Bozeman Parks & Recreation, Bozeman Public Library, and MSU College of Education, Health, and Human Development partner to create event focused on movement, nature, and storytelling


BOZEMAN — Starting Sept. 20, readers from all walks of life will be able to enjoy stories in both English and Spanish via a new Literacy Trail in Bozeman Pond Park. Visitors will be able to stop at kiosks throughout the park during park hours of 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. to read a picture book a few pages at a time.

Members of the public are also invited to celebrate the installation of the Trail with story times and crafts on Friday, Sept. 20 from 1 to 2 p.m., and again when a new story is launched on Friday, Nov. 15 from 1 to 2 p.m. The events and stories are geared towards children ages 2 to 7 and their caregivers.

“This trail is a fun, free activity that people can enjoy on their own time and during our installation celebrations,” Library Youth Services Department Head Ellie Newell stated. “You don’t need to bring anything, and you can participate by simply following the trail from kiosk to kiosk. We hope everyone can join in!”

The Literacy Trail was created by a partnership between Bozeman Parks and Recreation, Bozeman Public Library, and MSU College of Education, Health, and Human Development. The first story is “Duck on a Bike” by David Shannon and stories will change every other month.

“We’re excited to be able to host these stories in the park,” Bozeman Recreation Manager Jamie Saitta said. “It encourages movement, time in nature, coming together and teaching kids that reading is fun!”

Those interested in visiting the Literacy Trail are encouraged to start at the north parking lot next to Lewis & Bark Park off Fowler Ave.

(Marcus "Doc" Cravens/MSU Photo)

BOZEMAN – Montana State University has become the first university in the history of the state to enroll more than 17,000 students, while also seeing record four-year graduation rates and a record high rate of students staying in school to complete their degrees.

MSU’s fall headcount is 17,144, an increase of 1% over last fall’s total, which was itself a record at 16,978. Montana State is the largest university in the four-state region that includes Wyoming and the Dakotas.

The university welcomed 3,611 new, first-time college students this fall — among them are 1,497 Montana residents. Montana students make up 49% of the entire student body, a count of 8,369 — the largest number of Montana residents enrolled at any college or university in the state. In all, MSU enrolled 15,053 undergraduate students, a record, and 2,091 graduate students.

MSU saw record enrollment across multiple demographic categories as well. The number of American Indian/Alaska Native students set a record at 856, an increase of 5% over last year. The university also set records for the number of students who are Hispanic (1,119), Asian (731), African American (321) and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (143).

“Enrollment is perhaps the most highly visible sign of how we are fulfilling Montana State’s land-grant mission to expand higher education access to as many of our citizens as possible,” said MSU President Waded Cruzado. “We celebrate enrollment records because college degrees change lives and because education is the key to individual prosperity and a strong American democracy.”

In addition to record headcount, MSU set a record in full-time equivalent, or FTE, enrollment at 15,586. FTE is calculated by dividing the total credits taken by all MSU students by 15, which is the number of credits considered to be “full-time.” A high FTE enrollment is a sign that students are taking more courses per semester.

“Taking more demanding courseloads means that students consistently make progress toward their degrees,” said Steve Swinford, MSU’s vice president for student success. He pointed out that graduating in less time also means students leave with less college debt.

That’s why MSU has, for more than a decade, been urging students to take at least 15 credits per semester, a push known as the Freshman 15. Any credits a student takes beyond their first 12 per semester do not add to their tuition bill, so 15 or 18 credits cost the same tuition as 12.

“We call it the Freshman 15, but it’s something we encourage all students to do,” Swinford said. “All MSU students can save money and graduate faster by taking part, and since 2011 we’ve gone from having less than half of MSU students taking at least 15 credits to two-thirds of them doing so today.”

A total of 87% of incoming freshmen and 67% of all MSU students are taking part in the Freshman 15, both records.

MSU’s student retention rate increased this fall to a modern record of 78.4%. That measures the number of students who return for their second fall at MSU and is considered highly predictive of student success and eventual graduation.

“There is a real sense of energy on campus this fall,” said Robert Mokwa, MSU’s provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “The students are excited to be here to begin their college journeys, and that excitement is due in no small part to the enthusiasm and dedication of our faculty and instructors who work every day to make MSU the best it can be for our students.”

Retention is also affected by the services and programs that students have available to them on campus, from academic advising and tutoring to health and wellness facilities. Swinford pointed to the newly opened Student Wellness Center on campus as one example. The center offers a single, convenient location for wellness needs ranging from medical and dental care to counseling to physical fitness.

“At MSU, we work to keep our students safe and healthy,” he said. “They’ve individually faced a lot of barriers, and we strive to provide a combination of supports to help them succeed.”

As the largest university in Montana, MSU continues to play a vital role in meeting the state’s workforce needs. Accordingly, MSU saw record enrollment in Gallatin College MSU, the university’s two-year programs which prepare students for immediate employment in in-demand fields. Gallatin College MSU enrolled 1,101 students, an increase of 22%.

"MSU graduates are the backbone of industries critical to Montana’s economy," Cruzado said. "We take seriously our responsibility to ensure students leave here equipped with the skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to their communities."

MSU awarded a record number of degrees last academic year at 3,657, and the university set new records for graduation rates. MSU’s four-year graduation rate rose to a record 40.8%, and its five-year rate was a record 54.9%. MSU’s six-year rate, a figure tracked by the federal government, held at 57%.

Other facts about MSU’s fall enrollment:
In all, 4,537 students are living in MSU’s residence halls, and 948 individuals are living in MSU Student Apartments. Approximately one quarter of MSU’s students live in on-campus housing.

MSU welcomed 401 dual-enrollment students, up from 245 last fall. Dual-enrollment allows Montana high school students to earn college credit and get a jump start on their degrees. Dual-enrollment credits at MSU are housed in Gallatin College MSU.
MSU enrolled 579 students who are receiving veteran benefits, a 4% increase.
The university enrolled 138 students who received the Montana University System Honor Scholarship, accounting for 65% of all the award’s recipients in the state.
The Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship also set an enrollment record at 2,306 students.

MSU’s largest college is Letters and Science with 3,500 students, followed by the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering with 3,406; the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship with 2,306; Agriculture with 1,978; Education, Health and Human Development with 1,641; the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing with 1,234; and Arts and Architecture with 1,186.

The fall headcount is tallied after the 15th day of classes each semester.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized various industries, and text editing is no exception. The integration of AI in text editors has significantly enhanced their capabilities, making them more efficient and user-friendly. AI text editor tools now offer features that were once unimaginable, transforming the way writers and editors work. From real-time grammar and style suggestions to predictive text capabilities, AI has made text editing smarter and faster. This shift is not just about improving efficiency but also about enhancing the overall quality of writing, making it more engaging and accurate.

The evolution of modern editor applications has been driven by the need for more sophisticated and efficient text editing tools. Initially, text editors were simple, offering basic functions like spell check and formatting. However, with the advent of AI-driven text editing, these tools have evolved to provide advanced features that cater to the diverse needs of writers and editors. Today’s AI-powered text editing tools offer a wide range of functionalities, from context-aware content generation to automation of mundane tasks, thereby streamlining the editing process and saving valuable time for users.

Features of AI-Powered Text Editing Tools

Real-Time Grammar and Style Suggestions
One of the most remarkable features of AI-powered text editing tools is their ability to provide real-time grammar and style suggestions. These tools use sophisticated algorithms to analyze text and identify grammatical errors, stylistic issues, and even tone inconsistencies as you type. This feature not only helps in producing error-free content but also improves the overall readability and engagement of the text. For instance, an AI text editing software can suggest alternative phrases, correct punctuation, and offer stylistic improvements, ensuring that your writing is polished and professional.

Predictive Text Capabilities
Another significant feature of smart text editors is their predictive text capabilities. These tools can predict the next word or phrase you intend to write based on the context of your current sentence. This not only speeds up the writing process but also enhances accuracy. By suggesting relevant words and phrases, AI text editing minimizes the chances of typographical errors and helps maintain a consistent writing style. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who write extensively, as it can significantly reduce the time spent on drafting and editing.

Context-Aware Content Generation
Context-aware content generation is a cutting-edge feature of artificial intelligence in text editors. This capability allows the editor to generate relevant content based on the context of your writing. For example, if you are writing a technical document, the AI can suggest technical terms and phrases that are appropriate for your content. This feature is invaluable for ensuring that your writing is contextually accurate and relevant. It also helps in maintaining a professional tone, especially in specialized fields such as legal, medical, or technical writing.

Automation of Mundane Tasks
AI-powered text editing tools excel at automating mundane tasks that can be time-consuming and tedious. These tasks include formatting, citation management, and even basic research. By automating these tasks, AI allows writers and editors to focus on more creative and critical aspects of their work. For instance, an AI text editor can automatically format your document according to specific style guidelines, insert citations correctly, and even suggest references based on your content. This automation not only saves time but also ensures consistency and accuracy in your documents.

Benefits of AI-Driven Text Editing

Increased Efficiency in Writing and Editing
One of the primary benefits of AI-driven text editing is the significant increase in efficiency it brings to the writing and editing process. By automating various tasks and providing real-time suggestions, AI tools allow writers and editors to complete their work faster and with greater accuracy. The ability of AI text editing software to predict text, correct errors, and offer stylistic improvements means that less time is spent on manual revisions, enabling writers to focus more on content creation. This efficiency boost is invaluable, particularly for professionals who need to produce large volumes of high-quality content regularly.

Improved Accuracy and Error Reduction
Another crucial benefit of AI-powered text editing tools is the improvement in accuracy and reduction of errors. Traditional text editing relies heavily on the editor's skills and attention to detail, which can sometimes lead to overlooked mistakes. However, artificial intelligence in text editors uses advanced algorithms to identify and correct errors that human eyes might miss. This includes not only grammatical errors but also contextual and stylistic issues. By ensuring a higher level of accuracy, AI tools enhance the overall quality of the text, making it more polished and professional.

Enhanced Creativity and Content Quality
AI text editors are not just about efficiency and accuracy; they also play a significant role in enhancing creativity and content quality. By providing suggestions and generating content based on context, these tools help writers explore new ideas and improve their writing style. The best AI text editor tools can even offer creative alternatives and stylistic variations that writers might not have considered. This ability to enhance creativity and elevate content quality makes AI-driven text editing a powerful tool for both novice and experienced writers.

Time-Saving Features for Writers and Editors
Time-saving is another major advantage of AI text editing. The automation of repetitive tasks, such as formatting, citation management, and basic research, allows writers and editors to save valuable time. Instead of spending hours on these mundane tasks, they can focus on more important aspects of their work. For instance, AI text editing software can automatically format documents according to specific guidelines, insert citations correctly, and even suggest references based on the content. These time-saving features are especially beneficial for writers who have tight deadlines or need to produce a large volume of work.

Integration of AI in Text Editors

Seamless Integration with Various Platforms
The seamless integration of AI with various platforms is one of the standout features of modern text editors. Whether you're working on a desktop application or a web-based editor, AI-powered text editing tools can be easily incorporated into your workflow. This flexibility ensures that users can benefit from AI-driven features regardless of their preferred platform. For instance, many AI text editing software solutions offer browser extensions and plugins that integrate with popular word processors and email clients, providing real-time suggestions and corrections as you write.

Adapting to Different Writing Styles
Another key aspect of AI text editing is its ability to adapt to different writing styles. Unlike traditional text editors that apply a one-size-fits-all approach, AI-driven tools analyze the user's writing style and tailor their suggestions accordingly. This means that whether you're writing a formal business report or a casual blog post, the AI text editor will provide relevant and contextually appropriate suggestions. This adaptability not only improves the accuracy of the edits but also ensures that the writer's unique voice is preserved, making the final output more authentic and engaging.

Personalized Writing Assistance
Personalized writing assistance is a hallmark of smart text editors. These tools use machine learning algorithms to learn from the user's writing patterns and preferences, offering customized suggestions that align with their style. This level of personalization enhances the user experience, making writing and editing more intuitive and efficient. For example, an artificial intelligence text editor can remember frequently used phrases, preferred vocabulary, and stylistic preferences, providing tailored suggestions that make the writing process smoother and more enjoyable.

Multilingual Support and Voice Recognition
The inclusion of multilingual support and voice recognition capabilities further extends the functionality of AI-powered text editing tools. These features enable users to write and edit in multiple languages, breaking down language barriers and expanding the reach of their content. Voice recognition, in particular, allows for hands-free writing, which can be a game-changer for those who prefer dictating their content. By understanding and processing natural language, AI text editing software can accurately transcribe spoken words into written text, making it easier for users to capture their thoughts quickly and efficiently.

Choosing an AI Text Editor

Criteria for Evaluating AI Text Editors
Selecting the best AI text editor involves evaluating several key criteria. First, consider the range of features offered by the software. Look for tools that provide comprehensive grammar and style checks, context-aware suggestions, and content generation capabilities. The ability to integrate seamlessly with various platforms is also crucial, ensuring that the editor fits into your existing workflow. Additionally, assess the tool's performance in terms of speed and accuracy. An effective AI text editor should offer real-time suggestions without lagging, enabling a smooth and efficient writing process.

User Experience and Interface Design
User experience and interface design are critical factors when choosing an AI-powered text editing tool. A user-friendly interface makes the editing process intuitive and enjoyable. Look for editors that offer a clean, organized layout with easily accessible features. The ability to customize the interface to suit your preferences can also enhance usability. Furthermore, consider the learning curve associated with the tool. The best AI text editing software should be easy to learn and use, even for those who are not tech-savvy, ensuring that you can start benefiting from its features right away.

Key Features and Capabilities
When evaluating AI text editing software, it’s important to examine its key features and capabilities. Essential features include real-time grammar and style suggestions, predictive text capabilities, and context-aware content generation. Additionally, look for advanced functionalities such as voice recognition, multilingual support, and personalized writing assistance. The ability to automate mundane tasks like formatting and citation management can also be a significant advantage. A comprehensive AI text editor will offer a robust set of features that cater to various writing and editing needs, enhancing both efficiency and creativity.

The potential for further enhancements in AI text editing software is vast. Future developments could include deeper integration with other productivity tools, such as project management and collaboration platforms. Enhanced personalization features, which adapt more precisely to individual writing styles and preferences, are also on the horizon. Moreover, the incorporation of advanced AI techniques, such as sentiment analysis and tone detection, could provide writers with even more valuable feedback on their work. These enhancements will continue to push the boundaries of what AI text editing can achieve, making these tools even more powerful and indispensable.

The Future Landscape of Writing Tools
The future landscape of writing tools will be heavily influenced by the ongoing development of AI-powered text editing tools. We can expect a shift towards more intelligent and adaptive editors that offer unparalleled levels of assistance and customization. These tools will not only enhance the efficiency and quality of writing but also provide deeper insights and analytics to help users improve their skills. As AI text editing software continues to evolve, it will redefine the way we approach writing and editing, making these processes more intuitive, efficient, and effective.

The Downtown Bozeman Association is looking for an artist to create the 44th Annual Christmas Stroll Poster!

Please submit your best design showing the holiday spirit in our community for this year’s poster.

The winning poster design will be used as print and digital marketing for the event and be featured on the cover of the “Official” Christmas Stroll special issue of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle. The issue will also include an article featuring the Christmas Stroll poster artist.

As a thank you, the winning artist will receive $200 in cash funded by the Downtown Bozeman Association. The artist will also be recognized on our website, social media, and press releases throughout the holiday season.


43rd Annual Christmas Stroll Poster designed by Sam Fry.

To submit your piece, please email info@downtownbozeman.org a high resolution (300 dpi or greater) .tiff or .jpeg image of 2-D artwork in 18x24” format by 5 PM by Friday, November 1st.

For questions, please call the Downtown Bozeman Partnership office at 406-586-4008 and visit downtownbozeman.org/stroll for more details.

LEWISTOWN – The Missouri Breaks region of central Montana is a favorite area for deer hunters, but this year hunters will need to carefully check the regulations, since opportunities to hunt mule deer have dramatically changed due to low population levels, and mule deer hunting is extremely limited or non-existent over many Missouri Breaks hunting districts. 

After several years of severe droughts, mule deer populations in this area of Montana have suffered steep declines. In response to the low numbers, biologists have significantly changed the hunting regulations, and some hunting districts (HDs) now require a special permit to hunt mule deer for the entire season, while another requires a permit for part of the season.

Specifically, Hunting Districts 410 and 417 are now permit-only to hunt mule deer bucks during the general or archery seasons, while HD 426 requires a permit to hunt mule deer bucks during the last two weeks of the general deer season. The deadline to apply for these permits was April 1, so hunters who did not already draw one of these limited permits cannot hunt mule deer bucks in these districts this year.

Sonja Andersen is the FWP wildlife biologist based in Lewistown for the last 13 years.

"This is not a trophy management effort nor is limiting buck harvest going to bring the deer back totally on its own—we need healthy does producing fawns for that to happen, which is habitat and weather-driven,” Andersen said. “But our deer numbers are near record lows here and even with very limited doe harvest we aren’t seeing improvement, especially given the 2020, 2021, and 2022 drought years on top of a bad 2022-23 winter. Biologists have only so many levers to pull when managing populations, and limiting buck harvest was one of our only remaining options.”

Mule Deer B Licenses to hunt antlerless mule deer are also extremely limited this year and were only available by special draw with a deadline to apply of June 1. In addition, the antlerless B Licenses in HDs 410, 411, 412, 417, 419, and 426 are valid only on private land, as is the case in FWP Regions 6 and 7.

“The Breaks have been getting lots of pressure lately, especially since Covid. There’s a lot of public land, and we’ve liberalized elk harvest, so there are a lot of hunters, and pressure on the deer has grown tremendously,” Andersen said. “These efforts are just as much hunter management as deer management. While we can ease off the hunting pressure, it’s still going to take some years with favorable weather and good precipitation to improve habitat and see a rebound in mule deer populations.”

WEST YELLOWSTONE – A grizzly bear was killed Monday in an encounter with bowhunters in Tepee Creek, north of West Yellowstone.

The two hunters reported being charged by a sow grizzly bear with two yearling cubs. Using handguns, the hunters shot and killed the sow. The yearling bears also charged at the hunters, who shot at and injured one of the yearlings. The hunters were not injured.

Bear specialists, game wardens and a helicopter pilot with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, as well as law enforcement staff with the Custer Gallatin National Forest, visited the site on Wednesday. They confirmed the mortality of the adult bear, an older female. Officials found evidence of a yearling bear being injured, but they did not locate the yearling bears.

No further management action by FWP is planned. This incident is still under investigation by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, who also provided assistance this week.

Be bear aware

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.

This time of year is when bears are active for longer periods as they consume more food in preparation for hibernation. This period overlaps with hunting season and other fall recreation activities.

Hunters have reported encounters with grizzly bears in other areas since the start of Montana’s archery season on Sept. 7. No hunters have reported injuries, and no other bears have been wounded or killed to date.

Avoiding conflicts with bears is far better than dealing with such conflicts. Here are some precautions to help residents, recreationists and people who work outdoors avoid negative bear encounters:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
• Make noise to alert bears to your presence and travel in groups.
• Stay away from animal carcasses, which often attract bears.
• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.
• 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.

Some areas with dense concentrations of grizzly bears are very accessible to hunters, especially during the archery season. Keep these precautions in mind when hunting in grizzly country, which includes much of the western two-thirds of Montana:

• Carry bear spray and be prepared to use it immediately.
• Watch for and be extra cautious around bear sign, creeks and areas with limited visibility. Most attacks happen in surprise, close encounters.
• Hunt with a group of people. This can help you make localized noise to alert bears to your presence, and it may also increase your chances of survival in the event of a bear attack.
• Be aware that elk calls and cover scents can attract bears.
• Bring the equipment and people needed to help field dress game and remove the meat from the kill site as soon as possible.
• If you need to leave part of the meat in the field during retrieval, hang it at least 10 feet off the ground and at least 150 yards from the gut pile. Leave it where it can be observed from a distance of at least 200 yards.
• Upon your return, observe the meat with binoculars. Make noise while approaching the meat. If it has been disturbed or if a bear is in the area, leave and call FWP.
• Follow food storage orders from the applicable land management agency.

Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Management authority for grizzlies rests with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, working closely in Montana with FWP, the Forest Service, the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Geological Survey, Wildlife Services, and Native American tribes. This collaboration happens through the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee.

September is Bear Aware month in Montana. For information and education events on bear safety, click here.

The holiday season is upon us! It is a joyful time of the year, filled with holiday music, adorable sugar cookies, festive drinks, and so much more. However, this is also a season of jam-packed schedules, which can bring on a lot of stress. According to psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky, connection with other people within our lives is one of the greatest strategies to feeling happier. After all, the holiday season is not just about gifts, it is a fantastic opportunity to spend more time with family and boost bonds with your children. However, the challenge is to find an activity that both you and your teen, or pre-teen will enjoy. As two teens, aged 16 and 14, we are sharing activities that are certain to bring both enjoyment and connection for all ages this holiday season. 

1. Support Local

Head out to a holiday market!  Listen to caroling, enjoy hot cocoa, roasted chestnuts, or other seasonal treats. Take photos together with beautifully decorated Christmas trees, as well as pick up a gift or two for loved ones, and feel good in supporting local vendors.  Chat with your child about current events in both your lives, and what you are looking forward to in the coming year. 

This is an enjoyable event, as it allows both you and your teen an opportunity to catch up and form new memories. 

2. Cook or Bake

Traditions are an important part of the holiday season.  Recall a traditional holiday dish from your childhood or culture.  Maybe it is a special dish passed down through generations, or a delicious sugar cookie recipe. Find the joy in creating a tasty treat together with your child, and teach them this recipe! Then, enjoy the fruit of your labor (who doesn’t love good food)! This time of year is about sharing; perhaps pack up a small amount of your culinary delight and drop it off for your neighbors.  Giving to others brings a small bit of happiness to the person who receives your delicious dish, as well as to you and your child.  Seeing our own actions bringing happiness grants us a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction. 

3. Take Downtime

Unplug together with a game!  Put all phones away, and take some time to relax during this busy time of year.  Enjoy a board game, card game, or one of our personal favorites - Mission: Small Bits of Happiness. Designed by the both of us, Mission: Small Bits of Happiness features 100 unique and fun activities to do to feel happier daily, allowing you and your child to bond together and learn what brings happiness.

4. Build A Care Kit

Since helping others boosts feelings of purpose and satisfaction, create a care kit.  With a budget of $10-15, (or whatever you decide) head to a local grocery store and compile a small care kit of necessities.  These can include toothpaste, a travel toothbrush, a bar of chocolate, and chapstick.  Bring one (or a few!) of these care kits to a shelter and feel good by supporting other people and building a charitable tradition with your child. 

Written By Mercedes and Anastasia Korngut

BOZEMAN – Fisheries staff with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will tag trout in the upper Madison River during annual sampling this month. Staff continue to monitor water temperatures and flow levels to ensure they are adequate for safe sampling and handling of fish.

The fish tagging is a continuation of studies looking at trout recruitment, health and adult mortality in the upper Missouri River Basin. A combined sum of about 8,000 trout were also tagged on the Big Hole, Beaverhead, Ruby and lower Madison rivers this spring. So far, anglers have reported catching more than 1,000 of them.

Anglers who report catching tagged fish are helping biologists study and better understand trout population declines in parts of the basin. As these reports and encounters with tagged fish during long-term monitoring efforts continue, fish managers can use angling and annual sampling as ways to measure how environmental factors like flows and water temperatures are affecting fish populations by species, age class, waterbody and time of year. FWP staff will continue to tag trout in these rivers for at least the next two years.

In addition to helping fish, anglers who report catching tagged fish can be eligible for rewards. Yellow tags are each worth $100, and blue tags are entered into drawings for prizes. So far, Montana Trout Unlimited has held several drawings to give away artwork, fly boxes with hand-tied flies, a guided fishing trip on the Madison River, and other fishing equipment.

At the end of the year, all anglers who submitted reports of blue tags will be entered into a grand-prize drawing, even if they’ve been drawn before.

Each tag has a unique number and is attached to the fish near the dorsal fin. Anglers should use clippers to remove the tag from the fish as close to the skin as possible while minimizing handling time and exposure to air for the fish, then submit a report online for each tagged fish they catch. Click here to submit a report.

Anglers should continue to abide by seasonal closures and restrictions that may be in effect for these waterbodies.

River recreation surveys

Anglers and other river users may also see surveys about recreational use. These surveys are conducted in person by creel clerks, as well as through survey cards left at vehicles at fishing access sites. The surveys are used to better understand all recreational use on rivers. 

Survey respondents are also included in the prize drawings mentioned above.

“We appreciate the public’s overwhelming support in these efforts,” said Mike Duncan, FWP’s fisheries program manager in southwestern Montana. “Participation from the public continues to play a critical role in studying and managing these resources.”

To learn more about fish research and management in the upper Missouri River Basin, click here.