Last weekend, over a half dozen BHA volunteers spent the weekend in the backcountry of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness to make much-needed improvements to the Helmet Pass Trail.   Volunteers met early Friday morning to meet Forest Service staff, who loaded their food, gear, and tools onto horses for the five mile trek to basecamp at the base of The Helmet and Sphinx Mountain.     Once camp was set up, the group hiked up to the pass to check the trail conditions for the weekend's work. ...

On June 29th, a dedicated team of volunteers rolled up their sleeves to breathe new life into the Spotted Dog Wildlife Management Area. Our mission was to dismantle outdated fencing and restore crucial habitat for the diverse wildlife that call this area home. Armed with determination and the necessary tools, the group tackled a demanding stretch of terrain, methodically removing multiple strands of barbed wire that spanned over a quarter mile. The challenge was amplified by a particularly ...

Whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni) often get a bad rap among Western anglers, but the native salmonid deserves our respect as both worthy quarry and delicious table fare. Related species dominate deli cases in Manhattan and potlucks throughout the Midwest, and the Mountain Whitefish—with its wide distribution throughout the Pacific Northwest—should be no exception. Their mild, firm flesh is ideal for smoking and incorporation in salads and spreads, and this recipe highlights the simplicity of ...

Video by The Herd Studios Last weekend, 22 BHA volunteers gathered in the Grasshopper Valley near Dillon, MT to remove nearly three miles of barbed-wire fencing in a crucial big game migration corridor.  The project took place on a combination of public and private land. Staff from the National Wildlife Federation coordinated the project and secured access with landowners in the area. The weekend’s mission involved removing old, seven-strand wire fencing, stacking coils, pulling t-posts, ...

Forty years ago, the Montana Supreme Court affirmed that the public may use rivers or streams – regardless of who owns the streambed or adjacent land – for recreation purposes. This is now known as Montana’s Stream Access Law, and it’s a beautiful thing. But we can’t take it for granted, as it continues to be challenged and threatened. First, what exactly is the Stream Access Law? What constitutes recreation? And how are rivers and streams defined? Following the Supreme Court’s establishment ...