hunters

The Houston Astros have named Blubaugh as their starting pitcher for Game 1 of the American League Wild Card Series, with Hunter Brown expected to take the mound for Game 2. The announcement sets the rotation for Houston's playoff opener as the club begins its postseason run, with fans and analysts weighing the pitching choices ahead of the best-of-three series.

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has directed staff to begin drafting a formal predator management policy, a step that would shape how the state handles species such as wolves, mountain lions and bears. The move was reported by the Flathead Beacon and is likely to draw input from hunters, ranchers and conservation groups as the policy takes shape.