Where the Bitterroot Valley Comes Alive

The Poker Joe Fishing Access, located between Stevensville and Florence will be closed beginning July 7. The closure is expected to last through July. Montana FW&P will be constructing a new parking area and bathroom facility.
For more information go to the FW&P site: Poker Joe Fishing Access Site to be Closed for Construction

A landowner in the East Fork of the Bitterroot near Sula shot and killed a wolf early Tuesday, July 1 that was threatening his cattle. No livestock were killed or hurt in the incident.

The wolf—a gray adult male—was one of four wolves encountered in the act of chasing cattle. The landowner shot the animal on the spot and then reported it to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

After an investigation by a state game warden, FWP confirmed it was a legal shooting.

FWP wolf management specialist, Liz Bradley, said the wolf was likely a member of the Trail Creek pack.

“Because this is the first confirmed case of these wolves threatening livestock, FWP will monitor for wolf activity in the area but will take no lethal control action at this time,” Bradley said.

The Northern Rocky Mountain gray wolf population was removed from the federal Endangered Species list in late March. FWP is now the lead agency for wolf conservation and management in Montana on non-tribal lands.

Under Montana law and depredation guidelines adopted by the FWP Commission, wolves can only be killed if seen actively killing or threatening to kill livestock or animals used to guard or herd livestock. Also, a wolf may be killed if it is seen killing or threatening to kill pets, or to protect human life. All incidents must be reported to FWP within 72 hours.

To learn more about Montana’s recovered wolf population, visit FWP online, where visitors can also tell FWP when they see wolves or wolf sign. The information helps to verify the activity, distribution, and pack size of Montana’s recovered wolf population.
reprinted from FWP

Welcome to the first in a weekly post previewing the upcoming weekend. I will be posting this column every Wednesday evening.
The Fourth of July is a big activity weekend nationwide and the Bitterroot Valley is know exception. With so many things to do, I don’t pretend to cover all the possibilities. I will touch on a few things I would like to be doing or will be doing this weekend.

Fly Fishing

Much of the Bitterroot River promises to be blown out this weekend, with high, dirty water. The best bet is the upper waters of the West Fork or the East Fork. Try the West Fork just below the dam at Painted Rocks State Park. The East Fork should provide good opportunities from the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness through Sula. [Read more →]

Only in Montana is a phrase I hear (and say) often. I got an email that stated, “So my friend tells me about a gut shot muley buck and where I can find it. I see it as a good opportunity for a “carcass cam.” Get some shots of some coyotes, weasels, maybe even a wolf. Never did I think I would get these this time of year.”

These photos were shot with a trail camera mounted aimed at the mule deer carcass. The photos were taken in the Flathead.

In an “American Idol” world, the Bitterroot Valley is fortunate to have two residents with the kind of talent that hearkens to days past. The immense fame of Huey Lewis is certainly matched by the spellbinding talent of Joan Zen. Joan bares her soul through her original songs which she delivers with the passion that can only come from expressing what is deep within.

[Read more →]

One of the delights of a Montana spring, the Morel mushroom. Some locals wait for their emergence because of the unique flavor. Others take to the mountains for profit. Either way the Morel mushroom is a staple in Montana life.

[Read more →]