HELENA – New Year’s Day for many outdoor recreationists in Montana is March 1. This is the day everyone can buy their 2026 hunting and fishing licenses and apply for special draw licenses and permits. It’s also the day when recreationists need to renew their conservation license to support the state lands they use.

This year, hunters and anglers will see quite a few changes that are worth paying close attention to. These changes come from legislation passed by the 2025 Montana Legislature and new regulations adopted by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Licenses for the 2026 license year can be purchased starting Sunday, March 1. If you plan on being in the field on that day, you can buy your license online here.

Hunters and anglers buying their license in person at a local business will see some changes as FWP is transitioning to a License Ambassador program. This change will move all licensing sales to Montana’s online licensing system. This allows FWP to add additional businesses that would like to sell licenses and move away from the old point-of-sale systems that were unreplaceable and outdated.

As always, you can buy and apply for licenses online and at your local FWP office as well. Note that some businesses who used to sell licenses may not anymore. To find a License Ambassador, see the map here.

Deer

Some of the biggest changes hunters will notice are with deer regulations. In December, the Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted several hunting district-specific changes to deer licenses and permits. The commission also made some regulation changes aimed at protecting mule deer numbers and managing hunting pressure. These include:

• Many Mule Deer B Licenses will be valid only on private land. Check your specific hunting district.
• Residents can only hold up to three deer licenses, including their General Deer License. This isdown from up to eight in past years.

Nonresidents continue to be limited to one Deer B License, unless they draw a combo license and then they can hold two.

Like always, make sure to read the regulations prior to buying or applying for any licenses or permits. The regulations for your hunting district may have changed.

Elk

Regulations changes approved by the commission include:

• The quota of the 799-20 Elk License is 325. A second antlerless Elk B License will be available to any holder of an Elk Permit in hunting districts 702, 704, or 705, subject to the same restrictions in time, open areas, and limitations associated with the permit.
• All Region 1 Elk B Licenses will only be valid on private land.

Black bear

The commission also established Black Bear Permits in two bear management units in FWP Region 5, south-central Montana. The deadline to apply for these permits is April 1. Hunters can also accrue bonus points for black bears.

Antelope

• The quota of 900-20 Licenses (archery antelope) is 5,600. Region 3 is no longer in this bundle and was placed in its own pool with 500 licenses.
• The Region 3 Antelope Archery Licenses are 399-20.

Bighorn sheep

Montana has five unlimited bighorn sheep hunting districts. This year those licenses will only be issued through a drawing.

• Hunters applying for any unlimited opportunity will no longer participate in the bonus point program. This keeps hunters from spending their bonus points on an unlimited draw.

Shed hunters

The 2025 Montana Legislature passed a law that implements a Nonresident Shed Hunting License for Montana’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). Additionally, this new law prohibits nonresidents from picking up antlers on WMAs for the first seven days they are open to the public in the spring. Most WMAs open to the public at 12 p.m. on May 15. However, some have different openings dates. Nonresident shed hunters must review the regulations for the WMA they are looking to visit. There are no changes for resident shed hunters.

A Shed Hunting License for nonresidents costs $50.

License and application fees

The 2025 Montana Legislature passed laws adjusting several license fees. The new fees are as follows:

• Nonresident Base Hunting License fee increased from $15 to $50
• Fee for resident and nonresident Crane and Swan License - $10 and $75 respectively.
  • Application fees $10 resident, $50 nonresident
• Resident Migratory Bird License increased from $5.50 to $10
• Increased Resident Upland Bird and Sportsman’s Combo License fees:
  • Upland bird from $7.50 to $10
  • Sportsman without Bear from $62 to $64.50
  • Sportsman with Bear from $77 to $79.50
• Increased Nonresident Upland Bird (season and three-day) and resets combination license fees:
  • Upland Bird (season) from $110 to $127
  • Upland Bird (three-day) from $50 to $60
  • Big Game Combo to $1,312
  • Elk Combo to $1,112
  • Deer Combo to $760

Upland Birds

The 2025 Montana Legislature passed a law that limits nonresident upland game bird hunting seasons. In 2026, nonresidents hunting on public lands and privately owned lands that are a part of a hunting access program begin hunting 10 days later than residents for all species except mountain grouse.

Bozeman is a rare U.S. small city where “local” projects can have national consequences. Work that starts in Gallatin Valley often addresses problems that repeat across the country: wildfire smoke and public health, water variability, resilient agriculture, safer public-lands operations, rural infrastructure, and field-tested engineering in tough environments. That makes Bozeman an unusually practical place to build a strong EB-2 NIW petition—because NIW is won by impact and adoption, not by your zip code.

In this guide, I won't be explaining immigration basics that you can find anywhere. Instead, I’ll demonstrate how to create a profile based in Bozeman (Montana State University research, applied engineering, climate/outdoor technology, rural health, land management operations or infrastructure analytics) that can be quickly audited by an adjudicator to determine its 'national importance'.

Start with the right unit of analysis. The Endeavour, Not Your Job Title

A strong NIW case does not start with statements such as “I’m a talented engineer” or “I have a PhD”. They start with a specific endeavour that can be tested. A Bozeman-ready endeavour statement should answer the following questions: What will you build or advance, who will use it, and how will success be measured?

Examples of endeavours that are 'Bozeman-specific' yet scalable on a national level:

The point is not to sound impressive. The point is to sound testable. 'National importance' becomes believable when your endeavour can be measured and replicated.

Consider three proofs, not one narrative.

The NIW is easiest to win when it is treated as three linked proofs, each with its own evidence stack.

Blurring these together results in a long biography. Separating them, however, creates a packet that reads like a brief: claim → evidence → conclusion.

A Bozeman Evidence Map: How 'Regional Deployments' Become 'National Importance'

A common mistake is to argue: 'I help Montana, so I help the US.' This is too simplistic. Instead, establish a connection between the Bozeman pilots and the national replication.

Here's a simple mapping approach:

Notice what’s missing: generic adjectives like “innovative” or “cutting-edge.” Replace them with adoption evidence and metrics.

Prong 1: Make “National Importance” Measurable (And Not Just a Slogan)

A simple way to write this section is a one-page problem statement using four lines:

For Bozeman projects, a strong 'national' argument is often based on replicability under constraints. If your work can produce measurable improvements in rugged, low-resource conditions, it can be transferred to many regions in the US.

What can help here?

Prong 2: 'Well-positioned' means having traction and a credible next-step plan.

Adjudicators are not only judging your past, but also whether your next steps are credible. The term 'well positioned' carries the most weight when you can demonstrate both traction and a plan that is already in motion.

A practical evidence bundle.

For founders, the most persuasive additions are anonymized adoption metrics, retention/usage signals, letters from implementation partners, and “evidence of integration” (how your tool fits existing workflows). For researchers, the best additions are evidence of real-world use outside your own group and reproducibility packages that others can run.

Prong 3: Win the “Balance” Test with a Practical, Time-Sensitive Argument

This prong is often underwritten, and it’s where a Bozeman case can shine—because many Western problems are time-sensitive and operational.

A clean way to write this section is to compare two timelines:

Back this with real documents: partner schedules, grant timelines, planned rollouts, or seasonality constraints. The point is not drama; it’s practicality.

NIW vs EB-1A vs EB-3: Which Route Fits Bozeman-Type Profiles

If you’re choosing among employment-based paths, choose based on your evidence shape:

Many Bozeman researchers and applied founders find NIW compelling because it rewards demonstrable impact and adoption, particularly when their work relates to public goods such as safety, resilience, health and infrastructure.

Letters that actually matter, especially outside of big coastal ecosystems.

In smaller markets, recommendation letters are not just a formality — they can provide the strongest independent proof. However, they must read like assessments, not compliments.

High-value letters:

Try to choose a variety of letter writers.

Strong letters focus on your character and efforts. Strong letters focus on adoption, outcomes and transferability.

Two Bozeman-Ready Case Blueprints You Can Adapt

Blueprint A: Smoke Analytics (Researcher or Founder)

Blueprint B: Water Efficiency Tools (MSU-Linked or Industry)

Three Common Bozeman Mistakes (And the Fix)

If your packet makes impact easy to verify, Bozeman becomes a strength: it’s the proving ground that demonstrates your work functions in real conditions.

Big Sky, Montana – Taylor Middleton, former President and Chief Operating Officer of Big Sky Resort and a leader in the Big Sky community and Montana state tourism for over three decades, died at home in Big Sky on Friday, February 20. He was 68 years old.

“Taylor Middleton was one of the most impactful leaders in the history of the American ski industry,” said Stephen Kircher, CEO and President of Boyne Resorts, who announced his death. "In 1998, he embraced the goal of making Big Sky the number one resort in North America when many people thought it was impossible. He never wavered. Over 26 years, we watched him will that vision into reality.”

Middleton began his career at the front desk of the Huntley Lodge before moving into sales and marketing, where he dramatically grew visitation nationwide over the course of a decade. He ascended to the role of General Manager in 1998. During his 45 years with Boyne, he oversaw the construction of more than 20 lifts, two trams, and two hotels; he also hosted both Presidential and Vice-Presidential visits.

A steady steward through periods of both economic uncertainty and unparalleled growth, he “ran the business like he owned it—with an eye on the long-term,” said Kircher. “Our family always trusted his judgment; he hand-signed every check for years.” Under his leadership, Big Sky transformed from a regional destination into North America’s top-ranked ski resort—a distinction that Taylor was instrumental in achieving.

He led the resort through the 2008 financial crisis, during which Big Sky uniquely avoided closure or ownership changes, and oversaw the integration of Moonlight Basin—a terrain acquisition that officially cemented Big Sky as the “Biggest Skiing in America.”

His successor, current President and COO Troy Nedved, added: “Big Sky would not be what it is without Taylor Middleton. His fingerprints are on everything good about this place—and they always will be.”

As the leader, Middleton mentored generations of team members within and beyond the organization, across the region. “My career was shaped by the goals he set for me,” said Nick Herrin, who started as a ski instructor and now oversees snowsports across Boyne’s 13 resorts nationwide. Taylor was not one for empty words – he led by example. “He was someone I deeply looked up to,” said Cameron Sholly, current superintendent of Yellowstone National Park. “His poise, integrity, and authentic care for people are qualities I have long tried to emulate.”

In Southwest Montana, Middleton played a key role in the development of Big Sky’s first hospital and bank, the Resort Tax District, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Transportation District, serving on these boards and many others over the years.

“He believed deeply that Big Sky could not truly thrive without access to healthcare, and his tireless advocacy helped make the Big Sky Medical Center a reality,” said Kathryn Bertany, Bozeman Health CEO. Middleton’s deep care for the people of Big Sky drove each of his community initiatives. "He fought tirelessly for things that had nothing to do with skiing: a hospital so our neighbors wouldn't have to drive hours in an emergency, a high school so our kids could grow up and stay rooted here. He always put people first," said Nedved.

He was also a dedicated competitor and supporter of the now iconic Big Sky races The Rut and The Biggie, competing in both annually through 2025. “When someone like Taylor crosses the finish line, it’s for the whole community,” said Biggie founder Natalie Osborne. "Everyone in town told me I'd never be able to put together a bike race like I was envisioning… but I never heard that from him."

The mountains were much more than a career for Middleton. He had a deep love for the outdoors—on skis, on a bike, and on foot. “Some of my best adventures were with Taylor,” said Christine Baker, Vice President of Mountain Sports at Big Sky. “It was never about keeping up or proving yourself. He had a rare way of making people feel at ease and making it about the experience, the people you were with, and truly enjoying this place.”

He will be remembered for his big smile, his generous heart, and most of all for the joy and gratitude that defined his life. Herrin said it best: “I will always love the way he helped me understand life, and how to live it joyfully—by pouring everything you have into something you love, and more importantly, with the people you love alongside you."

BOZEMAN – Corvallis Middle School and Hamilton High School will head to nationals after winning the state Science Olympiad tournament held Thursday, Feb. 19, at Montana State University. Both schools are repeat champions and attended nationals last year.

1. Corvallis Middle School. 
2. Hamilton Middle School. 
3. Helena Middle School.

1. Headwaters Academy, Bozeman. 
2. Helena Area Christian Home Educators (HACHE).
3. Choteau Junior High. 

1. Hamilton High School. 
2. Big Sky High School (Missoula).
3. Corvallis High School. 

1. Choteau High School. 
2. Ennis High School.
3. Roundup High School.  

photo courtesy of Mumford & Sons

Mumford & Sons’ anticipated new album, Prizefighter, is out today via Glassnote Records/Gentlemen of the Road. Stream/purchase HERE.

Mumford & Sons Return to Montana @ Bobcat Stadium June 4, 2026!

Long celebrated for their electric live performances, touring has defined Mumford & Sons from the beginning, in shaping their sound, building their global fanbase and fostering their collaborative spirit. Continuing that tradition, the group will kick off their massive North American headline Prizefighter Tour in June, including newly confirmed stops at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, Chicago’s Wrigley Field, Boston’s Fenway Park and Boulder’s Folsom Field among many others. Special guests throughout the tour include CAAMP, Lord Huron, Sierra Ferrell, Marcus King Band, Dylan Gossett and Medium Build. See below for complete tour itinerary.

Tickets for the North American tour will be available for pre-sale for AGORA members starting Tuesday, February 24 at 10:00am local time with general on-sale following on Friday, February 27 at 10:00am local time. Full details can be found at www.mumfordandsons.com.

Mumford & Sons will have a limited number of student-priced tickets available for select shows*, expanding access for student fans. These will only be available to purchase in person at the box office on Friday, February 27 while supplies last.

The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, access to the pre-show Prizefighter club, exclusive VIP merchandise & more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

Co-produced and co-written with The National’s Aaron Dessner, Prizefighter features collaborations with Hozier, Gracie Abrams, Chris Stapleton and Gigi Perez and finds Mumford & Sons at their most instinctive and open, capturing the sense of community and connection that has influenced them from the start.

Already receiving widespread attention, the band was recently featured on NPR’s Morning Edition, The Zane Lowe Show, Bert Kreischer’s The Bertcast, And The Writer Is… and Brittany Broski’s Royal Court, while NPR Music praises the album saying, “it’s pretty wonderful…this music is very evolved and intricate and exquisitely produced and performed. They are incredible musicians.”

The official music video for album track, “The Banjo Song,” is also out now, directed and produced by the Bristol based events collective, Streets of Soul, who cast the dancers solely from clubbers they met at their Bristol Northern Soul Club nights. Watch/share HERE.

Less than a year from the arrival of RUSHMERE, the band’s long anticipated #1 album in March 2025, Mumford & Sons take full advantage of a prolific period of songwriting with another full-length record in quick succession. For a band whose unique sound has helped to both influence and inspire countless artists all around the globe, Prizefighter is Mumford & Sons’ finest example of precisely how and why they lead by example.

The album sessions were as much about rediscovery as recording. Days spent writing in Hudson cafés and nights spent around Long Pond’s kitchen table gave rise to songs that feel unpolished in the best sense—alive with first takes and the joy of simply making music together again. Reenergized, rejuvenated and in the form of their lives, Prizefighter embraces and reflects that full-strength energy and enthusiasm with 14 songs of light, shade and everything in-between.

PRIZEFIGHTER TRACK LIST

1. Here (with Chris Stapleton)

2. Rubber Band Man (with Hozier)

3. The Banjo Song

4. Run Together

5. Conversation With My Son

6. Alleycat

7. Prizefighter

8. Begin Again

9. Icarus (with Gigi Perez)

10. Stay

11. Badlands (with Gracie Abrams)

12. Shadow Of A Man

13. I’ll Tell

Mumford & Sons confirmed tour date in Bozeman, MT is June 4 at Bobcat Stadium
 on-sale next Friday, February 27 at 10:00am local time via OutridersPresent.com.