Russell Country Wildlife Abounds

Northcentral Montana is home to 250 bird species and over 100 mammals. Several wildlife management areas and wildlife refuges in Russell Country offer excellent opportunities for viewing a variety of abundant wildlife. Check with Fish, Wildlife and Parks for information on access to wildlife management areas. 406-454-5840.

On the Rocky Mountain Front, nine miles northwest of MT Hwy. 287 near Augusta, is Sun River Wildlife Management Area. Large numbers of elk can usually be observed during winter months.

Freezeout Lake Wildlife Managment Area borders US Hwy. 89 between Fairfield and Choteau. Here you can view upland game birds year 'round, raptors in winter, waterfowl migrations in spring and fall and waterfowl and shore birds in summer.

Farther north on US Hwy. 89 are roads that lead to Blackleaf Wildlife Management Area and Ear Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Entrance to Blackleaf WMA is fifteen miles west of US 89 near Bynum. Ear Mountain WMA is 22 miles west of Choteau. Both provide viewing opportunities for elk, mule, and white-tailed deer, black bear, grizzly bear and a variety of songbirds and raptors.

Eleven miles southwest of Utica in the east end of the Little Belt Mountains lies Judith Wildlife Management Area. This area provides abundant vegetation for wintering elk and deer.

Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 14 miles north of Great Falls just off US Hwy. 87, offers a self-guided auto tour route through the refuge. The refuge has critical habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife.

The Kevin Rim area north of Shelby has outstanding raptor viewing along county roads. Northwest of Shelby in the Sweet Grass Hills are deer, elk, fox, raptors and upland game birds.