BIG DEER blogger Dan has been watching 30-plus bucks all summer, including the 2 studs above. He writes in an update: None of them have dispersed yet, and there are more bucks showing up… I got over 4,000 pics this past week alone and saw several new bucks!  Some of the regulars were back that I had thought moved on. I'm certain that they will separate and move away very soon, but I've never had this many bucks stick around this long. Or, maybe I'm wrong and they will stick around for the whole family to chase all season! This could be an awesome year for us.  Today is the bow opener for Dan. He’s taking his daughter, Lexi, right after [...]

More than 70 wildfires are burning in 8 Western states, dozens of them in hot and dry Montana, where 2017 archery elk and deer seasons are opening up. Residents and the many out-of-staters that hunt Big Sky are wondering how the dry conditions and fire danger might affect their hunting. As of today, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is not recommending the closure of any seasons. “(But) if a private landowner or an agency such as the Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management makes the decision to restrict or postpone hunting or other activity on their property, that is a decision we respect and accept," said FWP Director Martha Williams. Due to fire danger, currently more than 80 [...]