Montana elk management has been in the news more than usual lately. The big issue is the lack of public access in areas overburdened by huge elk herds and FWP’s attempts to reduce those numbers. Here’s some background to help you make sense of what you’re reading and hearing. One of FWP’s most important responsibilities is to manage elk. That means we restore populations where habitat

After reviewing 243 applications, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has selected 12 individuals to serve on a citizens advisory group to address the future of elk management. The 12-member group will help craft a new future for elk management and elk hunting in Montana. Members are Ian Wargo, Heath Hansen, Brent Race D.V.M., Stephanie Prater, Scott Tinklenberg, Matt Wickens, Race King,

According to the National Weather Service Glasgow, below normal precipitation over the winter contributed to continued drought conditions going into spring. “This isn’t the news people want to hear,” said NWSG Meteorologist-in-Charge Tanja Fransen, “but I think many have already been concerned for some time.” Fransen also sits on the Montana Drought and Water Supply Committee.

Following the first day of spring and beginning of Ag Week in Montana, the Department of Agriculture is reminding growers to ensure their seeds and plant materials are sourced from licensed dealers and nurseries to preserve the health of agriculture in Montana. “From farmers and ranchers to backyard gardeners, the success of Montana Agriculture relies on sourcing quality seeds and plant

(U.S. Average: $3.52/g) March 21, 2013: $3.35/g (U.S. Average: $3.69/g) March 21, 2012: $3.57/g (U.S. Average: $3.87/g) Neighboring areas and their current gas prices: Idaho- $4.33/g, down 1.3 cents per gallon from last week’s $4.34/g. Billings- $3.99/g, down 0.8 cents per gallon from last week’s $3.99/g. Wyoming- $3.99/g, unchanged from last week’s $3.98/g. “GasBuddy, last

New regulation booklets for upland gamebirds are available online at fwp. mt.gov/hunt/regulations. Printed booklets will be available later this month. This year, the booklets include turkey hunting regulations. A turkey is considered an upland gamebird by Montana statute. Also new in the 2022 upland gamebird regulations: Turkey hunting in Region 4 has changed to a general license spring

( Editor’s Note: This is the National Ag Day written essay winner for 2022. He will receive a $1,000 prize and was recognized during the virtual Ag Day event on March 22.) As farmers and ranchers, our job is to work to secure food and resources for the world. It is up to us to help those that are hungry and in need be able to obtain and afford these items. As time ticks on, we are facing different

Returning north, the Canadian geese have been flying in formation over the campus of the Lustre Christian High School — what a beautiful sight with sounds in Montana’s big sky. Brian Young of Creation Instruction Association gave very insightful visual presentations at LCHS’s chapel on Monday to Wednesday, March 21-23. Besides fossilized evidence for Noah’s flood, students learned about

Three new bulletins and one MontGuide factsheet about cover crops are now available from Montana State University Extension. Information presented in the free publications is based on research conducted by MSU scientists and students, as well as studies done by scientists in neighboring states and Canadian provinces. Cover crops are one tool to improve soil health and longterm agricultural