Deadly Bugs of Big Sky Country: Montana’s Most Dangerous Insects and How to Survive Them

On January 5, 2026 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Montana, Montana Survival Preppers, Survival PreparednessLeave a comment

If you live in Montana long enough, you learn one simple truth: nature here doesn’t need to chase you to kill you. Between the weather, the terrain, and the wildlife, Big Sky Country rewards those who prepare and punishes those who assume they’re untouchable.

Most folks worry about bears and wolves. That’s fair. But as a professional Montana survival prepper who’s spent decades hunting, hiking, trapping, and teaching emergency readiness across this state, I can tell you something that surprises people:

The smallest threats are often the most dangerous.

Insects don’t roar. They don’t give warnings. They don’t respect experience. And under the wrong conditions, a bite or sting from the wrong bug can absolutely end your life—especially if you’re unprepared, alone, allergic, or hours from medical help.

Let’s talk about the insects in Montana that matter most, why they’re dangerous, and exactly what you can do to survive an encounter.

1. Ticks: Montana’s Quietest Killers

Ticks are, without question, the most dangerous insects in Montana—not because of pain, but because of disease.

Why They’re Deadly

Montana is home to several tick species, including:

Rocky Mountain wood tick
American dog tick
Blacklegged tick (deer tick)

These ticks can transmit:

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Tularemia
Lyme disease
Colorado tick fever

Left untreated, some of these illnesses can cause organ failure, neurological damage, or death.

Survival Prepper Advice

Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot.
Treat boots and pants with permethrin.
Do full-body tick checks every evening—no exceptions.
Remove ticks immediately using fine-tipped tweezers.
If symptoms appear (fever, rash, joint pain), seek medical care immediately.

Ticks don’t rush. They wait. And that’s what makes them dangerous.

2. Black Widow Spiders: Small Bite, Big Consequences

Yes, black widows live in Montana. I’ve found them in woodpiles, sheds, barns, and old equipment more times than I can count.

Why They’re Dangerous

Black widow venom attacks the nervous system. While fatalities are rare, severe reactions can be life-threatening, especially for:

Children
Elderly individuals
People with heart conditions

Symptoms include muscle spasms, chest pain, nausea, and difficulty breathing.

Survival Prepper Advice

Always wear gloves when moving wood or debris.
Shake out boots and clothing stored in garages or sheds.
Seek medical help immediately after a confirmed bite.
Do not attempt home remedies beyond basic first aid.

In Montana, we respect spiders—but we don’t ignore them.

3. Wasps, Hornets, and Yellow Jackets: Aggression with Wings

If you’ve ever stumbled onto a yellow jacket nest while hiking or working land, you already know how fast things can go sideways.

Why They Can Kill

For most people, stings hurt. For others, one sting can trigger anaphylaxis, a rapid allergic reaction that can shut down breathing and cause death within minutes.

Multiple stings can also be fatal, even without allergies.

Survival Prepper Advice

Never swat—move calmly and leave the area.
Learn to identify ground nests.
Carry an EpiPen if you have known allergies.
Ice, antihistamines, and medical care should follow any severe reaction.

Insect aggression plus Montana isolation is a dangerous combination.

4. Mosquitoes: Disease on a Whine

Montana mosquitoes aren’t just annoying—they’re capable of spreading serious illnesses.

Why They Matter

Mosquitoes in Montana can transmit:

West Nile Virus
Western equine encephalitis

While rare, severe cases can result in brain inflammation, long-term neurological damage, or death.

Survival Prepper Advice

Use insect repellent with DEET or picaridin.
Eliminate standing water near your home.
Wear long sleeves at dusk and dawn.
Install proper screens in cabins and homes.

Never underestimate an insect that shows up by the thousands.

5. Biting Flies: Blood Loss and Infection Risks

Horse flies and deer flies are aggressive biters found throughout Montana’s wetlands and ranch country.

Why They’re Dangerous

Their bites:

Tear skin instead of puncturing it
Can cause excessive bleeding
Increase risk of infection

In survival situations, untreated infections are a major killer.

Survival Prepper Advice

Cover exposed skin when working outdoors.
Clean bites immediately.
Monitor for signs of infection.
Carry antiseptic in your field kit.

In the wild, infection kills more people than trauma.

6. Fire Ants (Rare but Spreading)

While not widespread yet, fire ants are slowly expanding northward, and Montana isn’t immune.

Why They’re Dangerous

Multiple stings
Risk of allergic reactions
Secondary infections from scratching

Survival Prepper Advice

Learn to identify mounds.
Avoid barefoot exposure outdoors.
Treat stings promptly and monitor reactions.

Preparedness means staying ahead of trends—not reacting too late.

Final Survival Lessons from a Montana Prepper

Here’s the truth most people don’t like hearing:

You don’t need to be weak, reckless, or stupid to die from an insect.
You just need to be unprepared.

In Montana, survival comes down to:

Awareness
Prevention
Rapid response

Respect the land. Respect the risks. And prepare like help may not come quickly—because out here, it often doesn’t.

If you do that, you won’t just survive Montana’s most dangerous insects.

You’ll thrive in Big Sky Country.

Montana’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

On June 1, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Montana, Montana Survival Preppers, Montana's Worst RoadsLeave a comment

Montana’s Worst Roads to Drive on During a Disaster: Lessons from a Well-Traveled Survivalist

I’ve driven through nearly every rugged corner of the continental United States, from Arizona’s sunbaked deserts to Alaska’s icebound highways. But when it comes to raw, untamed terrain—and unpredictable weather—Montana takes a special kind of grit. Under normal conditions, Big Sky Country already challenges most drivers. Add a disaster scenario, and you’ve got yourself a real test of survival skills.

Whether it’s a wildfire racing down a valley, a blizzard burying entire routes, or infrastructure collapse from earthquakes or floods, your vehicle becomes your lifeline. Knowing how—and where—to drive during a crisis in Montana is the kind of knowledge that can mean the difference between escape and entrapment.

Let me take you through Montana’s worst roads during a disaster, then arm you with 15 critical survival driving skills and 3 DIY hacks for when you’ve run out of gas, but not out of options.

The Worst Montana Roads to Drive on During a Disaster

Beartooth Highway (US-212)
Beautiful? Yes. Deadly in a disaster? Absolutely. This high-altitude road climbs over 10,000 feet, with steep switchbacks and few guardrails. In a snowstorm or wildfire, it’s a death trap. Rockslides and zero visibility make it one of the first roads to avoid.
Going-to-the-Sun Road (Glacier National Park)
Spectacular views, but it hugs cliff edges like a drunken mountain goat. It’s often closed by landslides or snow, and it’s far too narrow for panicked evacuations. In any kind of emergency, steer clear.
Montana Highway 200
This is the state’s longest road, stretching over 700 miles through isolated terrain. Flooding, forest fires, or infrastructure failure out here could strand you hours from help. Not a place to get caught without a backup plan.
I-90 Through Homestake Pass
One of the busiest and most mountainous sections of I-90, this pass near Butte is treacherous in winter. Pileups, black ice, and poor visibility are common. During a mass evacuation, this would quickly bottleneck.
MT-38 (Skalkaho Highway)
This dirt-and-gravel back road over the Sapphire Mountains is gorgeous in summer but closed in winter. In an emergency, it can easily become impassable from downed trees or mudslides.
US-93 Through the Bitterroot Valley
Often the only north-south option in western Montana. In a regional disaster, this could become a traffic-clogged artery with few alternative routes.
US-191 in the Gallatin Canyon
Between Bozeman and West Yellowstone, this road runs alongside a river and between cliffs. Avalanches, falling rocks, and flooding are all hazards, especially in spring.
Montana Highway 35 Around Flathead Lake
This narrow, curvy route hugs the eastern edge of Flathead Lake. Accidents and landslides are common, and there are few escape routes.
US-287 Between Three Forks and Helena
Wind-swept plains and long, empty stretches. In a fuel shortage or snowstorm, you’re very exposed here.
Pintler Scenic Route (MT-1)
This detour from I-90 between Anaconda and Drummond winds through thick forests—prime wildfire country. It’s beautiful but risky in fire season with limited cell coverage and few exits.

15 Survival Driving Skills That Could Save Your Life in Montana

Off-Road Navigation
Know how to read a topographic map and drive without GPS. Trust me, satellites fail in disasters.
Manual Transmission Mastery
Stick-shift vehicles offer more control on slick, steep, or icy terrain.
Engine Braking
On Montana’s mountain roads, knowing how to downshift to slow down saves brakes and control.
Water Crossing Techniques
Learn how to assess depth and current before attempting to drive through floodwaters. Most vehicles float—and stall—after just 6 inches of water.
Tire Patching on the Fly
Sharp shale, debris, or fire-damaged roads can chew tires. Know how to plug a leak quickly.
Understanding Your Drive System
Know if you’ve got AWD, 4WD, or 2WD. Use it properly—or risk getting stuck.
Fuel Efficiency Driving
In a crisis, every drop counts. Ease off the gas, coast downhill, and avoid idling.
Driving Without Headlights
In certain disaster zones, stealth is key. Practice low-visibility or night-vision-compatible driving.
Quick Egress Techniques
Practice getting your vehicle turned around fast—without a 3-point turn.
Emergency Repairs
Jury-rigging a fan belt with paracord, fixing a coolant leak with epoxy—small tricks, big payoff.
High-Centered Recovery
Know how to get unstuck when you bottom out in deep ruts or snow.
Defensive Maneuvering
Avoid panicked drivers, animals, or debris. Quick reflexes and awareness save lives.
Winch and Tow Strap Use
Even a compact SUV can haul itself free with the right gear and technique.
Driving in Whiteout Conditions
Slow, steady, and watch for snowbanks. Follow reflective markers or natural road edges.
Reading the Road Ahead
From flash flood signs to frost heaves, learn to scan for danger like a hawk.

3 DIY Survival Driving Hacks When You’re Out of Gas

1. The Alcohol Trick
If you’ve stored isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher) or even certain spirits like Everclear in your survival kit, a small amount can be mixed with gas or used in portable alcohol-burning stoves for cooking—and very carefully, even to heat an engine block in winter. Don’t run your engine on it, but it can help warm components or clear fuel lines frozen in deep winter.

2. Gravity Siphon from Abandoned Vehicles
Carry a siphon pump and hose in your kit. In a grid-down disaster, siphoning fuel from other vehicles might be your only option. Choose trucks, RVs, or old farm vehicles—they’re less likely to be tamper-proof.

3. DIY Solar Still for Emergency Fuel
If you have small amounts of contaminated gas, a makeshift solar still using clear plastic sheeting, a container, and sunlight can help you distill usable vapors back into liquid. It’s slow, but when you’re desperate, it’s better than hoofing it 50 miles.

Final Word From the Road

Montana doesn’t mess around. Its breathtaking beauty hides real danger, and the state’s remoteness can turn minor problems into life-threatening crises fast. You can’t count on cell towers, gas stations, or AAA. What you can count on is your preparedness, your skills, and your attitude.

The old-timers and ranchers out here know the truth: if you don’t bring it, you won’t have it. If you don’t learn it, you can’t use it. Every time I set out into Montana’s backcountry—whether it’s for a weekend or to test a new bug-out route—I remind myself: Plan like everything will go wrong. Drive like your life depends on it. Because one day, it just might.

Is Montana’s Drinking Water Safe

On May 28, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Montana, Montana Homesteads, Montana Survival Preppers, UncategorizedLeave a comment

If you think Montana’s drinking water is some pristine, untouched blessing from the heavens, you’re dead wrong. I’ve seen enough to know better, and I’m telling you, don’t just gulp down whatever comes out of the tap or the mountain stream without thinking twice. This ain’t a tourist brochure, it’s survival reality. Montana’s water, like anywhere else, can be contaminated, polluted, and downright dangerous if you don’t know how to handle it. So before you get all cozy with that glass of “fresh” water, you better arm yourself with knowledge — hard-earned survival skills that’ll keep you from getting sick, or worse.

Is Montana’s Drinking Water Safe?

Here’s the brutal truth: Montana’s water isn’t automatically safe just because it’s “natural” or “rural.” Sure, you might think the mountain snowmelt or that crystal-clear stream is pure as it gets. But hell no. Pollution from mining, agriculture, human waste, wildlife, and old pipelines can introduce heavy metals, bacteria, parasites, and viruses into the water supply. Nitrates from fertilizers can poison you quietly over time. Radon gas seeps into groundwater in some places. And don’t even get me started on blue-green algae in lakes — a toxin factory waiting to kill.

Even the municipal water systems in Montana sometimes struggle with outdated infrastructure or occasional contamination issues. If you think you’re off the grid and out of harm’s way, think again — no water source is immune to contamination without proper filtration and treatment. If you want to stay alive, you better be ready to treat that water like it’s laced with poison.

Now, I’m not here to scare you for the sake of it — I want you prepared. Because survival isn’t about luck; it’s about knowing what to do when everything goes sideways. So here are 15 water filtration survival skills you need locked and loaded in your brain if you ever want to drink safe water in Montana — or anywhere else.

15 Water Filtration Survival Skills

Boiling Water
The most basic, time-tested way to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Bring water to a rolling boil for at least 1 minute (3 minutes at higher elevations). Don’t trust it if you can’t boil it.
Use a Portable Water Filter
Carry a rugged, proven water filter that removes protozoa, bacteria, and some viruses. Know how to clean and maintain it. Don’t buy junk filters that don’t remove viruses!
Chemical Treatment (Iodine or Chlorine Tablets)
Carry water purification tablets and learn the correct dosage and wait times. They’re lightweight and useful as backup when filters fail or boil isn’t an option.
Solar Disinfection (SODIS)
Fill a clear plastic bottle with water and leave it in direct sunlight for 6 hours to kill pathogens using UV rays. Slow but effective in a pinch.
DIY Charcoal Filtration
Burn hardwood to make charcoal, crush it, and use it as a filtering medium. It helps remove odors, chemicals, and improves taste, but won’t kill pathogens on its own.
Sand and Gravel Filtration
Layer sand, gravel, and charcoal in a container to filter out sediment and some contaminants. Good as a pre-filter before other treatments.
Use Coffee Filters or Cloth as Pre-Filters
Before filtering or boiling, use cloth or coffee filters to remove large particles and debris to protect your main filter.
Distillation
If you can build a still, you can separate pure water from contaminants, heavy metals, and salts. It’s time-consuming but foolproof.
Recognize Signs of Contamination
Learn to spot suspicious water sources: discoloration, foul smell, foam, dead animals nearby, or stagnant pools. Avoid them.
Know the Local Risks
Understand what contaminants are common in your area. In Montana, mining runoff and agricultural chemicals are big threats.
Test Water Quality
Carry simple test kits to check for nitrates, pH, or bacteria indicators. Don’t just guess based on appearance.
Regularly Maintain Your Equipment
Filters clog, tablets expire, and homemade systems degrade. Keep your gear clean, dry, and ready.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Don’t dip dirty containers or hands into clean water storage. Always use clean tools.
Water Storage Safety
Store water in food-grade, clean containers. Replace stored water every six months to avoid bacterial growth.
Know How to Improvise
When all else fails, know how to combine methods — pre-filter with cloth, then boil or chemically treat.

Now, knowing those skills is half the battle. Let me hit you with 3 DIY Survival Drinking Water Hacks that’ll save your life when you’re out there in the wild, stuck with limited gear.

3 DIY Survival Drinking Water Hacks

1. The Plastic Bottle Solar Disinfection Hack
Take any clear plastic bottle, fill it with water, and place it on a sunny rock or ledge for six hours. The UV light from the sun breaks down harmful pathogens. If you can’t boil or filter, this is your lifeline. Just make sure the bottle is clear — no colored or scratched plastic.

2. Charcoal and Cloth Filter
If you have no filter, make one by stuffing crushed charcoal into a plastic bottle or hollowed container, layered with clean sand and gravel if possible. Run water through it slowly. Follow this with boiling or chemical treatment to kill remaining pathogens.

3. Boil Water with a Metal Container
If you don’t have a pot, use a clean metal can or even a makeshift aluminum foil container. Boil water over fire or coals for at least 1 minute. Use a rock to hold it over the heat if needed. It’s old-school but it works when nothing else does.

Final Warning

Don’t get complacent because you’re “in the wilderness” or “in a small Montana town.” Water safety is a daily fight. One bad sip can land you in the hospital or worse. That “natural” stream? It could be a death trap if you’re careless. That city tap water? Not guaranteed clean without knowing the source and recent water quality reports.

If you’re serious about survival — whether prepping for disaster, hiking, or living off-grid — mastering these water filtration skills and hacks isn’t optional. It’s survival 101. Because when your gut turns on you after drinking bad water, you won’t be worrying about the scenery — you’ll be fighting for your life.

Get prepared. Stay alert. Filter your water like your life depends on it — because it does.

Think You Can Handle Montana’s Most Popular Hiking Trails? Think Again

On May 22, 2025May 31, 2025 By The.Daily.ChristianIn Montana, Montana Survival Preppers, Montana's Best Hiking TrailsLeave a comment

Listen, I don’t know what you heard about hiking in Montana—but let me lay it out straight for you: these trails aren’t just weekend distractions or feel-good photo ops. They’re wild, remote, and full of the kind of unforgiving terrain that makes or breaks a hiker. This is Big Sky Country. Out here, Mother Nature’s the boss—and she doesn’t hand out second chances.

I’ve been hiking since before half the folks on Instagram could spell “trek.” I’ve bushwhacked through bear country with a map, a compass, and a hand-me-down pack. I don’t hike for likes—I hike because the backcountry tests your grit, builds your instincts, and reminds you what it means to survive.

So if you think you’re ready for Montana’s most popular hiking trails, I’ve got news for you: popular doesn’t mean easy. It means these places are so damn beautiful they draw crowds—despite the fact that they’ll chew you up and spit you out if you’re not ready.

Now, I’m not saying don’t go. I’m saying pack right, train harder, and take these trails seriously. Because once you get out there, you’ll see why they’re worth every ounce of effort—and then some.

🥾 Top 20 Hiking Trails in Montana

Hiking Trails: Montana Hiking Trails

1. Highline Trail – Glacier National Park

Start at Logan Pass and hang on—this 11.8-mile point-to-point trail clings to cliffs and hugs the Garden Wall. The drop-offs are real, the views are even more real, and yes—you’re hiking right through grizzly country. You ready?

2. Grinnell Glacier Trail – Glacier National Park

About 10.3 miles round-trip, this hike brings you face to face with a glacier that’s slowly disappearing. It’s a stiff climb, especially with the sun bouncing off those turquoise lakes—but the payoff? Absolutely savage beauty.

3. Avalanche Lake Trail – Glacier National Park

A solid 4.5-mile round-trip through a canyon carved by glaciers, ending at Avalanche Lake. Perfect warm-up for those testing their legs and lungs. Waterfalls, cliffs, and cold alpine air? Check.

4. Iceberg Lake Trail – Glacier National Park

9.6 miles of rugged trail that leads to an icy lake filled with floating icebergs even in July. It’s surreal, remote, and packed with wildlife. I’ve seen mountain goats eyeball me from 10 feet out on this one.

5. Lava Lake Trail – Gallatin National Forest

A moderate 6-mile hike up into the Lee Metcalf Wilderness. Steady incline, stream crossings, and boulder-strewn paths that’ll remind your knees they’re alive. But when you reach that alpine lake? Pure serenity.

6. Storm Castle Peak – Gallatin National Forest

5 miles round-trip and 2,000 feet of gain. You’ll be gasping for air while scrambling over switchbacks and scree, but the summit view is a full 360-degree panorama of the Gallatin Range. Bring your camera—but also bear spray.

7. Ousel Falls Trail – Big Sky

This 1.6-mile trail is short but sweet. Great for families or when you want an easy day. Still, don’t let your guard down—Montana’s wild even near the parking lot. I’ve seen moose wander through here more than once.

8. Ross Creek Cedars Trail – Kootenai National Forest

Easy 1.5-mile stroll through massive old-growth cedar trees. It feels like stepping into a prehistoric world. Quiet. Cool. Full of soul. The kind of place where you can hear your thoughts—or a branch snap when something big moves nearby.

9. The Beaten Path – Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness

If you want a multi-day challenge, this 26.6-mile trek from East Rosebud to Cooke City will test your mettle. Glacial lakes, high passes, and solitude like you’ve never known. Not for rookies. Bring layers, maps, and grit.

10. Mount Helena Ridge Trail – Helena

5.5 miles of ups and downs along ridgelines that overlook the capital city. Feels remote but easy to access. Good hike to shake the city dust off and watch storms roll in from 40 miles away.

11. Trapper Peak – Bitterroot National Forest

Montana’s highest peak outside of Glacier. 10 miles round-trip, with the last couple absolutely brutal. No switchbacks—just up. Then up some more. You want views and bragging rights? This is the one.

12. Sacagawea Peak – Bridger Range

An 8-mile hike with a rewarding scramble at the summit. On clear days, you can see five mountain ranges. High winds and loose rocks make this a gear-check trail. I never go without trekking poles and a wind shell.

13. Mount Sentinel “M” Trail – Missoula

Short and steep, about 3 miles round-trip if you hit the summit. The “M” is popular with students and casual hikers, but don’t underestimate the incline. I’ve seen flatlanders coughing by the halfway mark.

14. Hidden Lake Overlook – Glacier National Park

3 miles round-trip from Logan Pass to a mind-blowing overlook. Wildlife galore—mountain goats, marmots, maybe even a bear in the meadows. Go early to beat the crowd and catch the sun cresting the peaks.

15. Siyeh Pass Trail – Glacier National Park

Start at Sunrift Gorge and hike 10.3 miles through wildflower fields, over alpine passes, and down through glacial valleys. This one’s a one-way if you plan a shuttle—or a monster loop if you don’t.

16. Pine Creek Lake Trail – Absaroka Range

A punishing 12-mile hike with serious elevation gain. One of my all-time favorites. The lake sits nestled below rugged cliffs, and if you stay overnight, the stars are unreal. Bring a filter—the water’s pure but glacial cold.

17. Blodgett Canyon Overlook – Bitterroot Valley

A moderate 2.8-mile out-and-back with killer views of one of Montana’s most epic canyons. Sharp granite walls tower over the valley. Good warm-up hike or quick afternoon escape.

18. Bear Trap Canyon Trail – Madison Range

10 miles through canyon country with raging rapids and jagged cliffs. Hot in summer, icy in spring—pack accordingly. It’s remote and lightly trafficked, which means you better know how to handle yourself.

19. Rattlesnake National Recreation Area Trails – Missoula

This whole network offers dozens of miles for hiking, trail running, and backcountry exploration. Great place to train. Just keep an eye out for—you guessed it—rattlesnakes.

20. Electric Peak – Yellowstone NP/North Entrance

A full-day or overnight assault on one of the park’s most dramatic peaks. You’ll cross rivers, dodge bears, and gain over 4,000 feet of elevation. Not for the faint of heart—but definitely for the serious adventurer.

🧭 Final Word from a Trail-Hardened Prepper

Montana’s trails are no joke. They’re stunning, but they don’t suffer fools. I’ve patched busted boots, hauled out busted knees, and spent nights huddled under emergency tarps because someone thought a hoodie was enough for mountain weather.

Whether you’re a day hiker or a thru-hiker, you better prep like your life depends on it—because out here, sometimes it does.

Always carry:

A map and a compass (and know how to use ’em)
A water filter or purifier
First aid kit
Bear spray (and know how to use that too)
Layers, including waterproof gear
A fire starter and emergency blanket
Extra calories and high-protein snacks
And most important—respect for the trail

So go ahead, test yourself. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you. These trails are as real as it gets. And once you feel that crisp mountain air fill your lungs at 9,000 feet? You’ll know—you’re alive, and you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

See you out there.