing lineup of prizes including guided hunts, rifles, optics, hunting gear and much more simply by completing the Hunter Landowner Stewardship Program. Just for taking a few minutes to learn about how you can help protect our hunting access. That’s a pretty incredible reward for just a few minutes, right? Now this is SUPER IMPORTANT: make sure you watch or listen all the way through so learn how to enter this amazing contest, it’s gonna be HUGE!! Whether you've hunted Montana your entire life or you're just getting started, this is one podcast every hunter should watch or listen to. So watch the podcast first, then use the links below to learn more about the Protect the Hunt program, take the stewardship course, and enter for a chance to WIN BIG." Links:Click here to learn more about the Protect the Hunt Program and get all the details about the prizes.To take the Hunter Landowner Stewardship Course and get entered to win, click hereClick the links below to learn more about the wonderful sponsors:Backcountry Hunters and Anglers | Capital Sports - Helena | Leupold | MeatEater | Montana Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife | Montana Stockgrowers Association Montana Wildlife Federation | OnX Hunt | Pheasants Forever | Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation | SCI SW Montana Chapter | VIAM Outdoors Town Pump | Maven | Weatherby | Montana Knife Company | Montana Outfitting Company | SITKA Gear Kenetrek Boots | GPO USA | Vortex Optics | Stone Glacier | Christensen Arms | Eylar Lone Mountain Coolers | Questions for Greg? Click here to send him a message.Questions for Downrigger Dale? Click here to send him a message.Support the showRemember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.
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    53 分
  • Too Hot to Fish the Rivers? It Doesn't Have to be That Way.

    Too Hot to Fish the Rivers? It Doesn't Have to be That Way.
    2026/08/01
    Send us Fan MailThis week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale goes on the hunt to find some alternatives for anglers, especially you flyfishing anglers that have had to cancel your fishing plans due to high river water temperatures that have prompted Hoot Owl Restrictions and in many cases river fishing closures. As Rigger put it; “I started getting emails and texts from folks asking if I knew of any rivers without fishing restrictions, so I got a hold of our buddy Garrett Osler in West Yellowstone. Garrett is one of the most knowledgeable anglers in the Yellowstone area as well as across Southern Montana. We knew that Hebgen Lake down that way often has some excellent flyfishing for awesome trout and sure enough Garrett said that the fish in the lake are doing what they call “the Gulp” right now. He said there is all kinds of hatches happening, calabasas, caddis, mayflies, hoppers etc. So, there is lots of things going on in the lake and there are no fishing restrictions!” So that is great news for flyfishing anglers that want to head that way”. Now, here is where things get even better so make sure you watch or listen to this podcast because Garrett also gave a TON of great ideas that the whole family can take part in! Things like the Mountain Man Rendezvous going on in West Yellowstone which is fascinating. But it gets even better, there is also the West Yellowstone Wild Horse Stampede going on which is an awesome rodeo with PRCA Bull Riding and much more! The Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center where you can see up close Grizzly Bears, Wolves, Otters and more. Whereas Garrett told us the Grizzly Bears do product testing. Watch them test the latest “bearproof” containers! So that ought to give you plenty to do right? Well Garrett tells us even MORE great stuff that is going on that you will love and there is a huge added benefit considering how hot it is out there, West Yellowstone is usually 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the rest of the state! That is why we are saying you really need to watch or listen to this podcast to learn about all the incredible stuff you can do! There is so much going on in a much cooler environment. BUT this podcast delivers even more “cool news”. When you watch or listen Downrigger shares a few secrets you do not want to miss! In fact, he actually SHOWS you how to get to a place on the FWP website most folks don’t know about, not that they don’t want you to know about it, it’s just hard to find but your boy Rigger has got you! He shows you an easy way to find it on both the desktop website and mobile website. So, what is it that we are talking about? Listing after listing after listing of mountain lakes all around the state where it is nice and cool and trout, salmon and more are just hanging out in that nice cool mountain water just waiting for you to throw a cast to them! These listings show you what kind of fish are there, stocking info and the latitude and longitude you can enter into your GPS to take you right to them. See, we told you, you just must watch or listen to this awesome podcast! So, what are you waiting for? Mash that play button right now!! Links:Click here to head to the website that Garrett talked about called Destination West Yellowstone. That site has all kinds of great info about what is going on, where you can stay and more!Click here to get more info and make reservations at Garrett’s hotel the historic Madison Hotel. Very cool place!Get tickets to the Rodeo in West Yellowstone! Click here to learn more!Click here to learn more about the Grizzly & Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone.Click here to find ATV rentals in West Yellowstone.To see a listing of current Montana river restrictions and closures click here.Click here to get info about Mountain Lakes in Montana. Keep in mind though you will have to do some scrolling once you get there. Watch the podcast and Rigger will show you how to get right to it.Click here to learn more about Hebgen Lake, such as size, fish species, stocking info, etc. Questions for Garrett Ostler? Click here to email him.Click Here if you have questions and/or suggestions for Downrigger Dale.Support the showRemember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.
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    33 分
  • The Secret World of Flathead Lake's Most Misunderstood Fish

    The Secret World of Flathead Lake's Most Misunderstood Fish
    2026/07/25

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    This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast our friend Ross Tate, The Whitefish Whisperer, is back and you know what that means don’t you? The Whitefish are biting again up on Flathead Lake in Western Montana. These amazing fish are known to be, pound for pound the hardest fighting fish in Montana. And with this heat wave they have showed up just in time for those of you that can’t fish many of Montana’s rivers due to high water temps. So, this would be the time to, first, watch or listen to this podcast and then head up to Flathead Lake and test what you learned from Ross. Ross is one of the best Whitefish anglers in Montana. He has been doin it for a long time and has some great tips even for you experienced Whitefish anglers. Another good reason to go fish for these fish is that they are also one of the best tasting fish that you will ever eat. As your host Rigger put it; “Your odds of catching a bunch of really nice Whitefish are fantastic if you watch this podcast. That’s cause Ross shows you right there on the podcast what are the best lures to you use, how to use the best jig technique and he even tells you where all the best spots are on Flathead to go find them. What more do you need?!”. Well, nothing probably but there is one more thing and it is an important one. If you watch or listen, you just might feel some wonder and wonder is always the best…because it always will lead you to something you did not know but wanted to learn and that our dear friends works for everyone whether they have or ever will fish. So, what are you waiting for?! Mash that play button!

    Links:

    • We talked about Zimmer Tackle and Kits Tackle so just click those names and you can learn more about them.
    • As promised here are the top websites for Great Lakes whitefish recipes:
      • Monahan's Seafood for simple baking.
      • Maureen Abood for a classic mayo-parmesan crust.
      • Freshwater Feasts for blackened pan-searing.
    • Questions for Ross the Whitefish Whisperer? Click here to email him.
    • Be sure and let your old buddy Downrigger Dale know what you thought of this week’s episode and let him know what your ideas are for new podcast topics. Just click here to email Rigger.

    Support the show

    Remember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.
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    1 時間