Warren Illi: Flathead Outdoors
See the latest column from Warren Illi here!
Fish management failures
Last week I drove to my cabin in the Thompson Chain of Lakes, planning to do some spring cabin chores and squeeze …
Spring firewood gathering
Spring is here in the Flathead with its ever-expanding variety of outdoor activities. Last weekend was just too nice to stay indoors, so I had to do a little hiking just to get out and soak up some spring sunshine.
2024 fish regs and non-native species
Wasn’t last weekend wonderful? With temperatures in the 50s, sunshine and no wind, I just had to dig out my dusty lawn chair, walk to the back yard, sit my butt down and soak up the glorious heat and sun. If this w…
2024 Montana hunting regulations
The much-awaited 2024 deer, elk and antelope hunting regulations are out for public review and implementation. This is one of Montana’s most popular publications, with 270,000 copies printed each year.
Fishing for muskie
What’s probably the rarest game fish in Northwest Montana? I’ll bet that 99% of local fishermen can’t answer that question correctly.
Failed fishery management
Sunday’s Daily Inter Lake had an interesting article about a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks proposal for what might be viewed as reinventing the wheel. The proposal is considering to restart a program to kill lak…
Start the ice fishing season at Sunriser tourney
Yes, in spite of our unusually warm weather, ice fishing season is here. ‘Tis the hard water fishing season!
Reviewing the elk management plan
During the last few days, I have been reading the new 470-page Montana Statewide Elk Management Plan. What was of most interest to me and probably most hunters, is found on pages 15-41.
Snoozing on the job
Our general rifle season for deer and elk ended last Sunday. If you are like me, after many days of hunting starting in September, first for grouse, then archery hunting for deer and elk, then ducks & pheasants and…
Know where you stand
The phrase “know where you stand” is the ad line for the Missoula based cell phone app used by millions of hunters to assist them in hunting.
Exploring Montana's backroads
If you want to enjoy this week’s Outdoor column, you must set your clock back 100 years or more as we explore a backroads corner of Montana.
The many joys of early autumn
Ah September, one of my favorite months of the year. Our days are warm and sunny, with crisp cool nights and tons of opportunities to go hunting, fishing, hiking or camping.
Getting in the game with trail cameras
I recently received a new issue of a bow hunting magazine. It included their annual review of new bow hunting gear. There were over 60 pages of new bow hunting…
Right to bear arms
Here we are in the middle of the Fourth of July week.
A fishing lure junkie
As you read this column about fishing, my wife, son and friend from Kalispell will be on our way to Northern Manitoba for some world class fishing.