In a wildlife spectacle not to be missed, each spring vast numbers of migrating Snow Geese and other waterfowl stop at Freezout Lake WMA near Choteau, Montana, to rest and rejuvenate before continuing on to breeding grounds in the far north. Flathead Audubon Society is pleased to once again offer our annual weekend field trip to experience this phenomenon.
We will meet at 10am on Saturday morning, March 28, at the Burger King and Tractor Supply parking lot in Evergreen, located on the corner of Highways 2 and 35. Bob Lee will provide a suggested schedule and route for proceeding to Choteau, with birding along the way. An afternoon arrival should allow time for goose watching. After a night in Choteau, we’ll head back to Freezout Lake just before daybreak on Sunday to watch the “mass ascension” of Snow Geese from the WMA ponds as they head to agricultural fields to feed. We’ll then search the fields for closer observations of the birds. Participants are welcome to return to Kalispell at their own pace.
In recent years this has become a popular destination, making early lodging reservations essential as the limited options will fill up quickly. Please make your own arrangements as soon as possible. Local motel options include the Stage Stop Inn (406-466-5900), Gunther Motel (406-466-5444), and Big Sky Motel (406-466-5318). An Airbnb cabin is available a few miles away in Bowman’s Corner (andrewgertge@gmail.com). Freezout WMA has primitive camping sites as well, which also may fill up quickly.
FWP requires anyone recreating on state lands to hold a current Montana conservation license. Licenses are available through the FWP website at https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/conservation-license, or through any authorized license dealer. The cost is $8 for residents, $4 for youths and seniors, and $10 for nonresidents. Note that the license year runs from March 1 through February 28 each year, so you are advised to wait until after March 1 to purchase your license for it to be valid for use on future 2026 FAS trips.
To sign up and for more information, please contact Bob at RML3@centurytel.net. Allow time for him to respond, as he
will be traveling at times