Before You Head Into the Field, Here’s Your TSR 2026 Safety Brief

The Tough Stump Rodeo takes place in one of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America — and one of the most wild. Southern Montana isn’t a backdrop. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem, and it deserves your respect.

Before you arrive in June, read this. All of it.

 

 

Know What’s Out There: Wildlife in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem

The Ruby River Valley sits within the broader Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, which is one of the last intact large-mammal ecosystems in the Northern Hemisphere. That means the wildlife here is both scenic and also serious.

Attendees may encounter:

• Grizzly bears and black bears: The highest-risk animals on the list, particularly in spring and early summer when food is scarce and mothers are protecting cubs. This is exactly when TSR takes place, so take this seriously.
• Mountain lions: Rarely seen, but active at dawn and dusk. If you’re moving early or late, stay alert.
• Moose: Don’t let the calm demeanor fool you. Moose are unpredictable and responsible for more injuries than most people expect.
• Wolves, elk, and more: The ecosystem is thriving. Best advice is to Kkeep your distance from all of it.

 

 

Wildlife Safety: Stepping Off the Ranch

Awareness and preparation are your best tools. Here’s the non-negotiable list:

In the field:

• Make noise in wooded or brushy areas – do not surprise animals
• Travel in groups whenever possible
• Stay alert, especially near water, dense vegetation, or terrain changes
• Maintain a safe distance from all wildlife (no exceptions or selfies)

At camp and at the venue:

• Store all food and scented items properly. This is bear country, after all.
• Never leave food unattended outdoors
• Know where your bear spray is and know how to use it

The golden rule: Never feed, approach, or attempt to photograph wildlife at close range. That Instagram moment is not worth it.

 

 

 

Use the Technology You Came Here to See (As a Safety Tool)

Here’s where TSR 2026 can get interesting: the same technology on display at the Rodeo is also your best safety asset if you’re venturing off the ranch.

ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit) or iTAK gives you and your group a shared operational picture; real-time GPS positioning, team tracking, and communication in a single interface. Pair it with a goTenna mesh network and you have off-grid communications and situational awareness even in areas with zero cell service.

Before heading out to explore southern Montana, whether that’s a drive toward Yellowstone, a fly fishing trip on the Madison, or a hike into the backcountry, check in with the Tough Stump team first. We’ll help you get set up and make sure someone knows where you’re going.

 

 

Not Familiar with ATAK or iTAK? Get Certified Before You Arrive.

If you want to get trained up before TSR 2026, Tough Stump University has you covered. You can earn a certificate of training in both ATAK and iTAK through self-paced online courses — so you show up to the Rodeo ready to operate, not just observe.

Get TAK-certified at Tough Stump University

 

Montana Rewards the Prepared.

Come ready, stay alert, use your tools, and you’ll have the experience of a lifetime in one of the most extraordinary places on earth.

We’ll see you in June.