Warren Illi: Flathead Outdoors
Explore Warren Illi’s Flathead Outdoors column, offering seasoned insight into Northwest Montana’s wildlife, hunting, fishing, and outdoor traditions. His writing highlights local ecosystems, regulations, seasonal activities, and decades of field experience across Northwest Montana.
A modern arsenal for ice fishing
The recent cold weather has been very welcome for those of us that like to ice fish.
OUTDOORS: Modern toys for ice anglers
My fishing success on my last trip was hampered by the above average January temperatures...
Time to get involved in legislative issues
Our hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, trapping and other outdoor recreation heritage rights are up for review...
We must be vigilant!
We, who live in Montana, have been largely spared from most of those disruptions...
Time to hit the ice!
Last week, along with a couple dozen other folks, I was on Smith Lake...
Snow, a hindrance or help to hunters
If there is one weather factor that can and does influence hunter success it is snow.
Best days ahead for hunters
If you love to hunt, the best 10 days of the general deer and elk season are just ahead. Most hunters who are reading this column will still have their un-notched deer and elk tags in their pocket.
Fall hunts require ‘bear aware’ vigilence
Fall is in the air. As I write this column on Sunday morning, it is 39 degrees at my cabin. Not exactly a mid-summer morning temperature.
Dock sitting a favored summer past time
It’s mid-August and summer is winding down. For those of you that know me, I am usually searching for that elusive trophy rainbow trout or some good-eating kokanee salmon at this time of year.
Potential land easements could increase public access in Northwest Montana
If you are a camper, hiker, hunter, angler, 4-wheeler, huckleberry picker or just like the outdoors, you are about to be given a huge gift of land for recreation use.
Spring best season for wildlife watching
Last week I had a tough choice to make. Should I spend some time at my lake cabin and do some fishing and turkey hunting or head east and spend a few days on my farm?
Time to find a way to increase access to Montana state lands
It’s spring time in Montana and outdoor recreational opportunities abound in great abundance.
Boat anglers must be cautious
Ready to go fishing? If you are an ice fisherman, I think you are out of luck until next December. If you are a boat fisherman, you have some limited options.
What is impact of 'anti's' on wolf management?
Wolves, wolves and wolves.
What is impact of ‘anti’s’ on wolf management?
Wolves, wolves and wolves.
Pulling the trigger doesn't always make a great hunt
Last November was a transitional point in my adult life.