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This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale talks about something that has been patrolling much of Montana's Waterways for many years but many of you may not even know about it. No, it is not part of the Montana FWP but works with them quite often. It is actually part of the Department of Homeland Security and more specifically part of the United States Coast Guard. Yes, this week Downrigger has a fascinating discussion with Captain Dave Hansen of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Yeah, that's right the Coast Guard Auxiliary has a strong presence on Montana's waterways, and it is all done by a bunch of dedicated volunteers. No, they are not part of law enforcement or out checking for fishing licenses or things like that. Their main focus is safety on the water, whether you are in a boat, on a jet ski, on a sailboat or on a paddle board. They are just there to help everyone be safe or assist those that need help whether it lending you a life jacket for you or your child or actually saving your life when something goes wrong. No violations or fines just sincere help from experts in the field of safety. And it even goes further than that! With the a motto of “Semper Paratus” (Always Ready, or Always Prepared) it says a lot about these guys and gals in blue! For those of you that watch this podcast you will see some of the boats they use and what the signs look like on their boats, as well as what their uniforms look like. That way you can give them a wave or stop and say hi and thank them for all they do, though these humble Auxiliarists never expect that, they just love what they do. Don't miss this podcast everyone we are positive that you will say, at least three or four times while listening or watching, "Wow! I had no idea they did that!"

Links:

• To learn more about the Coast Guard Auxiliary all across America, click here.
• Click here to learn more about the Coast Guard Auxiliary here in Montana.
• To learn more about having them perform a free boat safety inspection for your or members of an organization that you belong to click here.
• Click here to learn about all their boating safety classes.
• Do you have questions for Captain Dave Hansen? Click here to send him an email.
• Email your old buddy Downrigger Dale by simply clicking here!

Remember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.

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This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale takes over the podcast studios and gets us all caught up on the latest outdoor news, Statewide fishing reports and peek at the future topics he will be covering on upcoming podcasts. He thought it would be nice to let the rest of the podcast staff take the 4th of July weekend off, but we are thinking that maybe he just didn't get invited to any 4th of July parties. However, that is probably not that case as we all have never seen him wait to be invited when he smells food or beer. But seriously be sure and join Dowrigger on this weeks podcast so you can get caught up on the latest news concerning the Makoshika State Park fire, news of a bit of a brouhaha between the BLM and the Montana FWP, a report that indicates the water is flowing on the Milk River Project but how far, and the list goes on. Plus, Rigger has some great fishing reports for rivers, lakes and reservoirs across the state! So, sit back, crack open a cold one and let your old buddy Downrigger Dale keep you up to date on everything outdoors in Montana. In fact, rumor has it that Rigger is planning on something to do with the Flathead Monster and Bigfoot!! Actually, you may want to pop some corn for this one!! So, mash that play button and see what it's all about here on the Montana Outdoor Podcast!

Links:

• Click here to take a survey on hunting regulation changes.
• Region 1 has new Fish and Wildlife Commissioner, click here to learn all about him.
• Click here to lean about Hunter Education. Also click here to find an in-person class near you!
• Rigger gave a fishing report for Fort Peck Reservoir from fishing guide Don Wilkins. Book a fishing trip on Fort Peck with Don by clicking here.
• Click here to listen to the latest fishing reports from all across the state.
• You can see all the results of that unbelievable Walleye Tournament on Tiber Reservoir that Rigger talked about by clicking here.
• You can watch the video version of this a other Montana Outdoor Podcasts by clicking here!
• Send an email to Downrigger Dale by clicking here!

Remember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.

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Yes, you read the title of the is Podcast correctly and yes, we meant to say that! All we should say about this one is YOU HAVE GOT TO LISTEN THIS PODCAST. As Rigger put it, "when one of our audience members told me I should really consider doing a podcast about the North American Trap Collectors Association I yawned right after I read the words Trap Collectors. But I promised when I started hosting this Podcast that I would consider ALL suggestions. So, I looked into it. The next thing I knew it was 4:00 AM and I was still online looking at traps, yes, traps! I am without a doubt totally addicted, enthralled, fascinated, I could go on. An no not because my guest Brad Davis is a charismatic guy, he's not. It is the subject of this that got me! It is INCREDIBLE. " So, there you have it gang Downrigger Dale is, shall we say "trapped" in this topic. But seriously this truly is fascinating. The members of the North American Trap Collectors Association or NATCA collect the rare, strange, and even the typical traps and many of those date back hundreds and hundreds of years. On July 10th they will be holding a great event showing, buying, selling and best of all telling their amazing stories about their traps. You'll hear about Mouse traps, fly traps, bird traps, fish traps and get this, even Man Traps. There will be one at the event at the Larry Creek Campground outside of Florence Montana. But first listen to this podcast you are going to get "trapped" into this subject just like Rigger did. Make sure you watch this one on YouTube you will see some really cool stuff and yes you will see the Man Trap as well. Why were they trapping people in Europe hundreds of years ago? Listen to this week's podcast and find out. Go ahead hit the play button, don't worry just push riiiiight there...SNAP!!

Links:

• To learn more about the North American Trap Collectors Association click here.
• To find out more about the event on July 9th, 10th and 11th as well as other NATCA events, click here.
• To learn about the Larry Creek Campground click here.
• Click here to get directions to the Larry Creek Camp Ground.
• To see the battlefields that Brad Davis also talked about click here. This site will take to all kinds of places in Montana.
• Want to ask Brad Davis a question? Just click here to email him.
• Give Downrigger some more great podcast ideas by clicking here!

Remember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.

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This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale talks with the Executive Director of the Montana State Parks Foundation, Megan Buecking. No doubt many of you may be asking, "is that the formal name for the branch of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks that runs all Montana's State Parks?". We thought the same thing but when you listen to this Podcast you will learn that is a completely different organization. The Montana State Parks Foundation is a nonprofit organization that in essence raises funds for the things that the State Parks need or would like to provide but can't afford. So, does Montana's State Parks just not get enough tax dollars? Well, State parks don't receive any of your tax dollars. So, how do they get by? Listen to this week's Podcast to find out! Megan and all the folks involved with the Foundation not only help raise money for many of the special projects and services that our State Parks provide but also helps come up with some of the great ideas that you come across when you visit Montana's State Parks. For example, the Montana State Parks Foundation provides those amazing all terrain Track Chairs that allow disabled park goers to go just about anywhere anyone else can go around the parks. Going for a hike was basically impossible for our disabled veterans and other disabled park goers before those came along. And best of all those wonderful pieces of technology are available at no cost to use! There is whole lot of other incredible things that Megan's organization provides that will blow you away, plus you will also get to hear about Montana's newest State Park that will be bringing some incredible history to life soon. So hit that play button now and prepare to be amazed!

Links:

• To learn more about the Montana State Parks Foundation click here.
• To learn about some of the latest project they have going on right now click here.
• Interested in taking a shot at winning some amazing prizes? Click here to learn more.
• To watch this Podcast on YouTube, click here.
• To learn more about all of Montana's State Parks, find a State Park, make a campsite reservation and more, click here.
• Would you like to help the Montana State Parks Foundation accomplish even more? Click here and get involved!
• Questions for Megan Buecking? Click here to send her and email.
• Click here to let Downrigger know what you thought of this Podcast and to let him know your ideas for other Podcast topics.

Remember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.

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This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale talks with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Fisheries Biologist, Cody Nagel. Rigger and many of you that sent him emails felt it was super important to check in with Cody about how Fresno and Nelson Reservoirs were doing after what we heard Bureau of Reclamation Project Manager Steve Darlinton said on last week’s Podcast. Steve showed us a very large whirlpool that had formed out in Fresno Reservoir caused by the huge amount of water that was being let out of it to get the farmers in the area much needed water for crops and livestock. If you would like to watch last week’s Podcast with guest Steve Darlinton, just click here. With drought conditions already happening and those being made worse because of the St Mary's Siphon being out of operation, there is a serious lack of water in the area and that everyone very concerned. So, with very low water now in Fresno and more water coming out of Nelson, will the fish survive? And what about the rest of the Milk River Basin? Listen to this podcast and get the answers to those and many other important questions about the present and future of these two wonderful fisheries. Plus, Cody also took some time to give a great update on how the Paddlefish season is going and he even gave some tips on how to not get skunked if you are lucky enough to have a tag for his area! Course, his great advice will work no matter where you are going to fish for those big nosed wonders of the deep. There is a TON if great information here so make sure you and mash that play button! If you want to watch the podcast you can do that on YouTube. Click here to do that! We would also love you even more than we already do if you would please share this Podcast on social media and with your friends and family!

Links:

• To learn more about Fresno Reservoir click here.
• Click here to learn more about Nelson Reservoir.
• To learn more about all the new Paddlefish regulation changes that Rigger and Cody talked about click here.
• Click here to watch Cody’s video titled "How to Snag and Release Paddlefish". It has some fantastic information!
• To watch another great video from Cody about how to catch a Paddlefish, and it is perfect to watch on your phone, click here.
• Do you have questions for Fisheries Biologist Cody Nagel? Just Click here to send him an email.
• Be sure and let Rigger know what you thought of this podcast and what your ideas are for future podcast topics!

Remember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.

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This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale talks with Steve Darlinton Project Manager for the Bureau of Reclamation. Rigger and Steve have a fascinating discussion about the state of Freson Dam. You may recall back in December of 2023 Rigger talked with Steve about the precarious state that Fresno Dam was in. It was sinking! In fact, it had sunk ten feet since it had been constructed back in the 1930s. NOT something you want a dam to do! So, Steve and his crew set out to go about the tricky task of trying to save the dam. How is that going? Interesting (and possibly a bit concerning) have you seen the whirlpool that has been getting bigger and bigger out there in Nelson Reservoir?! First and foremost, DO NOT go near that at all. Yes, it is dangerous! What is causing that, besides the obvious answer of “there is a lot of water draining out of the reservoir”, Steve does a great job of explaining all that, and needless to say, it is VERY interesting. Heck, the whole Podcast is flat fascinating. Be sure and listen to find out all the details. Rigger and Steve also talk about if the St Mary’s Siphon failure and repairs are affecting both Fresno and Nelson Reservoirs and a whole lot more. No matter if you fish, recreate or live near Fresno or Nelson reservoirs, you will be fascinated by the amazing podcast so hit that play button and listen!

Links:

• Heads up, Hi-Line travelers! The Bureau of Reclamation will temporarily close Fresno Reservoir Road across Fresno Dam from Wednesday, June 25 through Wednesday, July 2. Click here for more info.
• For lots of information and updates about the Fresno Dam project click here.
• Questions for Steve Darlinton? Click here to email him.
• Your buddy Downrigger Dale is happy to track down information for you as well. Click here to send him an email. While you are at it also let him know what other topics you would like him to tackle!

Remember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.

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There was once a law many years ago in Montana that basically said women were not allowed to fish alone! Well, move over guys because women in Montana are becoming Outdoors Women. This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale talks with Kylie Kembel, Coordinator of the BOW or Becoming an Outdoors Women program at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Kylie talks about all the different skills that women can learn in the different BOW events that she and her staff put on throughout the year. Ladies can learn how to icefish, flyfish, backpack, snowshoe, gain backcountry survival skills and list goes on and on, even how to make soap out of parts of the wild game that they learn how to harvest! How do they do that? Click the play button above and listen and find out. In fact, one of Rigger’s daughters attended one of the programs and she loved it! There is just a tremendous number of things that women can learn that will put them on the way to discovering Montana’s Outdoors in a way that they may have never thought possible. And for all you guys out there this podcast is for you as well! Do you possess an outdoor skill that you would like to share with others? BOW is always looking for those that can teach outdoor skills to the BOW participants. Listen to find how you can get involved. So, ladies what are you waiting for? Listen to this podcast and learn how to get involved! Don’t forget, the Montana Outdoor Podcast is now on video! You can watch any time on YouTube by clicking here! This is the second video podcast but most all of them will be on video from now on. You of course can still listen to the audio version from any podcast site or by returning to this site every week.

Links:

• Click here to learn more about BOW and find out when the next program is starting! You can attend whichever classes interest you!
• You can click here to sign up to get emails or texts with updates on upcoming BOW events and classes.
• Questions for Kylie? Simply click here to send her and email and ask her whatever you want.
• Rigger would love to hear from you as well. Click here to email him and let him know your thoughts about this episode of the Montana Outdoor Podcast and give him your ideas for topics for future Podcasts.

Remember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.

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This week on the Montana Outdoor Podcast your host Downrigger Dale has a very interesting discussion with Brian Wakeling, Game Management Bureau Chief for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Rigger received emails from a whole lot of you wanting more information about the new Mule Deer Management Plan that Brian and his staff are working on right now. Mule Deer are a VERY popular species to hunt here in Montana and a great deal of hunters and outdoor folks in general have been concerned about the decline in Mule Deer populations in many hunting districts across the state. Thus, one of the main reasons for the FWP developing a new management plan. So, what is a management plan anyway? Who decides what goes into the plan? What are the main issues facing Montana's Mule Deer? Is it just Chronic Wasting Disease or are there other issues that are causing population declines? Recently Brian and his staff conducted a series of public workshops across Montana to get input from folks across the state. Mainly they wanted to hear ideas and what folks would like to see in the New Management plan. So how did the workshops go? Those and many other questions will be answered when you listen to this fascinating podcast. So, what are you waiting for click that play button and give this week's podcast a listen! By the way thanks to all of you that listen and share this podcast! It has grown by leaps and bounds, in fact we just found out that it is now in the top one percent of the most downloaded podcasts in the Nation! Thanks to all of you and to our incredible sponsors, Rocky Mountain Truck and Trailer and Superior Hardwoods of Montana!

Links:

• To look at the latest Mule Deer Population Report click here.
• To learn more about Chronic Wasting Disease, see maps of where CWD has occurred in Montana and other CWD related information, click here.
• Click here to learn the basics about Mule Deer in Montana.
• To look up harvest estimates for Mule Deer or any other game animals in Montana click here.
• Do you have questions for Montana Game Management Bureau Chief Brian Wakeling? Click here to send him an email.
• Your buddy Downrigger Dale would love to hear from you with thoughts about this episode, and your ideas for future podcast topics! Click here to send Rigger an email.

Remember to tune in to The Montana Outdoor Radio Show, live every Saturday from 6:00AM to 8:00AM MT. The show airs on 30 radio stations across the State of Montana. You can get a list of our affiliated radio stations on our website. You can also listen to recordings of past shows, get fishing and and hunting information and much more at that website or on our Facebook page. You can also watch our radio show there as well.