Each spring, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks receives several calls from people who have picked up deer fawns or other wildlife. FWP no longer accepts, holds or rehabilitates ungulates like deer, moose and elk because the animals often die from the stress of captivity, and because of concerns with the spread of disease.

​There are many cases in which good intentions lead to dire consequences. One spring in Miles City, a person saw a fledgling bald eagle hopping around on the ground, which is normal behavior as they learn to fly. Thinking the bird was injured, the person threw a blanket over it and brought it to the FWP office. The eagle escaped and flew in the opposite direction of the nest, and it’s not known if it returned.
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In a more high-profile case in Yellowstone National Park two years ago, a bison calf was picked up and transported by tourists who believed it had been abandoned. The calf ultimately had to be euthanized because it couldn’t be reunited with the herd and continued to approach people and vehicles.

Congrats! to Duke and Duchess. First chick arrived today! Mom and dad are already feeding the little tyke. We still have two more eggs to go, but we are well on our way. 

Things happened a bit earlier this year then in the past. We had previously seen our chicks hatch in the first week in June. Looks like this little one just couldn't wait.

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My Apologies for all that follow our #OspreyMontana.com cam about the delay in getting this posted. We confirmed on 05/01/2018 that we have Three (3) Eggs in our nest again this year. Congrats to Duchess and Duke and we all hope for the best for these three potential chicks. 

Last year we saw the first chick hatch the first week of June. So keep your eyes open in the next couple weeks and we hope to see some small bundles of fuzz in the nest.

​Rivers and Streams opened on May 19th. Most of them are still high and muddy around NW Montana still. We should see that tapering off as the run off slows down.

Thompson & Fisher Rivers
Both rivers have been staying fairly clear. Try small dry flies in PMD or Adams. Spinners try your small Panther Martins or Thomas Cyclones.

Pelican Elite coolers are designed to look as rugged as they work. These coolers have built in handles that are part of the cooler's body to ensure you never have to worry about it breaking. They are considered the toughest handles in the cooler industry. They use stainless steel hardware to ensure locks and closures do not become damaged, regardless of what you throw at it (literally). It is made with two inches of insulation and guaranteed to be durable. These coolers use freezer grade seal that wraps the entire life, ensuring that warm air is kept out.

​Echo Lake
Good Large and Small Mouth Bass fishing. Try Pete’s Chatter baits or small Strike King KVD 1.5 Square bill Crank Baits. There is a little Salmon trolling in the main lake as well.

Lake Mary Ronan
The ice went out on April 25th. Few reports of Salmon and Rainbows. Mt Meadow will be having a Grand Opening on 05/05/2018 – 6PM. Lyle says come on down.