• Bobcats on Broadway, Saturday, Jan. 3: Kick off the weekend celebration with fellow Bobcats at Assembly Hall beginning at 5 p.m. Central Time. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance through the MSUAF. 
• Bobcat Bash in Nash, Sunday, Jan. 4: Rally the night before the big game with live entertainment from the Spirit of the West band and MSU Spirit Squad. Face painting, photo booths, Bobcat gear, inflatables and a cowboy hat bar will be available, as well as food and beverages for purchase. Advance registration is required and costs $55 for attendees ages 13 and over. Children ages 12 and under are free.
• Bobcat Tailgate, Monday, Jan. 5: Free and open to all. Mingle with other Bobcat fans before kickoff at FirstBank Stadium. Fans must bring their own food and beverages, and information about tailgate time and location will be available soon.

HELENA – Celebrate the first day of America’s semiquincentennial with a a First Day Hike at a state park near you. On Jan. 1, Montana State Parks will host First Day Hikes across the state. These fun and informative hikes are open to all ages and are family friendly. Montana’s parks offer a variety of winter-friendly opportunities, from hiking, snowshoeing and wildlife tracking to photography, picnicking, and more. 

BOZEMAN – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has extended the general hunting season for white-tailed deer in an area of southwestern Montana, effective immediately, in response to a recent increase in chronic wasting disease detections in the greater Bozeman area.

FWP biologists documented a notable increase in CWD cases this year, with nine detections during the most recent hunting season, compared with zero to two cases annually from 2020 to 2024. Fourteen total cases have now been confirmed in the area. White-tailed deer populations remain robust, with localized urban densities exceeding 60 deer per square mile in some locations.

The primary purpose of the hunting season extension is to reduce white-tailed deer densities in the area to slow the spread and impact of CWD. Hunters also play a key role in helping wildlife managers gather data on CWD prevalence by submitting test samples from harvested animals.

“Reducing deer numbers in key areas is one of the most effective tools we have to slow the spread of CWD,” said Region 3 wildlife manager Warren Hansen. “Early action improves our ability to keep disease prevalence low, protect mule deer and elk from potential spillover, and maintain a healthier deer herd overall.”

FWP staff in the region will continue to monitor CWD prevalence through testing, as well as white-tailed deer abundance through hunter harvest surveys, urban deer counts, and trends in vehicle collisions and game damage complaints.  

Season structure

The extended season runs through Feb. 15, 2026, in all of Hunting District 309 and portions of HDs 301, 304, 311 and 312, primarily along the Gallatin River corridor where white-tailed deer are most concentrated. For details on hunt area boundaries, click the link below to download a map and legal description of the hunt area.

During this extension, hunters may harvest either-sex white-tailed deer using a General Deer License and antlerless deer with applicable Region 3 antlerless Deer B licenses. The 003-00 and 398-00 Antlerless White-tailed Deer B licenses, which are valid for the extended hunt, are currently available for purchase.

Hunters are reminded that HD 309 is a weapons restriction area, and all applicable weapons restrictions remain in effect during the extended season. Other rules applicable during the general season still apply during this season extension.

Public land opportunities in the hunt area are limited, and there are no Block Management areas enrolled at this time. Hunters are required to obtain landowner permission before hunting.

Hunters participating in the extended season are strongly encouraged to submit samples for CWD testing to help FWP better estimate disease prevalence. Hunters can find resources on how to collect and submit samples here. Hunters who collect the samples themselves can bring them to FWP’s Bozeman office, 1400 S. 19^th Ave., during normal business hours from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Beginning Jan. 3, FWP technicians will also be available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon at the Bozeman FWP office to assist hunters with sampling. At that time, hunters can bring the unfrozen head from their harvested white-tailed deer with a few inches of neck attached for assistance.

For more information about CWD in Montana, click here.

BOZEMAN, Montana (Dec. 23, 2025) – With holiday celebrations underway, law enforcement agencies across Montana are increasing patrols to help keep travelers safe. 

Every impaired-driving crash impacts real people, including neighbors, families, and friends. The most recent verified crash data from 2023 shows that 34% of fatal crashes involved an alcohol-impaired driver. Preventing these crashes and fatalities starts with personal responsibility. 

“Please plan ahead, and don’t drive if you’re impaired,” said Hal Richardson with the Bozeman Police Department. “We will be increasing our presence on Bozeman’s roadways to help keep everyone safe.” 

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is supporting local law enforcement agencies through overtime funding provided statewide. Increased patrols will continue through New Year’s Day.

BOZEMAN – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff confirmed a grizzly bear sighting in the Bangtail Range east of Bozeman this month.

FWP grizzly bear specialists confirmed the sighting after a trail camera captured images of a single subadult grizzly bear on National Forest land. This is the first time a grizzly bear has been formally documented in the Bangtails since grizzly bear recovery efforts began.

The sighting is not far from areas with previously documented grizzly bear presence, including a grizzly bear of similar size that was seen traveling along the Yellowstone River in Livingston this fall, as well as one observed in the Shields Valley in 2023.

These cases serve as a reminder that Montana is bear country. Grizzly bear populations continue to become denser and more widespread in Montana, increasing the likelihood that residents and recreationists will encounter them in more places each year. People should be prepared to encounter grizzly bears anywhere in the western two-thirds of the state.

Avoiding conflicts with bears is far better than dealing with such conflicts. Here are some recommended ways to avoid conflicts with bears:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
• Travel in groups whenever possible and make noise, which can help alert bears to your presence.
• Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.
• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.
• If you encounter a bear, never approach it. Leave the area when it is safe to do so.
• Keep garbage, bird feeders, pet food and other attractants put away in a secure building. Keep garbage in a secure building until the day it is collected. Certified bear-resistant garbage containers are available in many areas.
• Never feed wildlife. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose threats to human safety. It is illegal to feed bears in Montana.

THREE FORKS – Game wardens with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks are seeking information on a pictograph panel that was vandalized at Missouri Headwaters State Park.

The graffiti was discovered this month at a popular destination for park visitors that contains a visible pictograph consisting of a human figure in solid red.

An initial assessment of the vandalism indicates a person likely used a paintbrush to paint over a portion of the existing pictograph and made about 10 markings in other areas of the limestone panel. This may have also damaged other pictographs at the site that are not readily visible.

This culturally sensitive site and the surrounding area have ties to many different groups of indigenous peoples dating back thousands of years. The area includes the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers to form the Missouri River, and it hosted a camp for the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805.

Removing graffiti without damaging existing cultural resources can be extremely difficult and expensive.

“We’re asking for the public’s help in protecting this site and the other invaluable resources at our state parks,” said Linnaea Schroeer, FWP’s parks and outdoor recreation program manager in Region 3. “Keeping these places in good shape for future generations depends on everyone.”

Anyone with possible information about this incident is encouraged to visit tipmont.mt.gov to provide details or to contact a game warden. You may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.  

BIG SKY — Big Sky Resort today celebrated the grand opening of the Explorer Gondola and Kircliff, marking the completion of Big Sky 2025 and cementing the resort’s position as home to North America's most technologically advanced lift network. 

HELENA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently concluded its general season sampling effort for chronic wasting disease (CWD), marking one of the most productive monitoring periods to date. This achievement was made possible through the direct participation of hunters across the state.

A message of thanks to our hunting community

FWP wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the thousands of hunters who brought their harvests to check stations or submitted samples this fall. We recognize that your time in the field is valuable, and taking the extra step to participate in sampling is a service to Montana’s wildlife.

“We would like to thank our hunters and local communities for your collaboration with our seasonal CWD staff who handled collecting and receiving their samples throughout the season,” said Sam Treece, FWP’s wildlife CWD technician supervisor. “We are sincerely grateful each and every year for your contributions in aiding the wildlife heritage of Montana.”

Why monitoring matters: Protecting Montana’s herds

Monitoring is a critical tool in preventing the large-scale population impacts that CWD can have on deer, elk and moose. By providing samples, hunters are giving biologists the data needed to track where the disease is moving and how prevalent it is in an area.

Without this data, the risk of CWD going undetected increases, which can lead to significant, long-term declines in herd health and hunting opportunities. Proactive management based on hunter-submitted data is the only way to help ensure Montana’s big game populations remain resilient for future generations.

This year, hunters received CWD test results in an average of 7.6 days.

2025 sampling by the numbers

The commitment of Montana’s hunters led to several record-breaking milestones this season:

• Total Samples: For the 2025 season (July to present), FWP has processed 8,372 samples statewide.
• Record Participation: The fourth week of the season (Nov. 13–19) saw 1,741 samples collected, the highest sampling week ever recorded for that period.
• Positive Detections: To date, 428 samples have returned positive or suspect results across the state. Of those, 247 were white-tailed deer, 178 were mule deer, and three were elk.

Current season summary by species:

• White-tailed Deer: 4,427 samples
• Mule Deer: 3,005 samples
• Elk: 894 samples
• Moose: 46 samples

For a summary of results, visit FWP’s online dashboard.

Looking forward

While the general season has ended, FWP continues to accept samples and process final submissions.

CWD sampling is available at FWP regional offices throughout the remainder of game damage and shoulder season hunts. For faster service, FWP recommends calling the office beforehand. For a list of regional offices, visit fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/contact-us.

Hunters can check for their individual results online. FWP remains committed to transparency and science-based management, and we look forward to continuing our work alongside Montana’s hunters to protect our shared wildlife heritage.

Learn more at fwp.mt.gov/CWD.

Image Source: Pexels
 
American Gold Eagle coins, also known as Gold Eagles, are minted coins that have become sought-after investments and collectibles. Thanks to their U.S. government backing, durability, and value, they’ve become a popular way to make a sound investment. And the benefits don’t end there, either.

Keep reading to learn more about Gold Eagles and why they’re worth adding to your portfolio.

How the American Gold Eagle Started
In 1986, the U.S. Mint started producing Gold Eagle coins in greater abundance than in recent decades. These coins were and are meant to be accessible and attractive collectibles and investments. While some details have been modified in the coin’s artwork over the years, it’s largely been consistent. Lady Liberty is the focus of the coin’s front, while an American eagle adorns the backside. The Lady Liberty image is based on the design of a 1907 coin, while the eagle’s presence connects to American themes of strength and pride. The coin’s patriotic essence makes the Gold Eagle an excellent buillon choice for collectors to keep in their homes.

Accessing Different Sizes
Once of the best reasons to invest in American Gold Eagles is the ability to choose a size within your financial means. Buyers can opt for 0.1 ounces or a full one-ounce coin. Other smaller increments below one ounce are available, as well. And when you buy a coin, you’ll be able to see its weight on the coin itself.  

Selecting coins from a premium Gold Eagle collection can offer a range of options. You’ll be able to see weights and dimensions when you browse a collection. Further, you can take note of design details.

Earning the Status of Legal-Tender Coins
Gold Eagles hold the status of being legal-tender coins, lending them a sense of authority and value. As such, they have government backing and a symbolic face value. That number is printed directly on the coin, but the coins are not transacted as normal currency, and coins typically hold more value than the face value printed on them.

Additionally, the 22-karat composition of Gold Eagle coins offers durability and value. Gold Eagle coins also have other metals, such as silver, added to reinforce the structure of the coins. This adds to their appeal as a solid investment that will hold its value over time.

The Value of Gold Eagles
Gold Eagles are a popular investment for a variety of reasons, including their historical significance and visual beauty. Gold Eagles can be handed down from family members as keepsakes with historical importance. Their classic, timeless design makes them a source of pride and awe, as well. Aside from serving as a family heirlooms, Gold Eagles can be great gifts. Giving one to a newly wedded couple or on a special birthday can be a wonderful way to commemorate the occasion.

From an investment standpoint, Gold Eagles offer the advantage of liquidity. In other words, it’s easy to sell them if needed. Gold always is an excellent investment in times of economic uncertainty. And American Gold Eagles are especially easy to to sell to dealers given their government backing and wide appeal.

Staying Away from Fakes
Unfortunately, fake Gold Eagles are in circulation. Buyers can avoid investing in a fake by following a few simple guidelines. For starters, it’s wise to buy only from reputable dealers with an established reputation. Buyers should inspect coins for design clarity and any visual flaws that might be suspicious. They should ask for certifications, too, to verify the quality and authenticity of the coin they’re considering.

Plan on storing your coin in a protective case if you’re hoping to display it. Otherwise, safes or bank safety deposit boxes offer an extra layer of security. You want to maintain your coin’s appearance by keeping it safe from water and temperature shifts.

Making a Wise Investment
American Gold Eagles are a smart investment for individuals eager to find an attractive and valuable coin with government backing. You’ll be able to count gold among your assets when you buy a Gold Eagle. And the history and beauty of these coins will help them endure as a wise investment choice.