Butte Ranger District

We are only a few days away from a day that hunters from all across Montana and even all across the entire region have had circled on their calendars since early last December. The Treasure State's general big game rifle season opens on Saturday, October 21 and we had the chance to talk with local forester and avid outdoor enthusiast Jocelyn Dodge about what steps you need to take when venturing into the Montana backcountry.

With the arrival of September comes cooler temperatures and fall colors and plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities on the Beaverhead-Deer Lodge National Forest. Local forester and outdoor enthusiast Jocelyn Dodge gave us some insight on what to expect this fall if you plan on venturing out into the woods, be it for some late-season camping, the beginning of big-game archery season or just a relaxing drive on a Southwest Montana backcountry road.

Make no mistake. It is HOT in Southwest Montana this summer. As temperature records fall across the entire country, the mercury in our neck of the woods has gone into the 90s several times already and August looks as though it could be another scorcher. However, there are areas nearby where the temperatures are a bit cooler, the air has a little more moisture, and the views are unbeatable. Southwest Montana forester and outdoor recreation expert Jocelyn Dodge has a few viable suggestions.

What is the best way to handle all of this summertme heat? Many are looking for the best way to cool off and local forester and recreation expert Jocelyn Dodge says that some ways of doing just that can involve some of Southwest Montana's beautiful waterways and can be a great way to spend some quality time with friends and family.

One of the best things about living in Montana is the availability and proximity of trails and dirt roads that are literally only minutes away on those days when you need to get away for it all and enjoy a drive in the country. Forest Service roads are in every direction as are fishing access sites and even mountain trails. With the arrival of spring comes the inevitable urge to get out and drive but local forester Jocelyn Dodge reminds us to be careful as this can be a dangerous time of year in Montana.

Forester Jocelyn Dodge offers safety tips to Southwest Montana sportsmen and women.