The weather has warmed up, baby calves are racing through the fields with their tails straight up in the air, and the mama cows’ hormones have finally settled (which means they’re not quite as determined to kill you every time you so much as glance in their calves’ direction). Branding season is officially upon us!

One of the best-known secrets of the Bitterroot Valley is the Skwala stonefly hatch on the Bitterroot River; it has lured anglers to the Bit

I was recently reminded of the cultural shift taking place in the Bitterroot Valley when, in a recent conversation with some newer residents, the term "Bitterrooter" was unrecognized. Its use was received with a quizzical look and the question, "Bitterrooter? What's that?" Good question, one that will likely lead to a series of articles, but let's try to unpack it in just this one for now, shall we?

If you're living near a cattle ranch, at some point this fall you'll likely notice the ambient sounds around your place shift from occasional bovine bellering to a cacophony of clamorous cattle. Fall is Montana cattle shipping season, the time of year when ranchers wean their spring calves off their mommas and prepare for shipping day. Naturally, this causes a loud and noisy protest, but don't fret; you'll get used to it and maybe even come to love it as I do. After being se

After a long winter, a good deep clean of the house seems always to be in order, especially if you're planning to sell. From cleaning carpets to washing windows and wiping down the cupboards and baseboards, there are many things inside that should be done to prepare a home to list on the market. It's time for spring rural listing preparation. If you're listing in rural Montana, the chores list is a little longer. Simply dusting and decluttering is not enough. Create a great f

There are many wonderful things that set life in Montana apart from other states and spring is one of them. It is my favorite time of year. Just the word 'spring' itself is happy, momentarily summoning to mind soft images of sunshine on green grass, daffodils, bunnies and baby chicks, and spring calving season. Then I look outside and reality sets in. Spring in Montana brings very harsh, wet weather. So, what makes this season so great you might ask? New life, of course, pa