I took a ten day trip to western Idaho, north central Idaho and western Montana, with more time in or near Glacier National Park because, other than McCall (western Idaho), Glacier was the only place not covered with heavy forest fire smoke.
These forest fires are clearly going to burn until snowfall, putting out lots of smoke even as they burn little new territory. I think the fires are the most significant wildlife event I saw during the trip, and a lot more needs to be written about their growing presence.
Thanks go to “b.e.” for taking over the blog while I was gone.
Ralph Maughan
Dr. Ralph Maughan is professor emeritus of political science at Idaho State University. He was a Western Watersheds Project Board Member off and on for many years, and was also its President for several years. For a long time he produced Ralph Maughan's Wolf Report. He was a founder of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. He and Jackie Johnson Maughan wrote three editions of "Hiking Idaho." He also wrote "Beyond the Tetons" and "Backpacking Wyoming's Teton and Washakie Wilderness." He created and is the administrator of The Wildlife News.
See any wildlife up in Glacier? Some fantastic country.
I saw muleys (not whitetailed deer), mountain goats, elk, and two big, full curl bighorn rams. No wolves, no bears!
The goats were right on the trail. People wondered why? I didn’t tell them they were after the salt in your urine.
There is a terrible threat from Canada to all of the west side of Glacier and surrounding area. I will write about it soon — it’s the coal development immediately adjacent to and northwest of the Glacier NP.
Ralph,
Are you a descendent of THE Peter Maughan? I know that not every Maughan is not necessarily related to Peter; however, out here, most every Maughan is. My line runs through George Harrison Maughan.
I found your blog most interesting.
Last year, were up at Slough Creek. I don’t know if they are nicer to former biology teachers than the average tourist, but the “professional” wolf watchers at Slough Creek were most helpful and informative.
My wife and I are trailering up to Slough Creek next week to try out my new Leopould scope. Hope you have time to reply.
Jay
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Note: I answered Jay by private email. RM
Ralph –
I have been following the coal mines of the North Fork for quite some time. What a disaster that plan is.
You saw some nice wildlife. Glacier is a great spot for it. I like how muley’s and white tail are in the same areas on the west side.
Did you see the full curls up on Logan?
Glacier is probably my favorite park followed by Grand Teton, and then of course Yellowstone.
Yes the full curls were on the mountain above Hidden Lake.