...an Eastern Montana perspective
There are deer and antelope through out eastern Montana but the Broadus, Ekalaka, Baker and Wibaux, Montana areas seem to have an over-abundance of large game animals and game birds, and a few head of domestic cattle. Drive with care when touring this beautiful corner of southeast Montana. The wildlife, and sometimes cattle, want to share the roadway, or maybe they consider that the road belongs to them. Anyway, it is best to drive with care during the day, and even more importantly during the night. I am particularly thinking of State Highway 59 between Broadus and Miles City, Montana. If you are not careful, you could have a slow-footed mule deer ornament on your vehicle hood, or spear an overweight low-flying pheasant with your vehicle radio antenna and have a very unique antenna bulb.
One mile north of Miles City, Montana is Pirogue Island State Park. This island is an isolated, undeveloped, cotton-wood covered island that is located in the Yellowstone River. During periods of low water, a small channel can be forded by vehicle to obtain access to the island from the mainland, and it always can be forded by "floating the river". The site is a haven for waterfowl, bald eagles and whitetail and mule deer. The island has a primitive park designation with no fees and with no over-night camping.
Twenty five miles south of Baker, Montana on State Highway 7, and then 1 mile west on a county road is Medicine Rocks State Park. The closest town is actually Ekalaka, Montana. The park has a primitive park designation with no fees. No metal detectors, digging, collecting or removal of artifacts are allowed. As the name implies, Medicine Rocks was a place of "big medicine" where Indian hunting parties conjured up magical spirits. The sandstone rock formations give to enjoyable photography, hiking and wildlife viewing in the remote and primitive site. The site is open year around, and has camping limit days.
a personal sketch and photo Somewhere in Southeast Montana
See Disclaimer @ Eastern Montana ... a perspective of a former resident and frequent visitor