It’s Rodeo Time! From the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale 2026 in Montana to skunk mating season and a U.S. bug boom surge expected, here’s what to know for spring and summer plans. Join radio hosts Rebecca Wanner aka ‘BEC’ and Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt (Tigger & BEC) with the latest in Outdoors & Western Lifestyle News! Season 6, Episode 282 Rodeo returns to Miles City, Montana, skunks enter mating season, and experts warn of a major insect surge across the U.S. Upcoming Historical Rodeo Event: The 75th World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale in Montana

May 14-17, 2026 is the Miles City Bucking Horse Sale in Montana: Rodeo, Horse Racing, Live Music & Western Vendor Shopping.

Schedule: Miles City Bucking Horse Sale in Montana

May 14, 2026 – Starts with the Pendelton Whiskey Kick Off Concert! Headliner: Trace Adkins, Special Guest: Corb Lund, Opener: Kenny Feidler

May 15, 2026 – Rodeo, Horse Racing, Trade Show, Live Music

May 16, 2026 – THE MAIN EVENT: 75th Annual World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale, Parade, Horse Racing, Trade Show, Live Music

May 17, 2026: PRCA Xtreme Broncs Match Rodeo, Horse Racing, Trade Show

BUY TICKETS & More Information HERE: RanchChannel.com

Love is in the Air: Skunks Make Love Stink

Skunk mating season began in January and continues until the end of March. Female skunks usually only have one litter each year, but male skunks can reproduce with more than one female during the breeding season, according to the University of Michigan.

Skunks have a gestation period of 63 days. The young are born in April or May and the average litter contains about six young with litters ranging from two to ten. Young skunks remain in the nest from six to seven weeks before they start accompanying their parents.

Check your property for potential den sites.

Baby skunks, known as kits, are protected by their Mother who seeks out safe, sheltered spaces to raise their young, often choosing burrows beneath porches, crawlspaces, or other structures. Den openings are usually four to six inches wide and may have a faint skunk odor. Now is a great time to inspect your property and take steps to humanely discourage skunks from settling in. Warning: a skunk can spray multiple times, reaching up to 15 feet!

If your dog has sprayed, the recommendation is to:

Wash out their eyes and mouth with clean water
Bath them with a skunk shampoo. Commercial products are available but you can make your own with 3 parts 3% hydrogen peroxide, 1 part baking soda, and a teaspoon of dish soap.
Wash them a second time with your normal pet shampoo
Check them for bites as skunks can transmit rabies
Monitor for illness for the next couple of days and consult with your veterinarian if there is any abnormal behavior

Reference: https://wayne.osu.edu/news/skunk-mating-season-could-be-tricky-pets

Experts Warn of a Big “Bug Boom” Across the U.S. This Summer

A surge in insects could be on the way across the United States this spring and summer, according to experts—and it may be noticeable just about everywhere.

Entomologists with the National Pest Management Association say unusual winter weather has created the perfect conditions for bugs to survive and multiply. As a result, Americans can expect pests to show up earlier than normal—and in larger numbers.

The science behind it is fairly straightforward. A mix of mild winter temperatures, insulating snow, and early spring warmth allowed more insects to make it through the season. Now, rising heat and moisture are helping those populations grow quickly.

Jim Fredericks, a senior official with the group, says this kind of extreme and inconsistent winter can have a ripple effect, boosting pest activity well into the warmer months.

Experts warn that mosquitoes, ticks, flies, ants, and even cockroaches could all be more active than usual in 2026. That includes popular travel spots like beaches, parks, and other outdoor destinations.

The takeaway: be prepared. Stocking up on bug spray, staying alert outdoors, and taking simple prevention steps could help reduce the impact of what’s shaping up to be a very buggy season.
Reference: https://parade.com/travel/united-states-destinations-swarmming-with-bugs-this-summer
https://www.southernliving.com/bug-boom-spring-summer-11930064

According to the CDC regarding ticks, there has been a surge across America in recent years of Lyme Disease.

How Lyme Disease Spreads

Lyme disease bacteria causing human infection in the United States are spread to people by blacklegged (Deer Tick) ticks.
In general, infected ticks must be attached for more than 24 hours to transmit infection; prompt tick removal can prevent transmission.
Infected ticks are found most commonly in forested areas in the northeastern, north-central, and mid-Atlantic states, and in smaller areas within Pacific Coast states.

OUTDOORS FIELD REPORTS & COMMENTS

We want to hear from you! If you have any questions, comments, or stories to share about bighorn sheep, outdoor adventures, or wildlife conservation, don’t hesitate to reach out. Call or text us at 305-900-BEND (305-900-2363), or send an email to BendRadioShow@gmail.com. Stay connected by following us on social media at Facebook/Instagram @thebendshow or by subscribing to The Bend Show on YouTube. Visit our website at TheBendShow.com for more exciting content and updates!

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WESTERN LIFESTYLE & THE OUTDOORS

Jeff ‘Tigger’ Erhardt & Rebecca ‘BEC’ Wanner are passionate news broadcasters who represent the working ranch world, rodeo, and the Western way of life. They are also staunch advocates for the outdoors and wildlife conservation. As outdoorsmen themselves, Tigger and BEC provide valuable insight and education to hunters, adventurers, ranchers, and anyone interested in agriculture and conservation.

With a shared love for the outdoors, Tigger & BEC are committed to bringing high-quality beef and wild game from the field to your table. They understand the importance of sharing meals with family, cooking the fruits of your labor, and making memories in the great outdoors. Through their work, they aim to educate and inspire those who appreciate God’s Country and life on the land.

United by a common mission, Tigger & BEC offer a glimpse into the life beyond the beaten path and down dirt roads. They’re here to share knowledge, answer your questions, and join you in your own success story. Adventure awaits around the bend. With The Outdoors, the Western Heritage, Rural America, and Wildlife Conservation at the forefront, Tigger and BEC live this lifestyle every day.

To learn more about Tigger & BEC’s journey and their passion for the outdoors, visit TiggerandBEC.com.

https://tiggerandbec.com/