Few things are more core to the American experience than time in the great outdoors. Hunting, fishing and conservation are all an integral part of what it means to be an American.

New Year’s Joy in Unit 311
A special contribution to MontanaBugle.com by Michael Reeves It was New Year’s Eve, My wife had an early morning flight out of Bozeman, I thought to my self “well might as well throw in my hunting gear and take the long way home though the 311 hunting District and try and score a late season…
Keep reading
Late Season Sorrow in Unit 311
“Look at all the elk,” I pointed out the herd next to highway 84 to my little girl in the back seat. There were about 40 head packed tight into a ball within 100 yards of the road. As we drove up closer a junior bull tried to break ranks and cross the highway, but…
Keep reading
Between Two Bugles
We hunkered down along the trail as the leaves crunched in the distance. Something big was moving, then it bugled again leaving no doubt what it was coming our way. Seconds later, another bugle, this time behind us. Adrenaline poured through our veins. Today was off to a great start. We’d left the truck barely…
Keep reading
Wolf Scientist Doug Smith’s Views on Wolves, Wolf Research and Wolf Management
Much has been made about the number of Yellowstone wolves killed during the 2021-2022 Wolf hunting season. If you’re not into the kill them all or save them all philosophies, Doug Smith is your guy. This interview is older, but extensive with regards to wolf recovery, wolf behavior and Wolf management. Smith is a PHD…
Keep reading
Elk and Wolves by the Numbers
How much of an impact are wolves having on elk herds and are hunters suffering because of them? If you ask a hunter, the answer is of course yes. Every season that doesn’t result in a kill is a victory for the wolves. If you ask a conservationist, they are likely to point their finger…
Keep reading
The Wolf in the Mirror
Jackson, WY 2016 The 3/4 moon danced in and out of the clouds creating shadows that danced over the cold barren landscape. Hungry and weary from a difficult journey, a herd of elk arrived in the Elk reserve ready for an easy meal and relative shelter from the elements. The moon went behind a cloud…
Keep reading