Applications are open for Sweet Pea, a Festival of the Arts annual poster design contest. This year, the winner of the poster design contest will win $1,000.

All ages and levels of expertise are encouraged to enter. The deadline for submissions is May 2, 2025, at 5pm.

For more information and submission details visit www.sweetpeafestival.org or send questions to poster@sweetpeafestival.org.

The Gallatin Solid Waste Management District (GSWMD) announces the implementation of a new safety protocol at Logan Landfill to ensure the well-being of all visitors and staff. 

Effective March 1, all people exiting their vehicles in designated areas where heavy equipment is in operation are required to wear high-visibility (hi-vis) clothing. A minimum of 400 square inches of high-visibility material is mandatory. Hats do not fulfill this requirement.  

This measure aims to enhance safety by increasing visibility in high-risk zones. 

From March 1 through March 29, reusable hi-vis vests will be provided at no cost to customers lacking appropriate attire. Starting March 31, a $3 fee will be applied for each vest issued to individuals without compliant hi-vis clothing. 

Logan Landfill, managed by GSWMD, is dedicated to maintaining a safe environment for both visitors and employees. It is currently open for summer hours:  

• Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

• Saturday: 7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. 

For more information on the hi-vis clothing policy or other services, please contact GSWMD at 406-582-2495 or visit our website at www.gallatinsolidwaste.com.  

About Gallatin Solid Waste Management District: 

The Gallatin Solid Waste Management District is committed to providing efficient, environmentally sound, and cost-effective waste management and recycling services to the residents of Gallatin County. Through continuous improvement and community engagement, GSWMD strives to promote sustainability and public safety. We serve the areas of Amsterdam, Belgrade, Big Sky, Bozeman, Four Corners, Gallatin Gateway, Manhattan, Three Forks, and West Yellowstone (part of Hebgen/West Yellowstone Refuse District). 

Bozeman, MT— March 2025 – Blue Collar Restaurant Group is raising the bar for healthier and tastier dining in Bozeman by consciously shifting away from seed oils in favor of beef tallow and other natural fats. This transition impacts Sidewinders, Tanglewood, Hachi, Liberty Burger, Merry Piglets, and the Auto Inn.

While some seed oils may still be present in certain ingredients, such as premade French fries, the company is committed to minimizing their use and prioritizing high-quality fats like beef tallow, butter, olive oil, and avocado oil. This decision reflects BCRG’s dedication to providing better-for-you meals without compromising on flavor.

“Our goal is to be intentional about the ingredients we use,” said Mikey Lawrence, Head Chef at Tanglewood. “By incorporating more nutrient-dense fats like beef tallow and butter, we’re enhancing the natural flavors of our dishes while making a healthier choice for our guests.

”This shift aligns with Blue Collar Restaurant Group’s dedication to wellness and high-quality dining experiences for Bozeman residents and visitors.

Diners are invited to experience the difference at any of BCRG’s Bozeman locations, where focusing on better ingredients means better meals.

HELENA – Don’t wait to apply for deer and elk permits. The application deadline is April 1. Hunters can buy licenses and apply for permits on the FWP website; click on “Buy and Apply.”  

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks offers several tools to help hunters navigate the application process. The application process is different for residents and nonresidents, but FWP has created instructional videos to help with both kinds of customers.

Hunters and anglers can also take advantage of the MyFWP mobile app. The app holds and displays licenses, permits and E-Tags, which can be downloaded and used in the field without cell service. To create a My FWP account, visit the MyFWP login page.  

FWP also has convenient resources for understanding bonus points and how they work.

Applicants have the option to reapply for the same offerings as last year with just a simple click, eliminating the need to search through previous applications.

Most FWP offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The licensing call center will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. through April 1; after April 1, the hours will return to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The call center can be reached at 406-444-2950. 

Hunters and anglers can also take advantage of the MyFWP mobile app. The app holds and displays licenses, permits and E-Tags, which can be downloaded and used in the field without cell service. To create a My FWP account, visit the MyFWP login page.  

 Application deadlines  

• Deer and Elk
  • Permits – April 1
  • B Licenses – June 1  
• Nonresident combination licenses – April 1
• Bighorn Sheep – May 1  
• Bison – May 1  
• Moose – May 1  
• Mountain Goat –May 1  
• Antelope – June 1  
• SuperTags-
  • Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Bison, Deer, Elk, Moose, Mountain Goat, and Mountain Lion – June 30
• Mountain Lion Special Licenses – Aug 1 

For more information on Montana hunting licenses and permits, go to fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/hunting-licenses.

Every parent looks forward to the delight of bringing their baby into the world. Birth injuries may cloud this moment and might be rather damaging for the child and their parents. Most usually, medical neglect during labor causes impairments ranging from cerebral palsy to Erb's palsy. Families dealing with these injuries must pay an excessive emotional and financial toll. Under such circumstances, you, as an unhappy parent, must be aware of your rights and alternatives. Here is how a birth injury can impact a parent's lives.

Connecting With Your Child Can Be Tough

Because your baby cannot detect emotion or engage with you the way you usually would with an infant, you could be hesitant to handle him or feel aloof. The unintentional rejection could make you feel resentful.  

Though you did not influence the situation that resulted in a birth injury, you could also feel guilty about what your child would encounter. Some parents can even go through psychological trauma. This would make it difficult for them to bond strongly with their child. Just remember that counselors can help you through this.

Financial Impact 

Taking care of a child with a birth impairment may put significant financial restrictions on parents. From first medical bills to ongoing therapy and specialized equipment, the costs of raising a child with special needs may quickly build up.

Many parents who choose to take full-time care of their child may also have to take time off from work or perhaps resign, therefore forfeiting income and chances for professional development.  Some illnesses, like cerebral palsy, may require lifelong care and support, adding to the financial burden on families. A cerebral palsy lawyer can help families navigate the legal aspects of securing financial compensation for their child's condition, which can help alleviate some of the financial strain. 

Your Family and Marriage May Strain

The emotional upheaval of raising a child with an unforeseen disability can quietly infiltrate all your relationships. The relentless mental and physical fatigue wears you down, and when multiple people are under strain, it can either forge stronger bonds or drive you apart. 

Overnight, you become more than just parents to a baby, you’re caregivers to a child who will rely on you for nearly everything, even into adulthood. Even ties with extended family can fray as they offer unsolicited opinions or drift away, feeling neglected when your time and energy are stretched thin.

Your Other Children Might Feel Overlooked

Introducing a child into your home who requires most of your focus can negatively impact the emotional and psychological health of your existing children. They might struggle to comprehend why you’re no longer available for extended video game sessions or afternoon park outings. Even more challenging, they may find it difficult to connect with a new sibling with disabilities, perceiving them as diverting their parents’ attention and love.

Diminished Quality of Life

Due to their disabilities and the psychological effects they have, those who have had birth injuries may suffer from a generalized loss of pleasure in life or a reduced quality of life.  

For example, a victim who has a chronic impairment might not be able to work or enjoy their favorite pastimes and activities. Parents who have to provide care for a kid with severe injuries may experience complex emotions of their own and feel emotionally exhausted as caretakers.

Endnote 

Should your child have a birth injury diagnosis, discuss your rights with a family lawyer. If your child's harm was avoidable, you might seek a medical malpractice lawsuit and be entitled to substantial financial recompense for the long-term consequences of their diagnosis.

HELENA – Each spring, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks receives calls from people who have picked up baby wildlife they’ve found in town, their yards, or in the wild. It’s often done out of concern for the animal, but almost always does more harm than good. Remember, if you care, leave them there.

Wildlife care for their young much differently than humans. They have strategies to provide the highest chance of survival for their young and those strategies frequently involve leaving them alone for periods of time. This is common with deer and rabbits – two animals also common in towns around Montana.

As an example, fawns are born with very little scent, excellent camouflage and an instinct to stay put. Their mothers feed away from their fawns to avoid attracting the attention of predators. Humans can attract the interest of predators just by lingering around baby animals, revealing their hiding spots.

Wild animals thrive better in the wild where they have plenty of natural habitat (food, water, shelter, space). Additionally, it’s safer for humans to leave wild animals alone. Baby ground squirrels, racoons and rabbits can carry zoonotic diseases, which means diseases that are infectious for humans. Examples include plague, hemorrhagic diseases and tularemia.

If you see a baby animal, whether a duckling or a fawn, keep your distance and leave it alone.

What can you do? 

• Leave It There. It’s natural for deer and elk to leave their young alone for extended periods of time.

• Control Your Dog. Keep your dog under control, especially in the spring when newborn wildlife is most vulnerable. Pet owners can be cited and dogs that harass or kill wildlife may by law have to be destroyed. 
• Keep in Mind. It is illegal to possess and care for a live animal taken from the wild. 

Should someone bring a deer or elk to FWP, they'll be asked to take the animal back to the site where it was found.  If the animal can't be returned, it may need to be humanely euthanized. 

On March 19, 2025, Gallatin County 911 Dispatch received a call for a snowmobile accident in which two snowmobilers had struck a tree and were seriously injured. GCSSAR, Big Sky Team and Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded.

GCSSAR Big Sky volunteers deployed resources including hasty teams, a Snowbulance, and an Orion rescue sled. When they arrived at the scene on the accident, they found one of the patients was in a deteriorating medical condition. Search and Rescue called for LifeFlight medical helicopter, who responded and landed the helicopter on the groomed snowmobile trail. The patient was flown to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center. The second patient was transported by ground to the trailhead. The second patient was transferred into the care of Big Sky Fire Department and was transported to Big Sky Medical Center.

The Big Sky Section of Search and Rescue received tremendous assistance from a group of volunteer firefighters and other bystanders who were recreating in the area. Sheriff Dan Springer would like to thank all the bystanders who had taken time to receive medical training and who jumped into action to help other backcountry users in their time of need.

In addition, the injured snowmobilers were wearing all the appropriate equipment including full face helmets and goggles. Wearing the proper equipment for the sport likely prevented this terrible accident from having deadly consequences.

HELENA - Paddlefish anglers will see a host of new changes in the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 2025 fishing regulations targeted at maximizing paddlefishing opportunities, while also looking to sustain the fishery for years to come.

Among the major changes to this year’s paddlefish regulations are that hooks must be barbless or pinched and only one treble hook per line is allowed for snagging. In addition, the use of forward-facing sonar when angling for paddlefish is banned. Lastly, mandatory reporting timelines have changed to account for anglers lacking cell service.

The regulations changes were developed during the fishing regulations review process in 2024, with input from paddlefish anglers across the state.

“We know people are very passionate about maintaining or expanding paddlefish opportunities,” said FWP Fisheries Divisions Administrator Adam Strainer. “These changes will ensure paddlefish opportunities continue into the future.”

The 2025 fishing regulations were approved by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission in November 2024.

A careful review of the 2025 fishing regulations, with particular attention to the paddlefish section, is critical before applying for or buying a tag. In addition, the paddlefish page on the website includes extensive updated information.

Hooks

All hooks must now be barbless or have pinched barbs and only one treble hook per line is allowed for all snagging (harvest or catch and release).

Forward-Facing Sonar

The use of forward-facing sonar is now illegal in Montana for snagging paddlefish. Side-imaging sonar, down-imaging sonar, and 2D sonar are still allowed.

This change is targeted at protecting spawning females, which tend to be larger than males. Forward-facing sonar would allow anglers to target larger fish, which are likely to be female.

Mandatory reporting varies by tag area

• White tag within 48 hours via onsite check station, creel staff, phone hotline, or MyFWP.

• Blue tag within 48 hours via onsite check station, creel staff, phone hotline, MyFWP, or E-tag validation process. · Yellow or Green tag (new this year, for Missouri River downstream of Fort Peck dam) before transporting fish or by 9 p.m. the day of harvest via phone hotline or MyFWP only. Self-check stations are for biological data submission only for the yellow and green tag.

Anglers are still required to report the harvest of any paddlefish, and deadlines and methods vary by tag area. However, new this year, anglers lacking cell service can transport an unreported paddlefish and once they are back in service have 48 hours to report the harvest.

Paddlefish tag areas

Anglers now can choose between the yellow tag, green tag (Missouri River downstream of Ft. Peck Dam), blue archery tag (now E-tag only), or white tag (no changes for 2025). For complete details on each tag and to be aware of significant changes in some tag areas, anglers should refer to the regulations or to FWP’s paddlefish page.

FWP will introduce an online paddlefish dashboard in 2025 that tracks harvest rates and other information, but in its first year the dashboard will only offer updates for the blue tag area beginning July 1. Anglers interested in paddlefish harvest updates for the yellow and green tag area can continue to check the FWP R7 Facebook page or call the region 7 office at 406-234-0900.

HELENA – As spring weather approaches, we’re all anxious to get out and enjoy the weather – people and bears alike.

This time of year, bears are waking up from hibernation and beginning to look for food. It’s time to ensure that people are securing attractants to avoid conflicts with bears and being prepared to encounter bears when they are out recreating.

“Being bear aware means that you assume bears are around, even if you don’t see them,” Oyler said. “You shouldn’t leave anything around your home or campsite that will attract a bear.”

Bears can be found throughout Montana. In recent years, grizzly bear populations have expanded and can be found anywhere west of Billings, Oyler said.

“Most bears want to avoid contact with people,” Oyler said. “But the best thing to do to avoid an unpleasant encounter is to be loud and give them warning long before you see a bear and know what to do if you have an encounter.”

Some of the first people to hit the woods as the snow melts are shed hunters who are looking for antlers dropped by elk, deer or moose. Often bears are searching for a meal too and can key in on new green growth or winter-killed animals at the snow line, putting them in close proximity to antler hunters.

If you’re heading out make sure to follow some general tips:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it.

• Travel in groups whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours.

• Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers.

• Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned-over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.

• Make noise, especially near streams or in thick forest where hearing and visibility is impaired. This can be the key to avoiding encounters. Most bears will avoid humans when they know humans are present.

• Don't approach a bear.

Bear aware event

Oyler will host a virtual bear aware presentation on April 1, at 6 p.m. Visit fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware for login information and for more information on being bear aware. To watch a video on being bear aware, click here. FWP’s website is a great resource for information on living and recreating in bear country.

Reminders for shed hunters

With warmer temperatures and snow quickly disappearing, shed-antler hunters are anxious to get into the field. Buck deer and bull elk and moose grow antlers each year, some to magnificent size, which drop off to regrow each spring. Hunting for and collecting these "shed" antlers in spring has become a popular activity.

Many of Montana’s wildlife management areas (WMAs) provide security to wildlife during the winter. However, shed hunters need to be aware that Montana’s big game winter range WMAs are closed to public use after hunting season and do not reopen until springtime. Many WMAs open at noon on May 15.

Most block management areas (BMAs) are closed this time of year. Access to BMAs for any activity outside of the commission-approved hunting season requires landowner permission, including shed hunting.

Additionally, collecting antler sheds or other natural objects is also prohibited in Montana State Parks.

To learn more about Montana’s WMAs — and to confirm specific opening dates — the Wildlife Management Area page on FWP's website at fwp.mt.gov.