Fish

Recent Posts

Rocky students lead the way in Montana turtle study

Kayhan

Six years ago, during a walk along the Yellowstone River, I caught a glimpse of something I had never seen before. It was obviously a turtle, but with a shell unlike any I had ever seen before — a shell that looked like a pancake. One second this beautiful creature was there, sunning itself on a muddy beach, and then the next all I saw were ripples where it slid into the water to escape me. I found out later it was a spiny softshell turtle – a shy, elusive reptile that is found in the river systems of southeast Montana and about which wildlife biologists know little. (more…) Continue Reading →

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Lottery: Hunting success begins with ‘luck of the draw’

Deer

It will be months before hunters call bull elk out of the timber or track deer in the snowy dawn. But springtime in Montana defines the hunt with another kind of action. Just ask Hank Worsech, license bureau chief at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. “It looks like a bomb went off in here,” he jokes as we walk through the bowels of FW&P’s Helena headquarters. (more…) Continue Reading →

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For dogs and their human, a new favorite spot

River

Coaxed out of my apartment a few days ago by one of the most beautiful stretches of fall weather in memory, I found myself on the banks of the Clarks Fork River just southeast of Laurel. I was enjoying myself, but the three dogs accompanying me were downright ecstatic. Miles of trails wind through a river bottom thick with chest-high grass and cottonwood trees, and for the dogs, plenty of opportunities to slide down the gravel banks for a swim or a drink of water. (more…) Continue Reading →

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Plenty Coups: A great man, a beautiful park

Italian

PRYOR — I drove down to Chief Plenty Coups State Park on a smoky Wednesday, planning to see some sights, snag some photos and interview other visitors. But as soon as I got out of my car, Kaleb Perdew turned the tables and started interviewing me. Turns out he’s a Fish, Wildlife and Parks “visitation intern” this summer, a University of Montana student conducting quick surveys at state parks in this part of Montana. (more…) Continue Reading →

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