Fowl Frontier

01/30/2026

01/30/2026

Fly Tying Night at the Bozeman Innovation Center

A Hands‑On Evening of Craft and Community

This week, the Core Angling Group and Fowl Frontier came together for a fun and educational Fly Tying Night at the Bozeman Innovation Center. The BIC, formerly the Simms Fishing building in the Four Corners area, provided the perfect setting for an evening focused on creativity, learning, and connection. With guidance from experienced Core Angling Group instructors, participants learned how to tie a Chironomid fly - an essential pattern for stillwater anglers. Families worked side by side at the tying benches, and it was especially rewarding to see kids quickly pick up the techniques and gain confidence with each completed fly.

Why it matters

Fly tying is more than crafting a lure. It builds patience, attention to detail, and a deeper understanding of the insects and ecosystems that make Montana waters so special. Events like this help strengthen our angling community, encourage mentorship, and inspire the next generation of responsible outdoor enthusiasts.

The evening’s experience

Participants gathered materials, settled in at their stations, and followed step‑by‑step instruction from the Core Angling team. Kids and parents collaborated closely, sharing tools, comparing progress, and celebrating each finished Chironomid. The room was full of conversation - stories about favorite fishing spots, tips for improving technique, and plenty of laughter. One of the highlights was the sense of camaraderie. Whether someone was tying their first fly or their hundredth, everyone contributed to a welcoming, supportive environment.

Lessons for all anglers

Practice builds skill. Even simple patterns teach valuable fundamentals that translate to more advanced flies.
Share the craft. Teaching kids and new anglers helps keep the tradition alive and strengthens our community.
Stay curious. Understanding entomology and fly design leads to better fishing and a deeper appreciation for the water.
Enjoy the process. Fly tying is as much about creativity and connection as it is about catching fish.
Looking ahead

If you missed this session, we would love to see you at the next one. Our upcoming Fly Tying Night will be held on Tuesday, February 3rd at 5:00 PM at the Bozeman Innovation Center. Bring your curiosity, bring a friend, and join us for another great evening of learning and fun.

Happy tying, friends!

12/12/2025

We are now accepting donations for our 2026 program. Your support helps us continue our mission and expand our impact. Thank you for contributing!

Your support helps us continue our mission and expand our impact. Thank you for contributing!

12/11/2025

Winter Waterfowl on the Jefferson

December on Montana’s Jefferson River is cold, quiet, and unforgettable. I learned this firsthand when friends and a dedicated FowlFrontier student invited me to join them for a winter waterfowl hunt along the frosty riverbanks.

Before sunrise, we settled into a tucked-away spot on the shore, hidden between tall blades of frozen grass. As the sky shifted from deep indigo to pale gold, the river corridor began to stir. Canada geese glided low over the cottonwoods, golden-eyed diving ducks circled gracefully, and teal streaked past like flashes of color against the winter sky.

With each passing flock, I felt a mix of nerves, excitement, and awe that only a first hunt can bring. Between volleys, we shared stories, passed steaming cups of coffee, and soaked in the quiet beauty around us.

By midday, the flights slowed and the cold dug deeper, signaling it was time to pack up. The crew left the river laughing, tired, and grateful. For me, it was far more than a hunt; it was a winter memory etched forever into the snowy banks of the Jefferson River.

12/03/2025

Chasing the Snow: Winter Hunting in Montana

When Montana settles beneath its deep winter blanket, the Big Sky Country reveals a different kind of magic - quiet, raw, and fiercely beautiful. Early December through February marks a season where the world slows, the woods deepen, and only the truly dedicated venture into the snowy backcountry.

The mountains stand sharp and white against blue winter skies, and the hush of fresh snowfall replaces the sounds of autumn. Mule deer and whitetails move cautiously along timbered edges, conserving energy in the cold, while herds of elk drift through wind - scoured basins in search of shelter and feed. It’s a season defined by subtle signs, steady patience, and the rewarding silence of winter wilderness.

Montana’s vast public lands and winter access areas turn the hunt into more than a pursuit - they become an immersion into solitude. Tracking becomes an art form as fresh prints in the snow reveal the story of the morning. Long glassing sessions over frozen ridgelines demand endurance, but the payoff - an Elk cow easing through the timber.

Winter demands preparation and respect. The weather can shift in minutes: biting wind, blinding snow, and subzero mornings are part of the experience. But for hunters ready to embrace the elements, Montana offers a clarity and challenge found in no other season.

Winter hunting here isn’t just a test of skill; it’s a testament to resilience. For those who brave the cold, the memories forged in the stillness of Montana’s winter last long after the snow melts.

11/10/2025

This year we launched our very first Big Game Mentored Hunt, and our students absolutely crushed it - harvesting 1 pronghorn and 6 deer! 🦌

Huge thanks to everyone who made these hunts possible, and an extra shout-out to Primos Hunting for hooking us up with blinds and shotgun tripods that helped our students shoot accurately and confidently.

11/05/2025

Region 3 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks graciously hosted our organizational meetings in 2025 and provided the kids with bright orange bird vests and great swag. A special thank-you to Morgan Jacobsen for lending a hand with cooking at our Upland Bird Hunt!

11/05/2025

Stone Glacier supplied essential blaze orange hats and awesome swag for the kids!

11/05/2025

Kenetrek Boots and onX Hunt provided digital maps and warm socks, keeping our hunters comfortable and prepared for those cold morning outings!

11/05/2025

MeatEater and Costco teamed up to coordinate and provide delicious volunteer lunches throughout all our events.

11/05/2025

Students’ electronic ear protection was donated by Belgrade Rocky Mountain Supply, helping us promote safety and awareness during all shooting activities.