| Nature lovers will find that there is an abundance of | | | | Sun River Wildlife Management Area is another great |
| opportunities to appreciate the things they're | | | | place for viewing the natural wildlife in Great Falls. The |
| passionate about in Great Falls, Montana. There is a | | | | goal here is to improve the quality of habitats for elk |
| wide variety of wildlife in the area that can be | | | | and other wildlife, as well as to provide both viewing |
| observed any time of year. Great Falls has been | | | | and hunting opportunities. |
| considered the best viewing area for wild animals and | | | | The wide variety of game bird, non-game bird, and |
| birdwatching. | | | | animal species provide for impressive viewing from |
| Covering thirteen square miles, Benton Lake National | | | | May 15 through December 1. Spring and fall are the |
| Wildlife Refuge is a very popular place to visit for | | | | best times to see the migrations of birds. Winter is the |
| these types of activities. There is a Prairie Marsh | | | | prime season for spotting Elk. |
| Wildlife Drive Auto Tour that takes you over nine miles | | | | Hunting and fishing are permitted in the Sun River |
| of terrain in about an hour and a half. There are signs | | | | Wildlife Management Area. Elk hunting is permitted |
| along the tour that tell about each area. In the first | | | | during archery season. You may hunt deer, black bear, |
| section, you will find eight manmade wetland areas | | | | and grouse during archery season as well as their |
| that are perfect for breeding ducks. There is an open | | | | individual seasons. Fishing is permitted in Barr Creek |
| prairie, ideal for birds such as meadowlarks, longspurs, | | | | and Swayze and Dickens Lakes. |
| and sparrows. There are opportunities to see duck | | | | There are plenty of other wildlife refuges in the area, |
| nests and hatchlings. You can even walk the Prairie | | | | such as the Ear Mountain Wildlife Management Area, |
| Marsh Trail and take the boardwalk out over the | | | | where you can spot mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, |
| marsh to look for a variety of nests. | | | | and grizzlies. Judith Wildlife Management Area |
| The hunting of waterfowl and game bird is permitted | | | | provides plenty of opportunity for viewing the elk and |
| during waterfowl season, which is during the months of | | | | deer that feed on the lush vegetation there. Kevin Rim |
| October and November. Big game hunting is not | | | | is another area that offers viewing of elk, deer, fox, |
| permitted. | | | | and other native wildlife. |