What’s Driving the Obsession for Antlers?

May 28, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Madison Dapcevich

Antlers come in all shapes and sizes and their growth and patterns are influenced by many factors

As interest and the market for antlers soars, elk, deer and moose ‘sheds’ are selling for $13 a pound, up nearly double over the past two decades.

Planned Repeal of ‘Public Lands Rule’ Could Unleash Federal Resource Development

May 6, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Madison Dapcevich

The Bureau of Land Management oversees 245 million acres of public land across the country

The Interior Department is exploring multiple ways to ‘restore American prosperity’ by capitalizing on timber, grazing, fossil fuels at the expense of conservation. It could also push billions of dollars of management costs onto state taxpayers.

Wild and Domestic Sheep are Comingling, Raising Concerns Over Disease Transmission

May 2, 2025 // NEWS: In Short

by Sophie Tsairis

Researchers have been surprised by the numbers of domestic sheep they've found are living near wild bighorn sheep

Researchers for MSU, FWP study are analyzing wildlife-livestock interactions, and seeking public input.

A Case of Mistaken Identity? Some Hunters are Confusing Grizzlies with Black Bears

April 28, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Madison Dapcevich

While some black bears and grizzly bears look decidedly different, some can be similar colors and sizes. Nevertheless, hunters mistaking grizzlies for black bears say they can do better.

Over the last decade, more than a dozen Greater Yellowstone grizzlies have been killed by hunters who say they mistook them for black bears.

DEQ Denies Petition to Designate Big Hole River as Impaired

April 28, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Amanda Eggert

Two nonprofits in February petitioned Montana DEQ to designate the Big Hole River as impaired

Petitioners urge DEQ to ‘use all available science’ in considering a future impairment designation.

Enviro Groups Petition DEQ to Limit Nutrient Pollution on Big Hole River

April 10, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Amanda Eggert

Petitioners say pollution-related algal blooms are threatening the Big Hole’s famed trout fishery.

Idaho DEQ Presses Pause on Proposed Stibnite Gold Mine

April 9, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Madison Dapcevich

A proposed gold mine would be located near the "Glory Hole" on the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River in Idaho

Agency requires mining company to revise water quality plan related to a gold mine that would process 120 million tons of tailings over 15 years.

USFWS Extends Comment Period for Grizzly Management Plan

March 28, 2025 // NEWS: In Short

by Madison Dapcevich

As grizzlies emerge from hibernation, their future remains unclear

This latest change follows feds rejecting state petitions to manage local grizzly populations and extends the public comment period to May 16.

Crazy Talk

March 27, 2025 // Book

by Robert Chaney

The Crazy Mountains from Paradise Valley, Montana

In her new book on Crazy Mountain property battles, journalist Amy Gamerman explores the contrasting values of cattle, renewable energy and wilderness altering an ancient landscape.

How Deep Does It Go? Future of Area Water Monitoring in Question

March 21, 2025 // NEWS: Dispatch

by Robert Chaney

The future of Greater Yellowstone water monitoring USGS performs may be in jeopardy

With USGS offices in Greater Yellowstone among dozens of regional government buildings on the chopping block, DOGE savings efforts leave anglers wondering if streamflow monitors will survive.