Winter in Northeast Montana is a time of serene beauty, and with more room to roam, you can experience the wild, untamed spirit of Montana like never before. In addition to welcoming communities and outdoor recreation opportunities, the expansive snow-covered prairies leave ample opportunity for incredible wildlife viewing experiences. So bundle up, bring your binoculars, and set out on a winter adventure to discover the region’s remarkable wildlife. (Featured image courtesy of Ken Ploudre)
American Bison
Photo credit: American Prairie
Perhaps the most iconic animal in the American West, the American bison, once nearly hunted to extinction, makes its home in Northeast Montana in protected habitats. American Prairie is one of the best places to view bison in their natural habitat. Their thick coats make them resistant to cold and they have to move about in search of food in the winter. The bison are easiest to observe when visiting the Reserve’s public access points near Malta.
Snowy Owl
Photo credit: Ken Ploudre
Snowy owls are quite rare and they can be seen in Northeast Montana during the winter. They prefer to stand on bare and open fields and hunt rodents and small birds. You should try to look for them round the towns of Plentywood and Scobey
Pronghorn Antelope
Despite the cold, pronghorn antelope are still strong enough to survive the winter on the open prairies. The most likely place to find them is in the wide open country round Jordan, Hinsdale, and up to the Canadian border
Elk
Photo Credit: Ken Ploudre
Herds are easier to see in the winter as the animals come down from the highlands in search of food. The Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and the hills surrounding Fort Peck Lake are ideal for watching these regal animals.
Bald Eagle
Photo Credit: Ruth Boysun
Winter brings an influx of bald eagles to Missouri River Country as they migrate from northern regions to hunt along open waterways. They can be seen sitting in cottonwood trees along the rivers or near Fort Peck Reservoir, where they scan for fish and waterfowl.
Mule and Whitetail Deer
Missouri River Country is home to large numbers of both mule and whitetail deer which can easily be spotted in the winter amongst the white backdrop of our vast snow-covered landscape. Mule deer can be seen grazing in the plains or near waterways where whitetail deer are more common near forested areas. They are prominent and can easily be seen plains and badlands of Northeast Montana.
Sharp-Tailed Grouse
These strong birds remain in flocks and are usually seen in the open prairies, particularly in the brush. Their population can be best seen around Sidney and Glendive
Ring-Necked Pheasants
Photo credit: Ken Ploudre
Pheasants are widespread in Northeast Montana, especially in the farmland and shelterbelts. In winter, they hide in the tall grass and shrubs, but prefer to be near grain fields. They normally travel and gather in groups and their distinctive colorful heads are easy to spot amongst the vast white snow-covered plains
Coyotes
Coyotes are active during the winter and can often be seen traversing snow-covered fields in search of food. The open grasslands and river bottoms throughout Missouri River Country offer frequent sightings.
With more room to roam and more miles to explore, there is a reason that wildlife viewings are so prominent in Northeast Montana. The open prairies, river bottoms and waterways, and forested havens of Missouri River Country create a breathtaking backdrop for spotting wildlife in their natural habitats. As you set out to explore this winter, remember to travel safely, check road and weather conditions before heading out, and keep a safe distance from wildlife. Never approach wild animals and rather admire from afar, and leave the landscape as pristine as you found it. Happy adventuring and wildlife watching this winter in Northeast Montana!
