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.

Most sheds don’t fail overnight, as they often give warnings long before anything collapses or becomes unusable. The problem is that those warnings are easy to ignore because sheds sit quietly in the background of a yard without much attention. 

By the time damage feels obvious, repair costs are usually higher and options more limited. Hence, understanding the early structural signals can help you act while repairs are still achievable.

1. A Shed That No Longer Sits Level

One of the clearest signs of structural trouble is a shed that looks slightly tilted or uneven. At first, it may feel minor or something you only notice when the door doesn’t swing quite right. 

However, with time, those uneven settling usually point to foundation movement, soil erosion, or rot beneath the floor framing. When the base shifts, the entire structure absorbs stress in ways it was never designed to handle, which accelerates wear throughout the shed.

2. Doors That Drag, or Refuse to Close

Shed doors tell you a lot about structural health because when doors begin to scrape the floor, bind in the frame, or refuse to latch properly, the issue is rarely the door itself. 

More often, it signals frame distortion caused by moisture damage, shifting foundations, or weakened wall supports. Doors are mounted to structural framing, so when that framing moves, the door becomes the signal rather than the problem.

3. Visible Sagging in the Roofline

A roof that dips in the middle or bows along one edge is never just an aesthetic concern. Sagging often indicates weakened rafters, water-damaged sheathing, or excessive weight from snow accumulation that the structure wasn’t designed to support. 

Roof issues tend to worsen quickly because once water finds a path in, it compromises everything beneath it, including walls, flooring, and stored items.

4. Soft or Spongy Flooring Underfoot

When the shed floor feels soft, springy, or uneven underfoot, this is a clear indicator that the rot is already advanced. Likewise,  moisture intrusion from the ground, poor ventilation, or roof leaks can slowly degrade floor joists and decking. 

This type of damage is dangerous not because it looks dramatic, but because it often goes unnoticed until structural integrity is compromised, which can fail suddenly, especially under heavy storage loads.

5. Cracks or Separation at Wall Joints

Small gaps where walls meet each other or where walls connect to the floor or roof deserve close attention. These separations indicate structural movement, not normal aging. 

As framing shifts, fasteners loosen and joints open up, allowing moisture, pests, and air to enter. Once joints separate, damage accelerates because the shed loses its ability to distribute weight evenly across the structure.

6. Rotting Wood at the Base of the Walls

The bottom edges of shed walls get the most damage from moisture, splashback, and ground contact. Therefore, when wood at the base becomes dark, crumbly, or soft, it signals prolonged exposure to moisture. 

Rot at this level is serious because it affects load-bearing components, and if left unaddressed, it can compromise wall stability, which will eventually affect the roof and doors.

7. Leaning or Bowing Walls

Walls should stand straight and firm, but when a shed wall starts leaning outward or bowing inward, it suggests that internal framing is failing or that external pressure, such as soil movement or heavy wind exposure, is overwhelming the structure. 

Wall movement rarely corrects itself and usually worsens as fasteners loosen, and framing weakens under repeated stress; hence, hiring a company like Shed Repair should be treated as a priority.

8. Persistent Moisture or Mold Smells

A musty smell inside the shed isn’t just about air quality; rather, it’s a structural red flag that should be carefully monitored because this persistent moisture creates ideal conditions for wood rot, mold growth, and metal corrosion. 

Even if surfaces look intact, prolonged dampness often hides damage inside walls or beneath floors. Structural materials degrade quietly when moisture is trapped, making early intervention critical.

9. Roof Shingles or Panels That Shift

When roofing materials lift, curl, or shift out of alignment, it often reflects deeper structural movement. This could be caused by frame distortion, weakened roof decking, or fasteners pulling loose due to moisture damage. 

Roofing problems expose the shed to further water intrusion, potentially turning a localized issue into a full-structure repair if ignored.

10. Increasing Pest Activity Inside the Shed

Rodents and insects are attracted to structural weaknesses, which is why small gaps, softened wood, and moisture-damaged areas make ideal entry points and nesting sites. When pest activity increases, it often means the structure has become easier to penetrate, signaling hidden damage that should not be ignored.

Endnote

Sheds may be secondary structures, but they still rely on sound construction to remain safe and functional. Structural warning signs are not inconveniences; they are early alerts asking for attention. Hence, recognizing them early allows repairs to be targeted, affordable, and effective, ensuring your shed continues to serve its purpose without becoming a liability.

When people think about home security before a holiday, the front door usually gets the most attention, yet the garage often becomes the weakest link once the house is empty. This is especially true in regions where many homes rely on attached garages as both storage and primary entry points. 

During holidays, neighbourhoods quiet down, routines disappear, and irregularities go unnoticed longer, giving problems time to escalate. In small towns where residential areas blend older homes with newer developments, these gaps in routine can be particularly noticeable.

This article will help you understand that the garage is not just a storage space but a structural and security gateway, which is why protecting it while you’re away should be a priority.

1. Confirm the Physical Condition of the Garage Door

Before leaving town, the most practical thing you can do is make sure the garage door itself is in good working condition. For instance, some homes in Pennsylvania often experience a mix of freezing winters and humid summers, both of which accelerate wear on mechanical components.

Over time, worn springs, misaligned tracks, or ageing rollers can allow small gaps that compromise security, which is why scheduling a garage door repair in Carlisle, PA help reduce the chance of the door failing while you’re gone.

2. Check the Locking Mechanisms

Many homeowners rely entirely on automatic openers and forget that physical locks still play an important role. This becomes more relevant in areas where power outages from storms or winter weather are very common. 

When you are away for several days, layering security becomes more important than convenience. A locked garage door sends a clear signal that the space is intentionally secured, rather than casually closed as part of a daily routine.

3. Install Smart Garage Technology

Smart garage systems have become popular not because they eliminate risk, but because they reduce uncertainty. 

Also, being able to check the status of your garage door from your phone offers peace of mind when you’re miles away and can’t remember whether you closed it properly. 

Alerts that notify you if the door opens unexpectedly or remains open too long allow you to respond quickly, either by closing it remotely or contacting someone nearby. This kind of visibility is especially valuable during holidays, when distractions are common and routines are disrupted.

4. Install Lighting

A dark garage exterior or driveway can unintentionally tell people that no one is home. In areas with longer winter nights, this effect is even more concerning.

Lighting does not stop determined intruders, but it discourages casual attempts by removing cover and drawing attention. Consistent lighting patterns, especially when paired with other security measures, make your garage a less appealing target during extended absences.

5. Double-check Interior Access Points

Many garages connect directly to the home through an interior door, which means garage security is also home security. Therefore, leaving it unlocked or poorly secured creates a shortcut into the house if the garage is compromised. 

Before planning your travels, double-check this access point and make sure it reflects the same level of security as your front and back doors.

6. Organize Valuable Items

Garages often contain items that are easy to resell or misuse, such as power tools, bicycles, or spare fuel. Leaving these items visible or easily accessible increases the potential payoff for a break-in.

However, organizing and securing valuable items before you leave reduces temptation and limits losses if someone does gain entry. Even small changes, like moving items out of sight or into locked cabinets, can make a difference.

7. Consider Weather and Seasonal Factors

Holiday travel often coincides with seasonal weather changes that affect garage doors more than homeowners expect, especially locations where ice buildup and fluctuating temperatures are common around major travel periods.

Cold temperatures can cause metal components to contract, lubricants to thicken, and sensors to behave inconsistently. Likewise, snow, ice, or debris can obstruct tracks or prevent proper sealing. 

Hence, it is very important to prepare your garage for these conditions before leaving to help prevent mechanical issues that could leave the door partially open or damaged while you’re away.

8. Ensure Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance is easy to postpone when everything seems to be working, but leaving without cleaning is exactly when small problems turn into larger ones. Regional service costs also tend to be lower when issues are handled early rather than as emergency calls.

This is why a brief inspection, lubrication of moving parts, and testing of safety features by garage door professionals can reveal issues that are manageable now but risky later. 

Maintenance is less about perfection and more about reliability, ensuring that the system performs consistently without daily supervision.

9. Inform Trusted Neighbours or Contacts

Technology can monitor your garage, but human presence still matters. This is why letting a trusted neighbour know you’ll be away creates an additional layer of awareness. 

They may notice unusual activity, unexpected door movement, or physical damage that sensors miss. Even occasional visual checks can deter tampering, as repeated human presence suggests the property is still being watched.

Endnote

Protecting your garage while you’re on holiday is about reducing uncertainty. For locations where weather, home design, and seasonal travel patterns all intersect, preparation makes a measurable difference. That way, you can enjoy your holidays and not worry about what might be happening back home.