With snow falling in many of Montana’s valleys and winter sports enthusiasts looking to get outside, the state’s Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has some ice fishing pointers and safety tips. Many of the state’s fishing spots are open in the winter, though specific regulations on what can be taken when, what bait can be used and which places have seasonal closures is always something

Area basketball teams will begin their seasons this weekend. Culbertson will play at the Miles City Tip-Off tournament on Friday, Dec. 5, and Saturday, Dec. 6. Culbertson will meet Broadus and Friday and Harlowton/ Ryegate/Judith Gap on Saturday. Bainville will play in the Class C Showcase in Glasgow during the weekend. The Bulldogs will face Nashua on Friday. Bainville’s girls will face CJI

Gov. Greg Gianforte is holding the fourth annual Governor’s Youth Hunting Story Contest and accepting submissions from Montana youth and apprentice hunters ages 10 to 17. “For the past three years, young hunters across Montana have shared incredible stories that celebrate our hunting heritage and love of the outdoors,” Gianforte said. “As this year’s contest opens, I encourage all youth

Several Eastern C volleyball players earned Class C All-State selection this season. Selection from District 3C were Scobey’s senior Camrie Holum, North Country’s senior BaiLee McColly, Circle’s junior Charlie Moline, Circle’s senior Madeline Moline, Circle’s freshman Kate Nasner and North Country’s senior Kennedy Simonson. Circle repeated as state champions this year. Named

Two Bainville volleyball players earned All-State honors for their performances this season. Voted All-State were seniors Hailey Berwick and Lila Butikofer. Also selected All-State from District 2-C was Richey/Lambert junior Jolee Klempel. Others voted to the All-Conference first team were Savage’s senior KD Lyons, Savage’s junior Mylee Reuter, Savage’s senior Miley Pilgeram and Richey/

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Fort Peck fisheries and hatchery staff wrapped up the annual Chinook salmon egg-taking efforts this past week. A total of 895,131 Chinook eggs were collected, which filled all available egg incubation jars and space at the Fort Peck Multispecies Fish Hatchery. The average size of Chinook salmon females collected was an impressive 15.1 pounds. In comparison,

Every fall, birds are released across state lands, carefully chosen for their rich habitat, inviting both seasoned hunters and eager newcomers alike to step into the great outdoors. This initiative serves a dual purpose: to ignite a passion for hunting in those newly venturing into the field and to foster a sense of stewardship for the stunning landscapes that define our state. In Montana, the

The Circle Wildcats repeated as the Class C state volleyball champions. The Wildcats, which finished the season undefeated, downed Denton/Geyser/ Stanford/Geraldine by a 2520, 25-20, 23-25, 25-16 final. Circle opened the tournament with a 3-2 victory over Denton/Geyser/Stanford/ Geraldine. The Wildcats won the last set by a 15-10 final. Circle then downed Chester/ Joplin/Inverness