The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Archive for the ‘Hunting’ Category

September is Bear Aware Month

Being outdoors means being with wildlife. Here's some simple advice for staying safe while exploring the outdoors and in bear country.... more

FWP REMINDER: Be Bear Aware When Recreating Outdoors

As you make plans for the July 4th holiday, be sure to review these precautionary steps to “Be Bear Aware”:... more

How to Survive in the Wilderness – 2023

Every person who got lost in the woods had no plans of doing so. In this guide, we cover the basic things you need to do to survive in the wilderness. ... more

Which Karambit Knife Skins Can be Considered a Safe Investment?

Karambit knives have a long reputation for being some of the best and most practical knives out there. here are some models to consider:... more

Best Rifle Magazines in 2022

our rifle becomes unreliable when feeding from a poor-quality mag. Read our guide and shop for the best magazines for AR-15 and other platforms. ... more

Protect Yourself From Heat And Sweat With A Lightweight Hunting Outfit

If you want to protect yourself from heat and sweat, lightweight hunting gear is the best bet for you and here's why:... more

How Tactical Gear Impacts Your Performance While Hunting

Here are some tips on tactical gear that will improve your hunting success:... more

Aim to Shoot: Tips on How to Easily Improve Your Aim

Shooting can be fun but aiming at targets is the tricky part. Read this article for some key tips to improve your aim easily. ... more

Elk Hunting in Montana: What you need to know?

In 2020, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks reported 170,000 elk population, and it can be said that Montana is a dreamland for avid elk hunters.... more

Wildlife Officials, Blackfoot Community Work Together on Fatal Bear Attack Details and Next Steps

Wildlife officials and the local Blackfoot Valley community are working together to wrap up details of the July 6 fatal grizzly bear attack of a camper in Ovando.... more

Here’s What You Need to Look For When Buying a Rifle Scope

Here are some things that you need to look for when buying a new rifle scope for your gun.... more

Professional Equipment That’ll Greatly Improve Your Hunting Experience

When you go hunting, you will need the necessary equipment. When you prepare thoroughly, it is easy to capture your prey.... more

3 Tips For Your First Hunting Trip In Montana

To help you with this and get educated in the necessary areas, here are three tips for your first hunting trip in Montana. ... more

Hunting Permit Drawing Results Now Available

The wait is over as the deer and elk permit drawing is complete, just 12 days after the application deadline. ... more

Be Bear Aware When Recreating Outdoors

Bears are emerging from dens with the onset of spring, and people are reminded to “Be Bear Aware.”... more

7 Essential Things Every Hunter Should Know

Here are seven essential things every hunter should know and must put into practice. ... more

6 Must-haves For Every Hunter For An Ultimate Experience

Preparation is key if you want to be safe and successful while hunting. If you want to make your hunt a memorable experience, follow this easy guide.... more

Hunting and Fishing License Year Begins March 1st

The new license year opens March 1, which means that is the day you can buy your 2021 hunting and fishing licenses and begin applying for permits and special licenses.... more

Tips on How to Choose the Right Rifle for Enthusiasts

Here are some tips you should consider when selecting the right rifle. ... more

How to Use Modern Optics to Boost Your Hunting

In the long run, using optics will not only make you a better hunter but also improve your understanding of wildlife.... more

How to Improve Your Rifle Shooting Accuracy

Here are a few tips and guidelines to consider when shooting if you are looking to improve your accuracy.... more

A Brief Guide to Hunting Wolves in Montana

It’s only in recent years that Montana has opened its wolf hunting, and that’s being reflected by the healthy, balanced wolf population in the state.... more

Bear Spray – Carry it, Know How to Use it This Fall

The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee recommends the use of bear spray and urges hunters to learn these bear-aware safety measures.... more

2020 Big Game Hunting Forecast

Are you ready for hunting season? FWP can help. In addition to the following hunting forecast, FWP provides online information about hunting access, including our popular Block Management Program.... more

Must-Have Items for Every Hunting Trip

No matter what hunting destination you’ll go to or the type of hunting activity you’ll partake in, there are certain essentials that every hunter should get before they go out in nature.... more

How to Have a Safer Hunting Experience Without Spending Too Much

If you want to ensure that your next hunting excursion is the fun and safe getaway of your dreams, read on to know more.... more

Surplus Drawing Licenses and Permits Handled in New Way

Hunters interested in purchasing licenses or permits left over from the special license and permit drawing will find a different process this year.... more

Hunting Basics Every Aspiring Hunter Should Know

Here are some hunting basics every aspiring hunter should know.... more

Changes to Surplus License Process for 2020

To give residents and nonresidents a more equitable opportunity for surplus licenses, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has developed a new system for issuing surplus licenses.... more

Top 4 Hunting Weapons You Can Use Easily

We’ve created a list of the top 4 weapons you can easily start with to become a better hunter. ... more

How To Improve Your Hunting Skills

It takes time, dedication, and guidance but anyone can become a safe and efficient hunter. ... more

Man Injured in Grizzly Bear Attack on Sun River

A man was attacked by a female grizzly bear on Sunday morning near the Sun River. The attack left the man with non-life-threatening injuries.... more

Beartooth Wildlife Management Area Opens May 15 to Day-Use Only

To coordinate with local and federal partners, Beartooth WMA opens May 15 to day-use only; other WMAs open as usual with social distancing protocols in place.... more

FWP Announces Updates to COVID-19-Related Closures and Suspensions

People looking to get outside and enjoy spring will continue to have ample opportunities with Gov. Steve Bullock's phased approach to re-opening the state.... more

Hunting Permit Drawing Results Now Available

Hunters can now check the results of the 2020 nonresident combination and elk and deer permit drawing to see if they were successful.... more

State Lands Remain Open For Day Use

Fish Wildlife and Parks adjusts facility management in response to COVID-19; and state lands remain open for day use. ... more

Big Game Hunters Need to Be Bear Aware on Front

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Grizzly bear sign on the Rocky Mountain Front has led to a Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologist to remind hunters to be bear aware.... more

Local Snowmobile Store to Host Annual Avalanche Training Event

Gull Boats & RV will host a free annual avalanche traiing event at Big Sky Brewing on October 30 at 6pm featuring instructor Mike Duffy from the American Avalanche Association.... more

Bird Hunters Need to be Bear Aware

By BRUCE AUCHLY - With the Oct. 12 opening of pheasant season, bird hunters around western Montana should be prepared for an encounter with a grizzly bear.... more

Hunting Permit Drawing Results Now Available

By JOLEEN TADEJ - The wait is over. Hunters can now check the results of the 2019 nonresident combination and elk and deer permit drawing to see if they were successful.... more

Archery Hunter Breaks Arm in Grizzly Bear Attack Near Gardiner

By JOLEEN TADEJ - An archery hunter was attacked by a grizzly bear Saturday near Gardiner, sustaining wounds to his arm and face.... more

Bird Hunter Shoots, Kills Charging Grizzly Near Front

By BRUCE AUCHLY - A pheasant hunter shot and killed a grizzly bear Nov. 4 near Pendroy along the Rocky Mountain Front that charged him.... more

Bird Hunters Need to be Bear Aware

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Upland bird hunting began Sept. 1 and hunters along the Rocky Mountain Front, especially in riparian areas, need to be aware they are in bear country.... more

Hunters Must Expect to See Bears

By GREG LEMON - With hunting season upon us, it is important to remember that slow moving, quiet and camouflaged hunters are sharing the landscape with the state's even stealthier bears.... more

Hunting Elk in August

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Elk shoulder seasons this year will allow hunters in some hunting districts to go after antlerless elk starting Aug. 15.... more

That First Gun

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Just the other week, I gave my granddaughter and grandson their first firearms; a .22 rifle and .410 shotgun.... more

Is Spring Early or Late?

By BRUCE AUCHLY - The warm weather of February and early March could lead one to believe in an early spring, which feels nice but is not necessarily a good thing.... more

Will Winter Wither?

By BRUCE AUCHLY - Is winter done? Kaput, finished, terminated? It would seem so, though you may not want to bet the farm subsidies on it.... more

2016 Hunting & Fishing Licenses On Sale Monday With Change In Fees

By JEANNE CONNOLLY - Montana's 2016 hunting and fishing licenses go on sale Monday, Feb. 1, under a new fee structure passed by the state legislature. ... more