Montana’s archery hunting season for deer and elk begins Sept. 2, and just like in every other form of hunting, being successful while hunting with a bow requires careful planning and preparation. If you plan to hunt during the archery season, here are five tips for being safe, responsible and successful: Practice, practice, practice. Being proficient in archery takes patience and repetition.

Although most hunters respect the land, property and wildlife they are hunting, a minority do not. Yet these few bad actors lead to frustration from private landowners and hunters looking to do things right. This year remember: It’s up to us. Respect access. Protect the hunt. Every hunting season, there are reports of vandalizing of Block Management Area (BMA) boxes, hunters driving off

The National Sheriffs’ Association — a group representing thousands of sheriffs, deputies, and other law enforcement professionals — recently announced their formal support for U.S. Sen. Jon Tester’s bipartisan Assisting Narcotics and Trafficking Officers in Interdicting Drugs Act, legislation that will support law enforcement efforts to combat the drug epidemic and boost border security.

State and local health officials are urging Montanans to protect themselves from mosquito bites as the state health department identifies more cases of West Nile Virus in several counties. Seven residents in Mc-Cone, Richland, Dawson, Rosebud and Yellowstone counties have tested positive for the virus this year, according to surveillance data from the Department of Public Health and Human Services