When it comes to hunter crowding and the state of mule deer, non-resident hunting pressure and harvests aren’t the only culprits, but mounting evidence shows they’re a big one. According to an FWP Interoffice Memorandum dated 5/6/2024, the “total Region 6 mule deer harvest in 2023 was estimated at 9,986, 28% above the 26-year average” and — for the first time ever - non-residents harvested more antlered mule deer than Montana residents in Region 6. The memo added that “antlerless ...

Forty years ago, the Montana Supreme Court affirmed that the public may use rivers or streams – regardless of who owns the streambed or adjacent land – for recreation purposes. This is now known as Montana’s Stream Access Law, and it’s a beautiful thing. But we can’t take it for granted, as it continues to be challenged and threatened. First, what exactly is the Stream Access Law? What constitutes recreation? And how are rivers and streams defined? Following the Supreme Court’s establishment ...

The Rio Grande Del Norte National Monument was established in 2013 and comprises 242,500 acres with an additional 3,700 acres recently added.  It lies in northern New Mexico and is bisected by the Rio Grande Gorge.  The area is fragmented by miles of fencing demarcating grazing allotments.  Many of these fences bisect important migration routes between mountain ranges.  This area has resident pronghorn, elk and deer but is also a very important wintering ground. ...

The Indiana Division of Forestry has an open public comment period allowing you to provide feedback on their forest management plans for Yellowood and Morgan-Monroe State Forests. The IN DNR has consistently maintained a long-term commitment to protecting, conserving, and managing our public forests to create sustainable habitat that caters to all wildlife species along with recreational opportunities for Hoosiers. Please click on the link below to learn more about the proposed forest ...

The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers generated a record-setting $56,620 for mule deer conservation by raffling the species’ Governor’s tag. The amount raised this year exceeded the previous Montana mule deer auction record of $41,000 by 38%. Bucking the historical trend, these special tags have always been auctioned off to the highest bidder, that is, until now. Created as a way to boost revenue for species-specific conservation and habitat work, Montana’s Fish, ...