Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A . C O M 33 sense assure good outcomes for both visitors and wildlife. Additional ungulates include pronghorn, seen along the prairie sections; mule deer at higher elevations; and white-tailed deer along the creek. All are especially active in the fall, and often nurture their young close to the road in early summer. I suspect they have learned over time that their safety is greater from predators if they are closer to where the visitors are. ey're not tame — just smart. e chief predator is the coyote, and black bears and mountain lions are present as well. One early morning along Pauline Creek I came upon a black bear sow and three cubs. After a minute or so they bolted away up the opposite hillside, while I watched from my portable blind (my vehicle). It took another five minutes or so to notice a large cinnamon bear, presumably a boar, in thick brush only 20 yards from the car, which explained the entire encounter. ese animals have a certain comfort level with vehicles, so I rarely get out to use my tripod. Use a beanbag in the car window and turn off the engine for sharp photos. e NBR offers much beyond wildlife viewing. e hills are covered with Arrowleaf Balsamroot in the spring, and Bitterroots are found at the end of the "Bitterroot Trail" in late June. Most of the Range was covered by Glacial Lake Missoula 10,000 years ago. Its shorelines are visible on the north and east facing slopes. In keeping with the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the sole priority is welfare of the wildlife. Six possibilities for public use are left to the discretion of each refuge manager. e NBR permits wildlife viewing and photography, and encour- ages education and approved research programs. Fishing is permit- ted in the Jocko River, the southern border of the Range. It is also allowed in portions of Mission Creek. A reservation fishing license is required. Hunting is not permitted. Visit the NBR for a "Distinctly Montana" experience. The refuge phone is 406-644-2211. Information is also found at www.fws.gov/refuge/national_bison_range. White-tail twins, commonly seen along Mission Creek in the early summer Trumpeter swans in late summer, iin the pond near the picnic area Bull elk crossing Mission Creek CONTINUED

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