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Outdoors

Sonja Andersen Recognized as Biologist of the Year

Sonja Andersen Recognized as Biologist of the Year

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 4 recently announced that Sonja Andersen, a wildlife biologist based in Lewistown, has been recognized as the Biologist of the Year by her peers in the Montana Chapter of the Wildlife Society. This award highlights her unwavering dedication to conservation, exceptional scientific expertise, and

Increase in Illegal Mountain Lion Harvests Reported by Central Montana Game Wardens

Increase in Illegal Mountain Lion Harvests Reported by Central Montana Game Wardens

During 2025, game wardens from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reported a rise in the number of mountain lions illegally harvested in central Montana by hunters who had not purchased a license in advance. During the 2025 general big game season, five mountain lions were taken by hunters in Region

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Seeks Sightings of Greater Short-Horned Lizards

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Seeks Sightings of Greater Short-Horned Lizards

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is currently seeking sightings of greater short-horned lizards. You can help by reporting your observations to build a database on these fascinating creatures. To report a sighting, please email fwprg42@mt.gov and include the date, GPS coordinates, or detailed location description, photos, and

Buck's Native Plant Corner - Sagebrush Buttercup

Buck's Native Plant Corner - Sagebrush Buttercup

Sagebrush Buttercup (Ranunculus glaberrimus) Buttercup Family (Ranunculaceae) The bright, lemon-yellow flowers of the sagebrush buttercup are often one of the very first flowers to bloom in Montana. Their appearance announces that spring is not all that far off. If conditions are right, they can be seen as early as

FWP and Partners Collaborate to Assess Mountain Plover Populations

FWP and Partners Collaborate to Assess Mountain Plover Populations

Mountain plovers, also known as "prairie ghosts," exhibit a unique co-parenting strategy. These enigmatic birds inhabit shortgrass prairies and follow a two-nest rule: the female divides her clutch between two nests, with the male incubating one nest while the female incubates the other. They can lay

Winners of FWP's Hunting Dog Photo Contest Announced

Winners of FWP's Hunting Dog Photo Contest Announced

Nearly 500 photos were submitted for the FWP Hunting Dog Photo Contest. After the staff selected 20 finalists, they invited their social media followers to vote for their favorite photo. Mike Clingan’s photo of his chocolate Lab, Crosby, received 1,000 votes, while Adam Hunt’s photo of his

Smith River Float Permit Applications Now Open

Smith River Float Permit Applications Now Open

Applications for permits to float on the Smith River will open from Thursday, January 1st, until Sunday, February 15th. The drawing for these float permits is tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, February 18th. Each year, permits are distributed via a lottery system and are necessary for floating the 59-mile stretch