Spring 2017

Spring skiing in the Madison Range.  Arguably the most iconic mountain on the Bozeman skyline, Gallatin Peak is an ideal target for a spring skiing adventure. With a variety of skiable runs, its pinnacle tops out at 11,020…

Like a herd of rutting rams, various parties butt heads over bighorn-sheep management in southwest Montana—but others are figuring out ways to work together.Great abundance of the Argalia or big-horned animals in the high…

It's easier to see clearly when you know where to look.  I lost my lanyard while fishing yesterday. Or so I thought. It started out as a relatively warm early-spring day nymphing on the Yellowstone River, sun occasionally…

The lower Madison in spring.  Spring is a tricky season for the angler: weather is unpredictable, fish are elusive, and stream flows are in constant flux. Finding a waterway worthy of your time and effort can be…

Under-the-radar spring trips.  Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road,Healthy, free, the world before me,The long brown path before me leading wherever I choose. —Walt Whitman, “Song of the Open Road”  Few…

Improving your paddling technique.  Spring run-off: Just the thought of all that snow melting out of the mountains and filling the rivers and creeks to their capacity is enough to get any kayaker’s heart pumping. Small…

Adjusting your workout routine.  For some, getting outside can make the difference in a successful exercise program, versus fading into the monotony of a gym routine. This is, in part, why programs like CrossFit have been…

Wall-mounted bike storage.  Storing a bicycle in your home can be an inconvenience. After doing some research on bike racks, I came across a great-looking wall-mounted model selling for much more than I wanted to pay. I…

Spring ski mountaineering. Want to lay down some turns on a few local summits and couloirs this spring? Ski mountaineering is the name, and combining technical mountaineering with steep skiing is the game. But the stakes…

Bozeman mountain bikers have long craved a three-season destination close to town, and thanks to the tireless efforts of Bozeman’s Tim Hawke, they’re going to get their wish. The Bureau of Land Management has approved Tim’s…

Popular running myths debunked. It’s that time of year again, when we hang up our skis and dust off the running shoes for a mud-laden lap or two. When starting your spring training, avoid making some classic mistakes—and…

Adventure, science & microplastics in the Gallatin.  The Gallatin River is Bozeman’s lifeblood: Bozemanites depend on this river system for drinking water, love it for its recreational opportunities, and recognize its…

Or wild-mushroom risotto, 'round these parts.   The wild morels and chanterelles you collect this spring shine in a risotto, as they complement the rich, creamy flavor with a robust, nutty taste. Chanterelles add a…

Training for summer trail races. Southwest Montana is undoubtedly a Mecca for mountain trail running. Not only do we have alpine opportunities just minutes from our doorstep, but we have some burly mountain races as well.…

The Gallatin River is our backyard playground—we fish it, paddle it, swim it, hunt it, meander it. Come spring, it’s more dynamic than ever, waking from a season-long slumber, roaring to life once again. Here are some facts…

Getting Bozeman's youth in motion. Kids these days, we all say, shaking our heads as if we were any different. And of course, we were different, but only because our circumstances made us so. There were no iPhones, no…

Spring paddling safety.  As spring settles into the northern Rockies, whitewater enthusiasts eagerly watch the weather, waiting for winter snowmelt to come roaring down the rivers. In southwest Montana, river-runners…

Quenching the spring-climbing thirst.  If you’re a rock climber in Bozeman, you’ve probably found yourself seasonally confused. One day, a rogue storm will drop smoky cold powder and pull you to your skis and into the…

Two (great) reasons to visit Dillon this spring.  Snowy mountain ranges frame Montana’s big sky in almost every direction as you take a deep breath of crisp, sage-scented air. You shift your gaze down to the Beaverhead…

Dirt-road rides for spring.  If you’re itching to ride but can’t wait for the trails to dry, dirt roads are where it’s at. A gravel-grinder is the best option, but hardtails and short-travel mountain bikes work, too. Here…

Lowland camping this spring.  By the time spring rolls around, we’ve all got cabin fever. And even if you spent the winter outside, skiing, snowshoeing, and ice climbing, when’s the last time you slept under the stars? As…

Dos and don'ts on the river. In fishing, as in life, etiquette is important. But we seem to have backslid a bit, into a more chaotic pattern of self-obsessed slights, ongoing offenses, and odious infractions that degrade…

William Ginn shows off his catch in this back-in-the-day version of the grip-and-grin. His trout were big, he kept them all, and he looked damn good doing it in a wool cap and suit. Yes, times have changed. These days he’d…

I am instinctively Addicted to fishing, Innately I confess.  With amigoed muskateers Pescatelled in thoughtless Waders deeply riffled  I fish with otters Snaking their fur Tails. Sigmoid herons, one-legging.  Cold, stone…

The law locks up the man or woman Who steals the goose from off the common But leaves the greater villain loose Who steals the common from the goose.  The law demands that we atone When we take things we do not own But…

Mark your calendars for the 2017 summer season. Spring is in the air and Custer Gallatin National Forest employees are busy across your forest. Here are some important dates to be aware of when planning your recreation…

A national issue comes home. Last October, the state of Utah sold off almost 400 acres of state-owned land in an area known as Comb Ridge. Normally, this wouldn’t make the news in Montana, but it’s part of a larger story.…

Connecting the two in Gallatin Valley.  A few years ago, I attended a presentation by Randy Brown who at the time was the executive director of the Foothills Land Conservancy. The group is dedicated to preserving open…

Pet questions for spring. We all have questions about our pets, but few of us have expert answers. That’s why we asked a pro—here’s what longtime Bozeman-area vet Dr. Sid Gustafson had to say.1. Should I be concerned about…

Seems we're not so different after all. When a couple first gets together, they can be pretty obsessed with one another. True love means a long-term commitment, but sometimes there’s cheating on the side. If the couple has…

Photographing moving objects. Moving subjects can be the single-hardest thing for a photographer to tackle. In fact, they can be so unpredictable that even professional sports and wildlife photographers are never sure what…

Fishing the Mother's Day Caddis Hatch. Still suffering from cabin fever? Well, it’s time to dust off those winter cobwebs and get ready for the first big hatch of the year, the Mother’s Day Caddis Hatch.This hatch is best…

Tracking Jupiter this spring. Every range needs its boss to keep the cowboys on point and the cattle moving, and the range of the sky is no different. Look southward this spring on a pleasant, clear night and you’ll find…

BZN gets short. Acronyms and abbreviations are useful (if often misconstrued) linguistic tools. Here’s a primer to a few that are common to southwest Montana, along with some misconstruction, just for fun.BBC—Bridger Bowl…

Jelt Belt keeps Bozemanites from cracking.  Meet Jennifer Fait Perry, self-declared tomboy (“it’s amazing that I haven’t grown balls yet”) and proud founder/owner/inventor of Jelt, Bozeman’s adventure-belt company. O/B:…

Choosing day by day.   “People are like dice. We throw ourselves in the direction of our own choosing.” ―Jean-Paul SartreIt could be the season—spring is a time of abundant change—or maybe it’s the political and social…

A canine slide-for-life.   Skiing with canine comrades is one of the most rewarding experiences dog-owners can have, but it can also be one of the riskiest. The objective hazards of alpine recreation require a different…

Staying active in the public-lands fight is essential to ensuring victory for outdoor recreation, public access, and wildlife protection. Below you'll find all the information you need to make a difference.       Address…

What's in our waters. Last year’s massive whitefish kill on the Yellowstone River was bad, but for Montana anglers, it may be a signal of what's to come. Last February, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announced that the…

Adventure vehicles abound around Bozeman, and like streamflows, these envy-inducing gear-haulers reach their peak in spring. Loaded down with every imaginable item of outdoor equipment—bikes, skis, paddleboards, driftboats…

If you could get 20 tools for $100, you’d do it, right? That pretty much describes the Signal from Leatherman, an new multi-tool with all the everyday essentials like a blade, screwdriver, and bottle-opener, plus new…

After two seasons of heavy abuse and several patch jobs, it was time for a new air mattress. I opted for the four-season, rugged, go-anywhere NeoAir All Season SV from Therm-A-Rest. It took several tries using the new…

Despite being a tomboy, I find myself drawn to wearing skirts, mostly because they’re versatile, comfortable, easy to dress up or down, and look better than just wearing tights. The Chaka by Toad & Co. fits the bill…

I spend a great deal of time fishing from my kayak, so protecting dry gear from becoming wet is incredibly important to me. I also need to maximize the limited storage space in my kayak’s bow hatch, which is why I use the…

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it—this maxim is why I’ve never drunk vitamin water. Pop a pill, down it with a glass of agua—is that so hard? It’s certainly cheaper, healthier, and less wasteful. Then along came a sample box…

Unless this was the winter you decided to fat-bike more, it’s probably been a few months since you took your steed for a gallop. Do yourself a favor: before returning to the trail, give ‘er a tune up. There’s basic…

While on the water, there’s no better way to safeguard your scattergun than with an AMS Amphibian Hunter gun case. This baby’s fully waterproof, with a super-tight, roll-top closure; it’s padded to protect against…

The new Brinno TLC120 time-lapse camera makes a great travel accessory. It’s small enough to throw in a pack, it sets up anywhere, and it doesn’t require housing. Not a professional photographer? That’s okay—the Brinno app…

On some days lethargy reigns, and we struggle to summon the requisite motivation for the hike, bike, run, or gym workout that we so desperately need—and that, ironically, will release us from the very torpor that’s holding…

There’s a new player in the bear-spray game, and they’ve added a new line of defense: the safety horn. It makes sense, right? Disrupt the raging bear’s behavior with as many sensory inputs as possible. Blast the charging…

OtterBox is back! That’s right, the original river-runner’s mini storage box, which kept cameras and other sensitive items safe and dry, has finally ended its hiatus. The 3250 may not be bright yellow like its predecessors…

Spring’s here and it’s time to ride—which means it’s also time to worry about getting flattened by an F-350. Fret less with CYCL’s WingLights, a cool innovation for cyclists that offers visibility for drivers and peace of…

Sometimes, you need to get your dog exercised quickly and across town safely by bike. The WalkyDog Plus bike leash is an ingenious yet simple product that gives you hands-free control while riding. Once you’ve secured the…

Last year I destroyed my favorite pants, ripping out the backside as I bootie-scooted down a steep scree field below Mt. Cowan. I’d needed mobility for the climb, which meant I had to sacrifice durability on the descent—…

When it comes to recreating in the great outdoors, hydration is essential. Thanks to the Katadyn BeFree filtration water flask, the guesswork has been taken out of where your next drink will come from, giving you a little…

The “Big Sky PI” is back in John Holt’s second installment of his Ed Bouchee murder-mystery series. Blown Away Under the Big Sky (New Pulp Press, $15) takes the reader on a rollicking jaunt through life in small-town…

Bird books are like opinions and posterior apertures—everyone, it seems, has one. And sifting through the gaggle of options can be a tedious, untidy process, after which you may want to abandon bird-watching altogether. Not…

The mark of a great short-story collection is that each stands on its own, while at the same time contributing a necessary element to the overall volume. In Stories from Afield: Adventures with Wild Things in Wild Places (…