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 ‘Recreation’ Category

Expert Survival Tips for Hikers and Campers

If you are looking to leave everything behind and enjoy a few days of nature's raw beauty, here are a few expert survival tips for hikers and campers.... 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

Great Activities for Students in Missoula

Planning to visit Missoula but don't know how to have fun? The city has many interesting locations. Here are great activities for students in Missoula.... more

How to Make Your Outdoor Activities Extra Special

Keep reading to know more about guides and a common question for your exciting venture.... 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

Peeking into the NHL 2020-21 Season – What Will It Look Like?

The Playoffs have given NHL executives the confidence of a successful return to action next season. According to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, the league intends to play a full schedule 2020-21 season.... more

Most Common Benefits of Water Sports on Mental and Physical Health

In the following guide, we shed light on some of the most common benefits of practicing aquatic sports for the body and mind.... more

Cycling Safety Tips From the Experts

Before you hop on your bike, get some expert tips on how to make your ride safer.... 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

The Importance of Varying Dry Fly Patterns While Fly Fishing in Missoula

Here are some things to keep in mind when preparing a fly fishing expedition in Missoula and planning where to cast your favorite dry flies for trout.... more

Buying Your First E-Bike? Here’s What You Need To Know

Here are some facts everyone interested in having an E-bike should know about.... 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

A Faster Way to Get Some Fish in the Sea

Here are some of the leading and top ways you can utilize to get fish from the sea. ... more

Top Five Entertaining Things to do While in Missoula

There are many entertaining activities anyone can indulge in while visiting Missoula, and here’s a list of some of the top five:... more

Golf Review: Betting Advice for Rookies

If you are looking to place a stake on any upcoming golf tournament, you could take advantage of the latest US betting codes to leverage your wager.... 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

FWP Reminder: SUP Users Must Have Life Jacket on Board

The use of stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) has exploded in Montana over the past few years. And while the vessels are fun and easy to use, SUPs have equipment requirements, just like other vessels.... more

6 Things You Need To Have If You Want To Go Kite Surfing

Wouldn’t it be great if you can try something new that gives you an adrenaline rush? If so, then you may want to check out kite surfing! ... more

5 Ways You Can Work on Your Golf Game off the Course

Whether you’re new to the sport, or a seasoned pro, there is always room for improvement when it comes to upping your golf game. ... more

FWP “Kids to Fish” Program Allows Anglers to Borrow Gear & Tackle For Free

A popular Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks program that allows kids and their friends or families to check out free fishing rods and tackle is in full swing again this year. ... 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

Camp Cooking: What You Need to Know

If you are preparing for your next camping trip right now, read on below to find everything you need to know about camp cooking. ... 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 Achieve a Higher Jump in Basketball

The benefits of improving your jump are numerous despite your position in the court.... more

5 Insanely Creative and Fun Things to do in Missoula

From local farmer's markets to natural hot springs, we've compiled a list of the top-rated places to check out in The Garden City.... more

How To Improve Your Hunting Skills

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

Orphaned Grizzly Cubs Going to Bearizona Wildlife Park

Working jointly, staff from Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found a home for three grizzly bear cubs that were orphaned last month. ... more

How to Enjoy Basketball While Staying At Home

With sports activities suspended all over the world, you might be looking for ways to stay active and enjoy playing basketball despite the restriction.... 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

Boat Maintenance for Beginners: The Only Guide You Need

There are certain things you should know and do when it comes to boat maintenance. You should check out our guide here to learn more.... more

Common Hiking Aches & Pains

Make sure you understand what the different aches and pains are that you can get from hiking, and this will help you deal with them in the best possible way.... 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

6 Reasons to Visit a National Park

There are many great reasons why you should definitely have a national park at the top of your to-do travel list!... more

Teaching A Man How to Fish: Guide For Beginners

If you are interested in learning to fish or teaching someone to do so, then this guide is for you.... more

Convenient Ways to Beat the Summer Heat

Here are a few easy ways you can beat the summer heat.... more

Trying Times

BRUCE AUCHLY - This month may be the discontent of our winter, as we keen to hike, hear meadowlarks, smell the earth after a rain. But life does go on in February, even if we don’t notice it.... more

6 of the Most Fun Lawn Games for All Ages

There is nothing like spending the day out in your backyard and playing some fun games with your family and friends.... more

Buying Guide: Choosing The Best Scooter Your Child Will Definitely Love!

To help you in buying an ideal scooter that suits your child, we’ve jotted down a buying guide for assistance.... more

Top 10 Hikes Around Missoula

By JEFF JONES - An insider's perspective of the top 10 hikes in and around Missoula, Montana.... 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

Memorial Rose Garden Volunteer Workday Slated for October 26

By BECKY GOODRICH - Parks and Recreation and the Missoula Rose Society invite residents to volunteer in the Garden, located at 800 Brooks, on Saturday, October 26, from 9 to 11:30 a.m.... 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

Ways to Stay Safe on Your Next Family Camping Trip

As exciting and eventful as a family camping trip can be, your safety has to take priority. Here are some tips for staying safe on your next outing:... 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