Public Land or Private Plan? Montana’s Outdoor Bills Under Fire

In our Season 2 finale, we go deep into the wild world of Montana’s 2025 outdoor legislation. From elk management to public land access, drone bans to landowner perks. We break down the bills that could shape the future of hunting, fishing, and conservation in Big Sky Country.You’ll hear our honest opinions, hot takes, and a few rants about the policies we love and the ones that made us shake our heads. We’re talking HB 676, HB 907, HB 763, SB 270, HJ 24, and more.This one’s long, fiery, and full of laughs, but it’s also a serious look at the direction Montana is heading. If you care about public access, fair chase, and the soul of our outdoor lifestyle, this is the episode you can’t miss.

In this episode, we sit down with renowned outdoorswoman and conservation advocate Mia Anstine — host of Mac Outdoors soon to be Mia’s Wild Range Report — to talk about the crossroads where tradition, nature, and policy collide. From hunting ethics and trophy respect to the shifting political landscape around Second Amendment rights in Colorado, Mia shares her seasoned perspective on what it means to be a responsible hunter in today’s rapidly changing world. We dive into the tragedy of the commons, the growing strain on outdoor spaces, and how an influx of new residents is reshaping states like Colorado. We even get into her recent javelina hunt near the Mexican border, how to protect your taxidermy from cloth moths, and what it really means when someone calls an animal a “trophy.” This one’s packed with insight, stories, and strong opinions — don’t miss it 

In this episode, we sit down with our good friend Rob—the man who originally inspired us to start this podcast. Rob is a pilot, and from the beginning, we’ve talked about the dream of him flying us into a remote location for a hunt. That dream finally became a reality when he flew us in for Garett’s elk hunt. While we didn’t get an elk, the experience was unforgettable. We talk about what it’s like to fly into the backcountry, the preparation involved, and the mindset of a bush pilot. Rob shares his journey as a pilot, what drives people to do what they love, and, of course, how he saved us by flying in with much-needed water when we ran out. This is a great conversation about adventure, passion, and the kind of friendships that make it all worthwhile. 

This week, we break down three major bills—two in Montana and one in Colorado. The Colorado gun control bill SB25-003 aims to make it much harder for law-abiding citizens to obtain semiautomatic weapons. In Montana, one bill looks to scale back nonresident landowner privileges towards hunting liscenses, while another seeks to prevent the Fish and Game Commission from halting mule deer hunts during the rut.Beyond the legislation, we take a hard look at gun control, the Second Amendment, and how governments use fear and regulation to influence the public. Whether you’re a hunter, gun owner, or just interested in how these policies impact everyday people, this episode is full of debate, analysis, and straight talk.

In this episode, we sit down with Jesse to hear about his outdoor upbringing in the East, his travels across the country, and how his journey led him to Montana, where he met Garett, and eventually to Colorado. We dive into the story behind his record-winning Missouri whitetail buck, taken on public land, and his current work with Rocky Mountain National Park.We also get into a passionate discussion about national parks, conservation, and the importance of raising kids in the outdoors—passing down traditions that keep hunting, fishing, and outdoor lifestyles alive for generations. And of course, we wrap it all up with a little Fishmas talk.Tune in for hunting stories, fiery debates, and a celebration of the outdoor way of life!

In this episode of Bovasin Outdoors, we sit down with professional chef and expert forager Sam Bretz to explore the wild world of edible plants. From his early days in the kitchen to his adventures abroad, we dive into Sam’s culinary journey and how foraging became a passion that transformed his cooking.We reminisce about growing up together, swap plenty of laughs, and get into the nitty-gritty of foraging—discussing the surprising number of edible greens, flowers, and mushrooms hiding in plain sight across the Northwest. Sam also shares insights from the foraging classes he teaches, offering tips on how to get started foraging safely and sustainably.If you’ve ever been curious about finding food in the wild or just love a good mix of adventure and storytelling, this episode is packed with knowledge, nostalgia, and a whole lot of fun.

In this episode, we dive into Brian’s unforgettable journey pursuing one of Montana’s Big Three: the elusive mountain goat. This once-in-a-lifetime tag demanded months of preparation, from scouting the perfect goat to strategizing the gear, caliber, and bullet choice for the rugged hunt ahead.Join us as Brian recounts the incredible landscapes where these animals thrive, the physical and mental challenges of navigating steep cliffs and treacherous terrain, and the heart-pounding moment of nearly losing his goat to the unforgiving mountains.And as if the goat hunt wasn’t enough, Brian shares the icing on the cake—a perfectly placed bow shot on an antelope the very next day. It’s a story of grit, precision, and sheer determination you won’t want to miss!

In this episode, we take a look back at an unforgettable year filled with incredible hunts and major life milestones. From Holly and Jared tying the knot to Harlow’s arrival, it’s been a year of big moments. We share stories of Holly’s deer and antelope buck, Garett’s bull elk, and an epic airplane trip into untouched land. We also dive into the killer duck season so far and look ahead to exciting goals for next year—targeting Sandhill cranes, paddlefish, spring bear, hopeful ice fishing for walleye and salmon, and maybe some out-of-state adventures. Everything depends on what tags we draw, but the possibilities are endless!

In this episode of The Bovasin Outdoor Chronicles, we bring you the stories and updates every Montanan outdoorsman needs to know—news that may have been overlooked during the busy big game season. We cover the ongoing debate around stream access laws, FWP's management (and mismanagement) of game species, and spotlight both the best and worst groups shaping Montana's outdoor future.The discussion includes the impact of the American Prairie Reserve, access issues involving private landowners, and the successes and challenges of the Block Management program. We also examine crop damage, damage hunts, and their significance in Montana's hunting landscape.Tune in for an engaging look at the good, the bad, and the forgotten aspects of Montana’s great outdoors!

 In this episode, we wrap up our challenging 2024 big game season with an epic finale. After weeks of hard work and few animals, Garett finally bagged his elk after two relentless days of tracking a bull. Then, on the final weekend, Jared and Holly both tagged out—Holly with her biggest buck yet and Jared with a mature Montana prairie mule deer on the very last day. The season tested our grit, but in the end, persistence paid off, and the trophies hit the ground. Tune in to hear the highs, lows, and lessons from a season we’ll never forget.