I'd say it's less about "being selfish and keeping Montana to ourselves" and more of "we don't want you to change it." I've had people from out of town say "oh you don't have this, your town doesn't have this, oh you need this!" and no, I don't. Montana is a nice place to live, and I like it the way it is, I don't want folks from around the country coming here and trying to change it into where they came from. Come here to enjoy it for what it is and not to turn it into what you think it should be. I don't mind people "not being from Montana" just so long as they don't tell me it needs to be more like some other state.
Some people just don't want to change, and become resentful when something good comes to their town. And eventually you find them making use of such amenities...
Felt that way about 2 places I've lived. People thought I was crazy for living there...as opposed to where I grew up, or just visiting it...because there "wasn't much around", & refuse to visit. I'd agree & bemoan...as I drove as fast as I could to get "home" , cursing 'progress' as I passed it, praying it would NEVER reach our boundaries.
I was born and raised in Western Montana, and you are spot on with your facts. I'll give you one more. Never ask a Montanan where their huckleberry patch is. If they don't say no, don't believe what they tell you, it's a false location. You'll end up in a hawthorn brush.
@@gmwwc resentment happens when one feels boundaries are crossed and does nothing about it, or they are in the wrong and refuse another perspective. People are travelers, and always have been. It is a basic human right, and nobody can infringe on that right against another. There's no such thing as a dumbazz tourist, except in examples like West Yellowstone... and that has to do with people trying to take selfies with wild animals...
Montana The Last Best Place BECAUSE we are the remnants of the old west culture. Be prepared for OUR 4 seasons: Almost Winter, Winter, Still Winter and Construction.
Here in Colorado we have two seasons. Winter and July. (In the mountains summer is called rock season. Lots of falling rocks when it warms up!!) A Colorado Mountain Grandma, USA 💜
This happens everywhere across the country. It's not just "out of staters", it's "out of towners". I live in an area that is popular in the winter for sledding. Some of the hills are public land, National Forest, and some are private land. They are clearly marked as private property. Not only do the sledders trespass on the private land, but they park in driveways and block others. They even park on lawns. It's a constant battle. The local police don't really want to site them because "they bring money to local businesses ", so they politely "ask" them to move. Within a short time they are back. They also leave garbage all over the place. And no, you can't take matters into your own hands unless you want to be arrested. When a property owner asks who belongs to the car in their driveway they are greeted by vacant stares. About two thirds of the cars have in state licenses. When folks are on vacation (or weekend) all common sense and decency goes out the window.
Lotta those rules work here in Texas. We too get a ton of crazy azz unfriendly liberal folk, but I try to coach them up. Never had any probs visiting old Marine buddies of mine up there, hunting mostly. Stay proud MT, nothing wrong with that😊
I used to live across from a cow farm in Illinois. I’d love it when the cows escaped and graZed on my flowers! ❤ I had cows and none of the work to go along. Heavenly.
Welcome to Townsend, born and raised. I know those hills like the back of my hand. And he is spot on with the advice. Where he was showing the river, I've fished that bend since I can remember. A few miles to the north of where he was is Canyon Ferry Lake and is a great place to ice fish in the winter. Don't come here and try to change it to what you left, that's my advice, and we'll get along.
@@johnulmer6715 They lived there in the late 40’s until their passing. They owned the Branton Insurance Agency. My mother is their only child and was raised in Townsend. She married my dad who descended from Montana pioneers and grew up in E. Helena. My siblings and I used to ride the train from WA to Townsend to visit our grandparents who lived on S Oak. Those were the best of times and Townsend will always have a place in my heart ❤️ My grandparents, Robert and Bertha Branton, are buried in the Deep Creek Cemetery and my mother will be buried next to them when she passes.
Grew up in NW Montana always had open range cattle on our property right off the front porch...it's just part of being in Montana. I remember being chased by cattle as a young kid getting off the school bus lol...those were great memories ❤️
I lived in Montana from,1979-1981. I really enjoyed cross county skiing in the mountains. The thing that I found difficult was the wind. It blows almost all the time. I saw it destroy a house trailer, blow cars off the road, and a door off of a truck, The temperature swings during a chinook were interesting, going from below 0 F to 50 degrees in an hour or so.
First time I've heard someone tell the truth about cattle! Some people are surprised to find they have to fence them out. Good points. As for the traffic, people go whatever speed they like, so be patient and don't be in a hurry.
Great practical advice. Common sense is lacking in a lot of people these days so you have to spell it out for them. I was born and raised in northern Wyoming, about an hour away from Billings. When I hear someone has visited in the summer and 'fell in love' with the area and plan to sell their house and move, I used to try to explain that you just saw the one week that it wasn't snowing, blowing, storming or freezing and that you need to visit during winter to get the full picture. Lots of people move then complain about the 10 months of winter and the week it was 105 degrees in July. I've seen it snow in July (actually was the 4th of July during the Cody parade) and I've seen it snow in August (I think it was the last week in August and we got a good 3" in town and the mountains got 6 or 7"). I have had the first snowfall of the year still be on the ground in May. I've seen Christmas when it was 70 degrees and the kids got to ride their bikes they got for Christmas). To tell people that you've walked to school in -50 degree weather, they refuse to believe it, yet I did it, in a dress no less because girls couldn't wear pants to school until I was a sophmore in high school. Our pipes froze in the walls of our basement once. We had to plug our cars in so they would start the next day. Semi-trailers blew over on a regular basis in the 70+ mile an hour winds that Casper Wyoming is famous for. Being told you need to sell your cute little rag top coup for a 4 wheel drive upsets them, they don't listen, then get mad cause you can't drive it year round. I carried a coffee can with peanut butter, crackers and chocolate along with matches and candles in it year round in my car. I also had at least one sleeping bag and a blanket in the trunk. People stopped if you were on the side of the road and helped. Because they knew there might not be another vehicle for hours. I truly appreciated those people, more than they will ever know, when it happened to me. A lot of the towns have changed now and I don't live in Wyoming anymore. Not because I don't love it, but because I can't afford it and I can't do the winters there.
Most of these points strongly apply here in Wyoming as well. Trust Land in this state doesn't allow any unauthorized human habitation between 9-15 through the following 5-15. I also have to prepare my truck for Winter and next month, the rear tires on my 2wd pickup get replaced with the studded snow tires until next May. Having a winter kit in the vehicle is critical, even with a more capable car or truck. It's something to add with your protocol, as there's no reason to change what already works for all your neighbors!
My grandpa is from North Dakota. This is what you call WIDE OPEN PLACES.... The winters are cold & long. When Spring comes along you can have almost 100 degree swings in temp... 40 in the daytime and then -60 at night when a storm moves in. My great Aunt has Milk cows. Their family came from Norway. Didn't speak English and farmed their butts off! They got land through the Homestead Act. All said and done it was 1600-ish acres... They moved to a small house in town when my grandpa was school age early 1940s. He was 3rd generation. The work they did was back breaking. I LOVED hearing stories about life on the farm. They stressed education and the children HAD to speak English when in public. I can't imagine how hard working the land in the 1870s would be. Lots of people died, or left after the 1st year. There's 7 kids in my grandpas family. I think 9 the generation b4.
I had a temporary placement in Bozeman, a few years ago, and loved every minute of the year and a half I was there.I was given a “you know you’re in Montana when-“ welcome sheet. One of the items was “you drive 3 hours each way for a one hour meeting, all in one day”.
This is spot on! I’ve lived in Montana my whole life and these are all 100% true. Another one is the road work. There is almost always roadwork in the mountains or on the highway so people really need to be on the look out for that. And respect the workers. They’re out there trying to make the roads safer, so yelling at them and disobeying the law and signs is not okay in the slightest.
You speak the truth. I moved to Helena in 1978 and the first winter we had 30 straight days of below zero temperatures. I too soon learned how to survive here. I used to call my friends back in californication and tell them about the horrible traffic here, like the time I had a tractor and swather holding up traffic. Now with all of the out of staters moving in the traffic is really bad. George in Helena
I love my state of Montana! ❤❤ Thank you for explaining the laws and truth about the cattle!!!❤ And yes we are a little selfish when it comes to our great state!! Great Video and good advice!!!!🤣😂
Yes, we are. But we should be cuz those city people come here n have destroyed our waters n land. Now 3 different types of forever chemical recently found in waters around Bozeman. Let alone Zoo. Not Cool in my eyes!
I am born and raised in Montana born in great falls lived in Havre Montana 30 years and every point is right on. The bear paw mountains have grazing every year. Kallispell and other is suffering due to remote working from out of staters so i hear about people kind of resenting them a little (though I never had an issue) and winter suck!!!!!!!!!!! Always always let people know where you are going. If you get stuck and have no way to contact somewhere you can be in trouble.
@@gurgisgutters725 Wow, that shocks me! I have relatives that live in Kalispell...at least, used to. I haven't talked to them for a while. I was there about 30 years ago and it was such a pretty town. Very beautiful area. My cousin worked as a Border Patrol Agent. I had never been out west or seen any mountains before I went there, and I loved it! My girlfriend, that later became my wife, went with me. She had seen the Rockies in Colorado/Utah/Arizona, and after we went to Glacier NP, she said she had never seen the Rockies as beautiful as they were in Montana. My cousin took us a little bit into Canada and we visited the Frank Slide, and then came back through Glacier NP. Thought about moving there when I retire, but, the winters are very long and hard.
I lived in Havre for a couple years. Right on 6th Street North. I could walk right across the street, and be on the bank of the Milk river. The street had a large bend in it right there. That was in the late 80s.
Here's some things to know about Montana. If you're cold - you're not dressed properly. If you get stuck - you don't have the proper car/tires. If you're bored - you're not taking advantage of the outdoors. If you're complaining about the weather - you're not from Montana. Weather isn't something we complain about - it just "is." If you want to live down south - we will pack your bags for you.
I once heard the phrase "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in Montana" I lived in the same county my first 47 years, and I have seen snow on the 4th of July and 13 inches on June 15th. People come here with no clue how it really is to live in our great state. This is the first video of yours I have seen. Excellent!! Have you told the story of the couple, maybe from CA, who bought a small cabin in the mountains and spent the winter there? That's my favorite one to tell people who are considering moving to the 406.
One joke folks used to tell when I was a kid involved some boy scouts at summer camp. Someone asked the kid from Montana what they did in summer. His answer: "On that day we have a big picnic."
@@nancyst.john-smith3891 I believe she’s talking about the Oklahoma couple who bought property in the mountains and didn’t prepare for winter with firewood or food rations. the wife and pets died before the husband was rescued by authorities after snowmobilers crossed their path and he asked them to call for help.
You are amazing to me that you can talk about Montana the ay you do. I dearly love Montana and enjoy you talking about the weather, the cattle, the horses, and all the people. I am a truck driver and I get loads out from Ky and other places. I’m glad you loveMontana like you do, because she needs to be taken care of protected the way her people are doing. I think Montana is the prettiest state in our union. I raised and showed cattle. I also had some nice horses. I could listen to talk about this great state. Thank you putting this on my IPad.
Ima loud and proud Californian living in Montana for the last ten+ years…in my experience Montanans are humbled after knowing I’m from California and actually helps destigmatize “out of staters” in Montana. Don’t be afraid to show where you came from in Montana, they appreciate hard working folks just like the rest of the world!
The hardworking ones they don't mind. It's the ones that throw their weight around and insist they're better and know more that are despised. But I guess that's true most places. Example: no name mentioned, but a fairly wealthy woman bought property up there and decided she'd use her wealth and rep to teach the ignorant hicks that they, too, can get an education. Don't know if she ever bothered to learn that Montana has always had one of the best public school systems in the states, and when I was in grades 1-8, any families that moved there from certain other states like CA or NY, their kids were automatically PUT BACK A GRADE because their old state school systems lagged behind what they taught in Montana schools. That was 50 plus yrs ago, but nowadays I'd think they'd instead set up special tutoring for the income kids so they could at least stick with their age mates. I do know that in high school, my classmates who'd come in from the aforementioned states complained about how difficult their classes were and that they actually had homework assignments that they had to work on outside of school hours.
It's the citidiots, people coming and buying land and not understanding small town vs city. Any out of stater that moves here with money is instantly just called a californian
I know this was a year ago but I loved your video. For someone who suffers from depression your part about how much darkness you have there and winter would not be good for me but does look like a beautiful place. ❤️ thanks 😊
"Winter is nasty" coming from someone who doesn't suffer daily from hot flashes. I would LOVE to live in Montana. I'll get me a nice 4WD and snuggle down in my apt for a few months crocheting and knitting. My dream life.
I grew up in Seattle. WE Moved to right at the head waters of the Missouri. I went home to take care of my Mom. In the grocery store a lady needed something behind me and I passed them to her. 1st time she was suprised, second time she said "why are you so nice?" I thought it was a strange question... then I said I live in Montana!"
I'm from Washington State and I have been in Montana and I love Western Montana, not so much for the Eastern part, but I haven't gotten to explore the area. Don't let your state go out like Washington. Keep Montana out of the eye of people from the lower west coast have influenced the NW.
Moved from Montana to Washington in 2018 (Bothell - north of Seattle). Miss Montana EVERY day. But can't move back because of affordable housing shortages :(
Lol! "Traffic" bit was funny! Just came home from our first trip to Montana. We loved it! I would like to eventually own a house there, but, just like us rural Pennsylvanians hate the New Yorkers who flood in here, I'm sure you guys don't like the "outsiders" buying property.
Your videos are really good. Your good advice fits being in every small town also. I relate to the increase in traffic. We used to go outside and wouldn’t see a car go drive by for 35-40 minutes now it’s is every minute to 2 minutes. It’s unreal.
Don't forget wild fire season, Montana does not use salt but sand & mag mix on the roads, and storms blow through quickly then the sun comes out again.
Born and raised in Montana. Bin so grateful for having all I had growing up. I love that I got to ride my horses in the mountains on a regular basis. I knew it was beautiful, but when I go back, I really realize it. I did move and have enjoyed everywhere I’ve lived. Montana will always hold a place in my heart. Bi do think some people in Montana get too weird about people from other places.I feel some people there are somewhat closed minded. But there are pros and cons about people from everywhere!
If we only live like in Montana and respect our neighbors that will make and keep America great not that BS political wants to dictate on the people ThanX señor Trinity I hope you and your family have a blessed Christmas 🎄 stay safe and warm 😊
LOL.. love the video. I live in rural Kansas and loved the statement "every five or six minutes there's someone coming by" made me smile. One thing I hate is traffic and I enjoy about rural living is the freedom to move about. Great video brother!
Sept-June winters...DANG. It's 100% the opposite in the south. Summer starts in mid-March and runs through October. First frost is usually in early December, then it's 3months of breezy, chilly nights with blissfully cool days (70's-80's) Then the wind starts to blow hot again and before you know it's 90 at night and 112-115 during the day with hot air leaching every ounce of moisture out of you. I lost any cold hardiness when I acclimated to the desert, but now can work through a triple digit day. Crazy what humans can adapt to! Thanks for sharing
My great-grandparents, grandparents, and great uncles homesteaded in Montana, back at the turn of the century. I grew up hearing stories about Montana...riding to school in a buggy w/heated bricks for warmth, rattlesnakes on the prairie, one room schoolhouse, and on and on. I've never been there but I sure would like to go. Their house is gone now, and so are all of them, but they certainly were an adventurous clan! God bless Montana!!!
You would need to pay me to live there, lots of money. At least one thousand per day. I dislike cold weather. I'm from So. Cal. and I love it here. Where ? One mile from Disneyland.
Disneyland and City of Anaheim, keep our area pretty clean. We have people here that are nice. we have good POLICE, GOOD EVERYTHING. WHY WOULD I GO FREEZE? YOU CANNOT EAT GOOD LOOKING SCENERY. Oh! I lived in cold Wyoming, I still remember, THE 1949 BLI
I had to watch because there have been people who come at least once a year and claim they know. And you are the first person who tells the truth! 😂 But I saw the bar behind you and I knew exactly where you were in town!
I use to live there work at the overexpress and the saw mill in Townsend very beautiful places work for Troy Doug Kelly pastor and Lenny I love that place wow coming back soon
God bless you, your family, your Land and cattle and your friends. Thank you so much for telling us all about the weather. I live in upstate New York and I dread the winters here but we don't have anything on you! You guys are tough!
Live in Wilsall, MT from July to November and then head to South Georgia. Everything you say is dead on. The people are absolutely friendly and like interacting with people from other places. Have made friends with many ranchers in last 20 years. America would be a much better country if the qualities of Montana folks were spread throughout the country. Self reliance, hard work, honesty, and generosity are just a few of the qualities. Stop on a lonely stretch of road in the winter. It is not how many cars will pass before stopping, the next car will stop (assuming not out of state) and it may be a while. Rural living tends to foster the best in people and Montana is no exception. I will say though, that wherever they film “Yellowstone” must be the banana belt because I seldom see the long winter in its depiction of the state. Maybe I will move there.
I lived in Montana and had come from michigan. One thing I noticed was when I lived in western Montana when it snowed it didn’t feel as cold as michigan even with low temps. It didn’t have the water effect so didn’t go through you to the bone like michigan. It was drier. When I lived on the eastern side it felt more like North Dakota weather. Cold but still not as bad it felt like michigan even when it was 80 below. You just made sure you had plenty of food and could stay in house during storms. They didn’t last that long. 4 wheel drive is good idea especially when I lived in the mountains but I only had a car. I was smart enough to know when to not try getting through the mountain passes.
My car sheared some bolts on one of my rear wheels on 94 about a 60 miles from Billings. It took about 3 hours to get a flat-bed to get the car and drop us off at a garage in Red Lodge; the bill for that was astronomical.
That is what makes the US so great. We can actually live where we want to. I hate snow and hate hot weather. But we all get dumped on somewhere with weather in the US. That’s okay. Love where you live!🤗
Looks like a winter wonderland to me🤪 Although not as long,and our fridge spells don’t last as long, but being from Nebraska I understand the cold. I would love to just pull my tinyhouse up there and stay for one winter. Anywhere where I can hike and enjoy all your openness.
The main reason ranches are big is it takes lots of acres per cow for them to survive. The short growing period makes it nesacary to have major production in plant life to account for the rest of the year.
Been living in Montana for 25 years, and I’ve never owned a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Only been stuck about three times, where I had to call for help. And people will stop to help you. I went OVER 20 years without hitting a deer. I am a Legend! LOL.... everyone is amazed. I finally got nailed, RIGHT IN TOWN, but no damage, as I was going slow. The people are pretty awesome!
I love your traffic monologue 🙈 RUSH HOUR: A CAR EVERY 5 OR 6 MINUTES ❓ 🚫OH WAIT; I THINK I SEE ONE COMING WAY DOWN THERE. So cool man so cool 👍👍👍👍👍👍 📖🛐✈️🐆🐝
I'm from Southeastern Georgia and traveled to SW Montana for seasonal work this winter at a ranch and have just fallen in love with this state. The winters are no joke, that's for sure but the people have been amazing. I do pretty good acting like I'm from here until I open my mouth to say something, then people are like, "Where are you from?!" 🤣🤣 I'm from the country, so I'm used to having to plan trips to towns or cities, so that wasn't a huge adjustment. All joking aside, it comes down to respect. Respect the land, the people and the culture and you will be just fine. Great video!👍
Exactly! My daughter lives in Billings and I live in Texas (now). Miss her & riding in the mountains. Respect 🙏 to you and the farm families. Thank you for sharing👍 Hope you have a Blessed Holiday Season 😊 🙏
Great video. Coloradan here but we're getting real crowded. Had been thinking relocation to Montana but wasn't sure about winters. I don't mind the cold at all but I totally need the sun. Can't survive without Colorado's sunny winter days. Cattle not a problem. Lack of people +++. Cloudy gray long winters! Bzzz not happening.
Love your State as well.Had the opportunity to go from top to bottom. Agree that it's getting crowded in some areas. But Montana is a big, wide open eye candy!! Im looking forward to seeing it!! Camara in hand!!
I love that people are personally responsible for the livestock there. Here in California if a horse gets loose and they get hit by a car, the horses owner can be sued. We have to carry large policies to protect ourselves from losing our homes, etc from lawsuits. If it wasn’t so cold there I’d move there in a heartbeat. And I’d never tell anyone I was born in California.
First off, i love your content and i learning a lot about the west. The wolf debate you have talked about is what drew me to your channel, very interesting stuff. The fiancé and i are originally from Michigan, we have been in alaska now for four years. So the wolf problems in the west is very interesting to me. Secondly i will say this, we are always very friendly and say hi to everyone we meet and love to talk to locals wherever we go. Our trip through Montana on both occasions now… i have never in my life gotten so many dirty looks from people and come across so many unfriendly people in my life. As Michiganders at heart we are probably over friendly and we don’t do anything but treat people with kindness and respect. I was just really disappointed with Montana, by far the most unfriendly people i have run across in this country. You guys do have an amazing state to call home. Closest state to alaska in just sheer beauty in every direction no matter what part of the state you are in. Just my experience with Montana and i really enjoy your content.
3-4 years ago up by the highline was -55 without windchill. We still went to work even if our most the vehicles didn't have power.. wait a bit and then took off when it started or someone whose vehicle did work came and got you! Born in MN moved here at 1year old. Still here! Love Montana!! ❤️ not a fan of ice effing cold winters lol. Def wind takes your breathe away sometimes
That was the 1st mistake Americans made was telling poor kids that every building that was built with tax dollars is theirs and is theirs and now they have no respect for it and want it dismantled
I was thinking come on we have winter from September & yes it starts getting dark at 4-30 in October but when you said it goes on until June 👁👁 I was shocked 😳 x I live in England & I love the season’s so much but when you said June wow that’s 9 months long x Gods bless you guys too 🇬🇧
I love Montana in the summer. 😄 My husband could live there, me no. I don't like that much snow. We have friends who live there. We've bought cows from them. We also hunt there. Eastern Oregon is a lot like that. Open range so livestock has the right away. We get down in the single digits and sometimes lower, and last year winter was until April/May. Just have to deal with it. I figure we have 4 weeks until winters here again.
I grew up n whitefish Montana and lived there for 15 or so years as an adult. What you are told here is accurate in every way. During my time there I saw many people move into town after having come there on vacation. Loved it and decided to move here. But within 2 or 3years sell out and leave because of he winter cold and darkness. Lack of entertainment or they couldn’t find a decent paying job and they couldn’t eat the scenery. The cost of land and food and taxes are higher now but not the wages. Think carefully before moving. It will save you alot of money
Try driving through Butte during a raging snow/wind storm along Hwy 90. Cars, trucks, rigs all over the place. And, it happens fast! And the weather was isolated to just the high elevation around Butte!? Be careful out there...
I wouldn’t mind visiting Montana in summer the but no way in the winter….I lived in Michigan for over a decade.. that was enough for me…lol. This sweet Ga peach headed back home to Georgia. I do appreciate your videos and the scenery is breathtaking! All the best and God bless
Lived in mountain home. Idaho 5 years and worked 90% of the time outside…liked it but, I was in my early twenties and bulletproof. Now, not so much. Wish I could have stayed in that part of the country when time was up.
Yes, winter lasts a looooonnnnnnggggggg time in Montana. I was born, raised and lived in Montana from 1952 until 1998. Winter doesn't leave in February or March. I spent my birthday in late May putting on my new license plates in 8 inches of snow and more coming down. I also spent one 4th of July on a houseboat on Flathead Lake watching it snow. Soooooo....
I had the privilege of doing 5 weeks of medical training at a clinic in Missoula in 1995, i was there from August to mid October. It was a great time and i started to see the temp drop and slight snow early October that year
I don't think there's anything wrong with being proud of where you're from but when in Rome you must do as the Romans do. No matter where you go things are the way they are for a reason. When you see someone doing something a certain way it's not because they woke up and thought " let me try this and see if it works". They're doing it in a way they know works because they've been doing it that way since great grand dad figured it out. During all my travels I've always followed the locals and up til now they've never let me down
Sweetgrass and Coutts.... my grandma's niece used to run the General Store in Sweetgrass in Grandma's mailbox is where the pavement stopped and it was gravel from her mailbox to Sweetgrass a full seven miles & it's still that way!