Picture this: the crisp morning air, the rustle of leaves beneath your boots, and the adrenaline running through your veins as you embark on the ultimate hunting quest. With your level of preparation, you’re expecting a successful day out in the fields, which may turn out not to be the case. Even the most experienced big game hunters sometimes confess to moments of unpreparedness and poor hunting performance. Below we share some of the top tips and tricks that will help you succeed in your big game hunting adventures.

Prepare Your Gear

Whether you’re coming from a long hunting break or are cleaning up for the next successive hunting adventure, your gear needs to be in shape before you set out for a hunt. Big game hunting is especially demanding when it comes to picking your gear. You have to select the right rifle, binoculars, boots, and ammunition for a successful hunt.

The terrain, hunting ground and the weather are key factors to consider when choosing your hunting gear. You may have to bring your tent in case it rains or decoys and overalls for wading into a pond. A night prior to your hunting day, ensure your magazines are unloaded of all ammunition and cleaned. You can hang them safely on a wall mounted magazine holder for easy access when you need them.

Scout and Stalk Your Hunting Spots

Scouting and stalking actually happen before and during the hunting sessions. If you’re doing this before your hunt, you’d want to find out about the hunting territories and borderlines, so you know where to set up your tents and what to hunt. You’ll also be learning about hunting factors like wind direction and camouflage so you know how to position yourself during the hunt.

During the hunt, you can scout your target game to learn their behavior, footprints, and scent so you can follow and attack without blowing your cover. Good scouting and stalking skills will ultimately bring in the admired success. However, you’ll need time and consistency before you can master the skills.

Perfect Your Aim

Successful hunting is all about hitting the target. One of the areas you should invest most of your training time is in shooting and target practice. Shooting practices not only get you the skills to aim perfectly but also help you build a bond with your weapon.

You will know how to react when your weapon jams and how to adjust your shooting positions accordingly to find the right angle. All in all, you’ll equally master the patience of tracking your target and the stability of taking an accurate shot.

Check Your Hunting License

A lack of a hunting license would jeopardize your return to hunting on opening day. If yours is expired, ensure you renew it on time or register for a new one if you’re going into new hunting grounds.

The best way to secure your hunting rights is to apply for a lifetime license that accords your lifetime hunting rights on a specific spot every year for the rest of your life. You could also include an ‘additional privilege package’ that allows you to access the stated privileges for the rest of your life.

Your hunting success is as good as your preparation and your agility during the hunt. Getting the best results starts by learning your weak areas and working towards improving them. Remember always to exercise care and caution even after you’ve trained exhaustively.

HELENA – Groups or individuals interested in constructing or improving a community fishing pond have until Feb. 1 to apply for a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Community Pond Program grant. The objective of the Community Pond Program is to enhance public fishing opportunities in or near Montana communities by providing funding that may be used to construct or improve a public fishing pond.

A total of $200,000 in grant funds is available for projects on ponds that offer public fishing opportunities. Past projects include building habitat structures, dock installations, pond dredging, ADA-accessible angling amenities and the purchase of aerators.

Applicants must provide at least 30 percent of the total project cost, which can include contributions such as heavy equipment time, construction materials, labor, engineering services and more. Anyone wishing to sponsor a project may apply.

Since 2003, the Community Pond Program has funded projects that benefit young anglers and their families by providing locations where individuals of all ages can learn angling skills. Additional information on the Community Pond Program, including a grant application form, click here.

Applications, which are accepted each year, must be received on or before Feb. 1. Applicants are required to contact their local FWP fisheries biologist to obtain project support. For more information, contact Michelle McGree, FWP Program Officer, at 406-444-2432 or mmcgree@mt.gov.

BOZEMAN — The City of Bozeman won eight grants in 2023 totaling over $28 million in support of efforts across multiple divisions. The list of grants includes:

• $24 million – Kagy Blvd Reconstruction
• $1.6 million – Creation of Year-round Composting Program
• $900,000 – Adult Drug Court
• $750,000 – Transportation Alternatives Capital
• $265,000 – Transportation Alternatives Preservation
• $250,000 – Safe Streets for All Study
• $20,000 – Historic Preservation
• $19,770 – Child Exploitation/Human Trafficking Investigations

“We’re thrilled to see these grants come through to expand our services. Funding is so often a barrier. Having outside funding come through allows staff to better serve residents without relying solely on local dollars,” explained City Manager Jeff Mihelich.

The grants span the Transportation & Engineering, Municipal Court, Community Development and Police departments.

The Transportation & Engineering department won the bulk of the grants with the $24 million grant secured to reconstruct Kagy Blvd. They also won a grant to expand the composting program to include year-round food waste; a grant to fill in three sections of shared-use paths along Flanders Mill, E Valley Center, and N 19^th Avenue; a grant to extend the life of shared-use paths throughout the city through pavement preservation; and a grant to expand the Streets Are For Everyone (SAFE) Plan.

In Community Development, the City was awarded a grant from the Foundation for Montana History to conduct a National Register Multiple Property Documentation for buildings that were designed by Fred Willson, a prominent architect from 1909-1954 who designed over a hundred buildings around town.

Municipal Court won a $900,000 Department of Justice grant to start a misdemeanor DUI treatment court to serve DUI offenders. The Bozeman Police Department’s grant helps fund equipment, technologies and training related to investigations into human trafficking and child exploitation to ensure the safety of children in the Bozeman area and learn more about how large a problem human trafficking is in the region.

Those interested in learning more about the grants can reach out to the City Manager’s office at 406-582-2306.

On December 30^th 2023, Gallatin County Dispatch received a call for two injured snowmobilers on Buck Ridge.  Both patients were involved in a snowmobile crash and sustained injuries.  Canyon Adventures snowmobile guides were in the area and responded to assist the injured riders.

Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Big Sky Section responded to Buck Ridge and deployed a snowmobile rescue team immediately up the trail.

With the help of Canyon Adventures, both snowmobilers were transported to a waiting Big Sky Fire Ambulance.  Care of both patients was transferred to Big Sky Fire Department personnel.

Sherriff Dan Springer would like to thank all of the individuals who assisted the injured riders, especially the Canyon Adventures guides, whose quick action was vital in guaranteeing the most positive outcome possible.

On 12/29/23 at 3:25 PM Gallatin County 911 received a call from the partner of an injured skier.  The pair was ski touring in Beehive Basin and one of them had hit a rock and injured her ankle.  Despite the ankle being too painful to bear weight, the pair slowly made their way down to the trail as Gallatin County Search & Rescue (GCSSAR) volunteers deployed to assist.

GCSSAR rescuers met the pair on the trail, provided first aid, and packaged the patient for safe transport to the trailhead. At the trailhead, the patient refused ambulance transport as they were able to take their own vehicle to seek follow-on medical care.

Sheriff Dan Springer would like to commend the patient and her partner for having a solid emergency communications plan and being well-equipped to handle an extended stay in the backcountry if circumstances required it.

Changes coming for the 2024 season

HELENA – Floaters hoping for a Smith River permit can apply Jan. 2 through Feb. 14. However, a few changes are coming this year that applicants should be aware of.

Celebrated for its spectacular scenery, remote location and excellent trout fishing, the Smith River is one of Montana’s most sought-after outdoor recreation experiences. Permits are required to float the 59-mile section of river between Camp Baker and Eden Bridge and are issued each year through a lottery. Parties of up to 15 people can float with one permit. A person applying for a Smith River permit must be a minimum of 12 years of age at the time they submit their permit application.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff will remove pit toilets at the float-in campsites along the Smith River during the spring of 2024. All float parties, private and commercial, will be required to pack out their human waste from the Smith River corridor. This requirement is similar to many other river systems in the West and necessary to keep the corridor pristine for visitors now and for decades to come. The rules implementing this pack-out system were passed by the Montana Parks Board in late 2023.

Floaters will need to pack portable toilet systems. To see a list of FWP-approved, portable, hard-sided toilets that will be allowed, click here. Alternative waste disposal systems, including bag systems, such as Clean Waste and RESTOP2, will not be allowed. 

Floaters can clean and sanitize their portable toilet system with a SCAT (Sanitizing Containers with Alternative Technology) machine, which has been installed at the Eden Bridge take-out.

“Removal of the pit toilets will not only help reduce impacts to natural and cultural resources, but also allow more time for the river rangers to focus on other duties, such as public safety and recreation ecology projects like noxious weed control and stabilizing erosion at boat camp landings,” said Colin Maas, FWP Recreation Manager for the Smith River.     

2024 is the first year applicants can buy a bonus point for the Smith River Permit. A bonus point is essentially an extra chance you can purchase for the permit drawing. These points accumulate year after year if you are unsuccessful in the drawing. Residents can purchase a bonus point for $5; nonresidents can purchase a bonus point for $50. The bonus point is applied to your application the year it is purchased. You can apply for a permit through FWP’s online licensing system. For more information on bonus points, click here.

Finally, starting in 2024, the number of permits available for nonresidents may not exceed 10 percent of the available permits. This new law was passed as part of House Bill 846 in the 2023 Legislative Session.

Starting a business in Bozeman, Montana, is an exhilarating venture that presents both opportunities and challenges. Gaining the support of the community is essential for long-term prosperity. It involves more than just opening your doors and waiting for customers to find you. 

This overview will guide you through various strategies to weave your business into the fabric of Bozeman life, setting the stage for a thriving enterprise amidst Big Sky Country’s residents.

7 Ways to Gain Community Support in Bozeman, Montana

Embarking on a business venture in Bozeman? Discover 7 ways to cultivate invaluable community support and ensure the flourishing success of your entrepreneurial dream.

1. Connect with Local Influencers
In Bozeman, forming connections with local influencers can strongly boost your business's visibility. Start by identifying influential people in the community, such as popular bloggers or respected business owners. Forge relationships by inviting them to your store for events.

Remember to keep it authentic. Aim for a genuine partnership where both sides benefit. Show these influencers how your business adds value to Bozeman and its residents. Continuous engagement and collaboration could turn them into brand ambassadors for your venture.

2. Implement an Employee Rewards Program
Creating a positive work environment is vital. By choosing an employee rewards platform, you can tailor incentives to match the enthusiasm and productivity of your team. The right platform motivates your staff and showcases your commitment to employee satisfaction.

This investment in your workforce encourages stellar service, which customers take note of, and it cements your reputation in Bozeman as a supportive and enviable workplace. Thus, a well-thought-out rewards program becomes an integral part of community building.

3. Participate in Local Events
Getting involved in local events is a proactive way to ingrain your business into the heart of the city. Attend farmer's markets, festivals, and other community gatherings with a booth or by providing samples of your offerings. This hands-on approach will surely raise awareness.

Consider hosting or co-hosting an event that aligns with your business values and attracts your target audience. Regular participation in these communal activities demonstrates your commitment to the community and can significantly elevate your local presence. 

4. Support Other Local Businesses
Supporting local businesses is a cornerstone of thriving in Bozeman's tight-knit community. Make it a point to source supplies from local providers, collaborate on cross-promotions, and refer customers to neighboring shops when possible. This creates a supportive network.

Remember that the relationships you build with fellow entrepreneurs can be invaluable. Sharing experiences fosters comradery and leads to innovative ideas or strategies beneficial for all. Plus, local consumers tend to support businesses that demonstrate community solidarity.

5. Choose a Social Cause
Selecting a social cause to support is an effective way to show locals that your business cares about more than just profits. Identify issues close to the community's heart, such as environmental conservation or education, and integrate this into your business ethos. 

Being socially responsible can enhance your brand's image and establish deep-rooted connections with customers. By organizing fundraisers or participating in charity drives, you contribute to positive change and also underscore your commitment to Bozeman's well-being.

6. Optimize Social Media Engagement
In the digital age, social media serves as a powerful tool to connect with every community. Craft content that highlights local landmarks or events and tap into regional hashtags to increase visibility. Interaction is key, so engage with followers through responses and shares.

Developing a consistent posting schedule can keep your audience informed and interested in your business’s developments. Running social media campaigns or contests that encourage user participation boosts engagement and increases the potential for word-of-mouth promotion.

7. Host Workshops or Classes
Hosting workshops or classes is a brilliant strategy. Offer sessions that provide value, such as cooking classes for food-related businesses or tech tutorials for electronic startups. Such initiatives can position your business as a knowledgeable and approachable entity.

By regularly organizing educational events, you not only draw in potential customers but also create an environment for community learning and engagement. This involvement promotes customer loyalty and often leads to word-of-mouth referrals, which are priceless for startups.

In Conclusion… 

Now that you've armed yourself with these strategies, it's time to step out into Bozeman and put them into action. Remember, the success of your business is deeply rooted in community ties. 

By engaging authentically, supporting local initiatives, and being a force for good, you'll build more than a customer base—you'll be an integral part of what makes Bozeman special. So go ahead, get involved, and watch as your business blossoms with the support of the community around you. Your journey towards becoming a beloved local staple starts today!

BIG SKY, Mont. (December 28, 2023) - On the heels of opening the new Lone Peak Tram, Big Sky Resort continues to forge ahead on its 2025 Vision, today announcing the resort’s second eight-place and third state-of-the-art D-line chairlift replacing the existing Six Shooter lift.

The new eight-place lift will effectively double the uphill capacity while reducing ride time by 30%, offering guests swift and comfortable access to Big Sky Resort’s north side terrain from the Madison Base Area. This lift will also set a new record globally as the longest eight-place installation in the world. 

“Replacing Six Shooter has long been an ask of our guests. The lift replacement doubles the uphill capacity at one of our last remaining pinch points, and will enhance what is one of the resort’s coldest lift rides with bubbles and heated seats,” said Troy Nedved, Big Sky Resort’s general manager.

The new lift will be equipped with the comforts many guests are already accustomed to at Big Sky Resort: weatherproof Big Sky Blue bubbles, longer load intervals, ergonomically shaped, extra-wide heated seats, and a height-adjustable loading platform. This lift will also debut two additional guest enhancements: the resort’s first automatic lowering and locking safety bar system, and North America's first installation of the Fatzer Performa-DT rope which will deliver the smoothest and quietest lift ride possible. 

The new lift will follow a nearly identical alignment to the existing Six Shooter six-place lift and will include chair storage in the upper and lower terminals. Construction will begin in summer 2024, with a scheduled opening for the 24/25 winter season. 

“We’re excited to collaborate with Lone Mountain Land Company to accelerate the timing of this important lift replacement,” said Nedved.

“This new eight-place lift will greatly enhance the ski access to the full north side of the mountain from the Madison Base,” said Matt Kidd, president, Lone Mountain Land Company. “This new lift also connects our Moonlight Basin community and guests of One&Only Moonlight Basin, scheduled to open in winter 2025, with a greatly elevated lift experience, on par with the rest of Big Sky Resort’s modern lift system and expansive terrain.”

“Big Sky Resort is at the forefront of transforming the North American ski experience by adding the most advanced and comfortable lift system to our mountain. This lift replacement, our seventh in as many years, supports our long-standing reputation for having some of the shortest lift lines in the Rockies,” said Nedved.

MAIN STREET WILL BE CLOSED on Tuesday, January 2nd beginning at 7:30am until 1:00pm

for the take down of the intersection holiday decorations. Please have all cars off Main Street per signage and follow detours.