Montana

Increase in illegally-taken mountain lions in central Montana

Published

1 month ago

March 13, 2026

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks says there was an increase in illegally-taken mountain lions in central Montana in 2025.

According to wardens, five mountain lions were harvested in Region 4, and three hunters admitted they purchased their lion license only after shooting the animal.

The hunters were cited for hunting without a valid license or unlawful possession of wildlife. Total fines and restitution amounted to $3,605.

All of the illegally-taken lions were confiscated.

Game Warden Sgt. Trent Farmer said in a news release: “These are really just crimes of opportunity. Hunters are encountering lions while hunting deer or elk and then trying to buy a license after the fact. Hunters who want to harvest a lion need to plan ahead and purchase a license before the season begins.”

Full details on 2026 mountain lion hunting regulations, seasons, and quotas will be released later this summer.

Region 4 stretches from Glacier County to Petroleum County, and includes Lewistown, Great Falls, Havre, and Fort Benton.

From the Montana Field Guide:

A large cat with an elongate body, powerful limbs, small head, short face, short rounded ears, long neck and long, round, black-tipped tail.
Two color phases: buff, cinnamon, and tawny to cinnamon rufous and ferruginous, and silvery gray to bluish and slaty gray; young are buffy with dark spots, and the eyes are blue for the first few months; color of upperparts is most intense midorsally; sides of muzzle and backs of ears are black; underparts are dull whitish with buff wash across the belly; end of tail is dark brown or blackish; adult total length 171 to 274 cm in males, 150 to 233 cm in females; adult tail length 53 to 81 cm; greatest length of skull 172 to 237 mm in males, 158 to 203 mm in females.
Advertisement

Eyes set forward on head for sight hunting. Adult males weigh 150 to 190 lbs., females 70 to 120 lbs. Solitary, except for females accompanied by males or kittens. Females den in caves, rock crevices, brush piles, etc. with kittens and leave them there while hunting; usually hunt by stealth at night and cover unused food for later use. Males territorial, and large male home ranges may overlap smaller ones of females.

Residents should report any possible mountain lion sightings immediately to law enforcement or to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

Source link

Montana

This Weekend is Huge for Music Lovers in Montana

Published

2 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

This Weekend is Huge for Music Lovers in Montana

There’s something special about a record or CD that feels nostalgic, and if you need another reason to support locally owned record stores in Montana, this is it.

This Saturday, April 18, is Record Store Day 2026, and independent record stores in Montana and across the country are gearing up for one of the biggest days of the year. It’s a one-day event where customers can find exclusive in-store only releases.

For record collectors, it’s a chance to find special releases that are in limited supply. I’m planning to get in line in hopes of scoring a copy of the Billy Strings NPR Tiny Desk concert on vinyl.

That’s just one of over 300 limited-edition releases that will be available on Record Store Day. You can find a complete list of 2026 releases on the Record Store Day website.

Records

Photo by Peixuan Yu

Record stores in Montana aren’t just a place to buy music. They’re a part of the fabric of the communities they serve. Cactus Records in Bozeman is considered a local landmark and the go-to spot for music lovers in town.

Sure, it’s much easier to stream music digitally, but it isn’t the same as holding a physical copy in your hands.

Record Store Day is about showing up and supporting local. Keeping these independent shops alive and thriving in a world that’s increasingly digital. Every purchase you make this Saturday goes directly back into those stores, and helps make sure they’re still here the next time you’re looking for something new.

If you plan on heading to a local record store on Saturday, don’t be surprised if you see people getting in line early. It’s a big day for vinyl lovers and music fans in Montana. I hope you find what you’re looking for.

The Ultimate Guide to 7 of Montana’s Best Record Stores

If you’re a music lover, you need to visit these awesome record stores in Montana.

Gallery Credit: Jesse James

The Best Places To Live In Montana In 2026

Find your perfect Montana city in 2026 with our guide to the state’s most livable and desirable places.

Gallery Credit: jessejames

The Most Iconic Small Town Bars and Saloons in Montana

From historic saloons to local dive bars, these are some of the best watering holes across Big Sky Country.

Gallery Credit: Jesse James

Source link

Montana

Montana Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for April 13, 2026

Published

14 hours ago

April 13, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at April 13, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from April 13 drawing

38-43-59-63-64, Powerball: 15, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from April 13 drawing

01-18-19-35-50, Star Ball: 09, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from April 13 drawing

14-20-25-29, Bonus: 04

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

Source link