Media Chapter News State Issues State Policy Spotter 7/1/2025 This is your July edition of BHA's State Policy Spotter - a high-level scan of state policy and legislation impacting our wild public lands, waters and wildlife across North America. Note - this... Tags: Idaho Chapter, Florida Chapter, New England Chapter, Illinois Chapter, Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter
Media Chapter News Jackson Fence Pull Event Recap 6/30/2025 On a ridgeline at 8,000 feet in the west Pioneer mountains outside of Jackson, Montana, 13 volunteers from Montana BHA spent their summer solstice rolling up barbed wire and hauling it out of the... Tags: stewardship blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Celebrates Sine Die and is Optimistic about Bills Awaiting Governor's Signature 5/2/2025 As the final gavel dropped and Montana’s 2025 legislative session came to a close, the dedicated members and volunteers from the Montana Chapter of BHA took a deep breath—and then a moment to... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana's $8 Billion Gamble - the High Stakes of Transferring Federal Lands to the State 4/15/2025 Montana BHA has signed a report detailing crippling costs to the state that would ensue if federal lands were to be transferred to the state. BHA has long opposed this notion and has pushed back... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Take Action to Support Conservation Funding in Montana 4/11/2025 In 2021, Montana led the nation by dedicating a portion of marijuana tax revenue to the Habitat Montana program. That funding has already delivered significant returns, including improved public... Tags: Montana Chapter, Montana action alerts
Media State Issues Montana BHA Rallies Against Anti-Public Lands Legislation 3/28/2025 Last week, Montana BHA members showed up in full force at the state legislature, advocating for the conservation and stewardship of our public lands, wildlife habitat, and hunting... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Hunters & Anglers Raise Strong Opposition to SB 307 3/20/2025 This bill passed the second reading in the Senate by a vote of 30 to 20, but there is still an opportunity to kill it. Check out the letter that BHA and other sporting organizations submitted... Tags: Montana Chapter, Montana action alerts, container
Media State Issues Montana BHA Opposes Legislation that Would Streamline the Sale of State Lands 3/20/2025 HB 676 has already passed the house and has a hearing this Friday in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Right now, only constituents of committee members may take action, but if it advances out of... Tags: Montana Chapter, Montana action alerts
Media State Issues Montana BHA Mid-Session Legislative Report 3/11/2025 GOOD NEWS: BHA’s Two Top Priority Bills Are Moving Forward! The Montana Chapter of BHA is promoting two key pieces of legislation this session and both are meeting with success: HB... Tags: Montana Chapter, Montana action alerts
Media Chapter News State Issues Western State Policy Spotter - March 3/4/2025 This is your March 4th edition of BHA's Western Policy Spotter - a high-level scan of state policy and legislation impacting wild public lands, waters and wildlife across the West. Note - this... Tags: Colorado Chapter, Washington Chapter, Idaho Chapter, Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, New Mexico Chapter, Alaska Chapter, Arizona Chapter, California Chapter, Nevada Chapter, Oregon Chapter, Wyoming Chapter, Texas Chapter
Media State Issues Montana HB 763 - Accessing Public Lands Through Block Management 2/27/2025 Montana is home to millions of acres of public land, yet much remains out of reach for hunters. Over 3 million acres—10% of our state and federal lands—are landlocked, surrounded by private... Tags: Montana Chapter, access
Media Chapter News Montana BHA Hosts Successful Conservation Celebration 2/24/2025 A shoutout to our presenting sponsors Trailhead River Sports, Life Chiropractic, and Rangitsch Brothers RV for making this event possible! The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Western State Policy Spotter - First Look 2/7/2025 Welcome to your first glimpse of BHA's Western Policy Spotter - a high-level scan of state policy and legislation impacting wild public lands, waters and wildlife across the West. Much like... Tags: Colorado Chapter, Washington Chapter, Idaho Chapter, Utah Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, New Mexico Chapter, Arizona Chapter, California Chapter, Nevada Chapter, Oregon Chapter, Wyoming Chapter, Texas Chapter
Media State Issues Take Action to Allow Montana to Offer Raffles AND Auctions for Big Game Tags 2/3/2025 Montana BHA has been tracking and engaging on a large number of bills during this legislative session, and we are urging you to support House Bill 283, which would allow Montana Fish, Wildlife... Tags: Montana Chapter, Montana action alerts
Media State Issues Montana BHA 2025 Winter Newsletter 1/14/2025 Hello from the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers! We hope you're beginning the new year by taking stock of a successful 2024 in the backcountry, as well as looking forward to what... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Field to Table Mule Deer Picadillo 1/9/2025 Growing up in Houston, Texas, I was exposed to an abundant food scene fueled by the city’s diverse population. From African oxtail stew to VietCajun crawfish and noodles, I developed an... Tags: the campfire, Field to Table, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Q & A with the Montana BHA chapter’s new Board Chair, Jake Schwaller 1/8/2025 To welcome the new year, the Montana BHA board elected a new leader, Jake Schwaller, after our previous Chair, John B. Sullivan III, completed his term. First and foremost, we are grateful for the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues Senate Committee Advances Final Public Lands and Waters Legislation for the 118th Congress 11/20/2024 On November 19, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee held its final Business Meeting of the 118th Congress. The record-breaking number of bills on the docket highlights the backlog of... Tags: Colorado Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, California Chapter, Nevada Chapter, access, Public Waters Access
Media State Issues Protecting Access and Preserving Public Lands in the Crazy Mountains 10/25/2024 The Crazy Mountains in Montana have long been a battleground for public land access. As a cherished area for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation, the region represents a vital part of... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA 2024 Fall Newsletter 10/3/2024 It's the best time of the year! Take a look at what we’ve been up to the last three months at the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers: Montana BHA and their conservation... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: Montana BHA Celebrates Public Lands Day 10/2/2024 To celebrate this year’s Public Lands Day, Montana BHA Chapter volunteers organized a river cleanup on the Missouri River between Holter Dam and the town of Cascade. Boasting over 7,000 trout per... Tags: stewardship blog, Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Field to Table Grouse & Dumplings 10/2/2024 The arrival of fall means many things to a hunter. Here in Montana in September, I’m often conflicted by the dueling options of archery elk hunting and the upland bird season. Bow or shotgun?... Tags: the campfire, Field to Table, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Montana to Idaho Wildlife Crossing Feasibility Study 8/16/2024 August 14, 2024 Honorable Pete ButtigiegU.S. Secretary of Transportation1200 New Jersey Ave, SEWashington, DC 20590 Subject: US-93 Darby, Montana to Idaho Wildlife Crossing Feasibility Study Dear... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Comments on Mule Deer Management Plan Guiding Principles 8/6/2024 The Montana Chapter submitted the following comments to the FWP Mule Deer Citizen Advisory Committee in response to the Guiding Principles that MDCAC has developed to help shape a mule deer... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana Hunting and Conservation Groups Laud Legal Victories alongside the State of Montana in Defense of Elk and Game Management 7/29/2024 Joint Press Release by All Intervening Organizations In a major legal victory for the State of Montana, hunters, and conservation groups, a District Court judge has sided with the public and... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media Press Releases BHA Launches Video Campaign Highlighting "Corner Crossings" Issue, Advocate for Public Land Access 7/18/2024 For Immediate Release Date: July, 18 2024 Contact: Thomas Plank, 303-720-0111, plank@backcountryhunters.org Missoula, MT – The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is proud to... Tags: Montana Chapter, press releases
Media State Issues Montana BHA 2024 Summer Newsletter 7/9/2024 Besides turkey and bear hunting, fishing, and camping, we've had a busy spring here in Montana. Take a look at what we’ve been up to the last three months at the Montana Chapter of Backcountry... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Field to Table Whitefish Melt 7/8/2024 Whitefish (Prosopium williamsoni) often get a bad rap among Western anglers, but the native salmonid deserves our respect as both worthy quarry and delicious table fare. Related species dominate... Tags: Field to Table, Montana Chapter
Media Chapter News Senate Committee Considers Legislation to Conserve Public Lands and Waters 6/14/2024 On June 12, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Subcommittee on Public Lands, Forests, and Mining held a legislative hearing which included the consideration of six bills supported by... Tags: Colorado Chapter, policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, featured, California Chapter, Nevada Chapter, Wyoming Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues OPINION: Non-residents harvest more mule deer bucks than residents in NE Montana 6/6/2024 When it comes to hunter crowding and the state of mule deer, non-resident hunting pressure and harvests aren’t the only culprits, but mounting evidence shows they’re a big one. According to an... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Montana’s Stream Access – a Legacy Worth Protecting 6/5/2024 Forty years ago, the Montana Supreme Court affirmed that the public may use rivers or streams – regardless of who owns the streambed or adjacent land – for recreation purposes. This is now known... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Backcountry Hunters and Anglers’ raffle raises record amount for mule deer conservation in Montana 6/3/2024 The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers generated a record-setting $56,620 for mule deer conservation by raffling the species’ Governor’s tag. The amount raised this year exceeded... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Montana BHA raffle raises the bar, sets record amount for mule deer conservation 5/22/2024 The opportunity to hunt shouldn’t just be for the wealthy. So why should Montana’s special, statewide tags be any different? This was our pitch to the Fish & Wildlife Commission last summer. We... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana Raises Record Funds for a Coveted Mule Deer Tag — Through a Public Raffle 5/21/2024 Montana’s chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers today announced that it raised a record $56,620 for mule deer conservation by raffling a single statewide deer tag. The winner is a Washington... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues BHA raffle raises record amount for mule deer conservation in Montana 5/20/2024 Montana BHA’s statewide mule deer raffle raised a record amount for mule deer conservation, and the lucky winner has been drawn!Last summer, we successfully argued in front of the Fish and... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Tribes, sportsmen groups warn against ballot initiative 5/8/2024 You may have seen them at the grocery store. Outside a gas station. Or walking around town. People are out collecting signatures for a number of proposed ballot initiatives. One in particular... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Mining Company Out of Canada Says it Will Continue to Explore Bitterroot River Headwaters for Rare Earth Metals 5/8/2024 On May 2, U.S. Forest Service officials stationed in the Bitterroot National Forest of western Montana said they’ve received a mining company’s Notice of Intent (NOI) to further explore the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Hunters and anglers, pay attention 5/7/2024 Whether it's repeated attempts to privatize our wildlife or attacks on public access, Montanans have had plenty to complain about recently. While the legislature and Gov. Gianforte have been... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Supports the Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Easement – Phase 1 5/2/2024 *** Learn more about this proposal and submit your own comments by the May 15th, 2024 deadline. *** May 2, 2024 Leah Breidinger Habitat Conservation Biologist Montana Fish, Wildlife &... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: BHA Supports Gold Creek-Twin Creek BLM Acquisition 4/25/2024 LEARN MORE AND SUBMIT YOUR OWN LETTER OF SUPPORT BY APRIL 30TH April 25, 2024 Lonna SandauBureau of Land Management Western Montana DistrictMissoula Field Office3255 Fort Missoula... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on Utility-Scale Solar Energy Development PEIS/RMPA 4/11/2024 *** Learn more and comment here by the April 18th, 2024 deadline *** April 11th, 2024 Mr. Jeremy Bluma, Acting Division ChiefNational Renewable Energy Coordination OfficeBLM Headquarters1849 C... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA 2024 Spring Newsletter 4/1/2024 Besides waterfowl hunting, ice fishing, and enjoying home-cooked comfort meals featuring wild game, here’s what we’ve been up to the last three months at the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Field to Table Mule Deer Reuben 3/29/2024 I’m a daydreamer at heart, and I spend a lot of time fantasizing about recipes during the big game hunting season. Between the idle hours spent driving to trailheads, hiking to glassing knobs in... Tags: Field to Table, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments on Lolo National Forest Plan Revision 3/25/2024 *** Learn more and comment here by April 7th *** March 25, 2024 Lolo National Forest Supervisor’s Office Attn: Amanda Milburn - Lolo Plan Revision 24 Fort Missoula Rd Missoula, MT... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Comments on 2024 WMA CLOSURE EXCEPTIONS 3/21/2024 ***Learn more and submit your own comments by March 28th, 2024*** Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners: On behalf of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, we submit... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Comments on 2024-2025 MIGRATORY BIRD REGULATIONS 3/20/2024 *** Learn more and submit your own comments by March 28th, 2024 *** Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners: On behalf of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, we submit... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Pathways to Clarity - PART 3 3/18/2024 The confluence of forces that created the checkerboard land ownership patterns that so vex many Montanans was not an overnight phenomenon. A slew of congressional acts, land transfers, lawsuits... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Assessment at Northwest Montana Wetland Management District 3/15/2024 *** Learn more and submit your own comments by April 3, 2024 *** March 15, 2024 Ben Gilles, Project LeaderUS Fish and Wildlife Service53775 MT HWY 212 Charlo, MT... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA supports Left Coulee Access Proposed Action 3/13/2024 *** Learn more about this proposal and submit your own comments. The deadline is March 28th, 2024.*** March 13, 2024 Bureau of Land ManagementUpper Missouri River Breaks National Monument920 NE... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Auction vs. Raffle Tags: Should States Stop Selling Big-Game Tags to the Highest Bidder? 3/13/2024 This Friday Arizona’s Game and Fish Commission may direct the agency to consider alternatives to its controversial system of auctioning coveted hunting opportunities that raise millions of dollars... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Nearly 900,000 acres of Montana in access limbo - PART 2 3/11/2024 Nearly a decade before four Missouri Hunters drove to Wyoming for a now-famous hunting trip that landed them before state and federal judges on trespassing charges, Bozeman-based hunting... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Commissioners got it right with black bear vote 3/5/2024 As a responsible black bear hunter and firm believer of hunting as a crucial component of wildlife management, I thank Commissioner Brooke along with Chair Robinson and Commissioners Burrows and... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana proponents for public access, landowners, await implications of Wyoming lawsuit - PART 1 3/4/2024 When four hunters used a specially constructed ladder to step from one corner of public land in southern Wyoming to another, the ripples from that decision were initially small but have since... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Governor Greg Gianforte unveiled the Montana 2024 Migratory Bird Stamp 2/26/2024 HELENA — On Monday, February 26, Governor Greg Gianforte unveiled the Montana 2024 Migratory Bird Stamp at the state capitol. Montana received over 70 submissions for this year’s contest. Florida... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA supports the Stafford Ferry Conservation Easement 2/22/2024 LEARN MORE & SUBMIT YOUR OWN COMMENTS BY MARCH 21, 2024 February 22, 2024 Sonja Andersen, Wildlife BiologistMontana Fish, Wildlife & ParksPO Box 938Lewistown, MT 59457sandersen@mt.govRe: Stafford... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Zinke debuts bill to limit privatizing public lands 2/20/2024 Congressman Ryan Zinke announced on Monday that he is putting forward the “Public Lands in Public Hands” bill to limit the privatization of public lands. Zinke introduced the public lands bill... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues How To Privatize a Mountain 2/13/2024 We had followed the trail for a half mile when it ran headlong into a fence. Signs nailed to the trees blared messages of unwelcome: “Private Property” and “No Forest Service Access.” They... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana Conservation Group Holds Open Raffle for Coveted Statewide Mule Deer Tag 2/13/2024 The Montana chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is hosting a raffle for one of the Treasure State’s most coveted big game tags, and it’s open residents and non-residents alike. The... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on Spotted Dog WMA Grazing and Water Development Plan Draft EA 2/9/2024 *** Submitted via email on February 9th. Learn more and submit your own comments by February 12th at 5pm. *** February 9, 2024 Liz Bradley, Region 2 Wildlife Manager Montana Fish, Wildlife and... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues MONTANA BHA IS RAFFLING A STATEWIDE MULE DEER TAG 2/1/2024 The opportunity to hunt shouldn’t just be for the wealthy. At least, that’s how Montana BHA feels about it, and that’s what the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation says,... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Take Action: Help the BLM Refine Proposed Action for Left Coulee Access 1/29/2024 The BLM is proposing to create and open a Left Coulee Access Road, a 0.6-mile primitive route that would provide legal motorized access to a network of 51 miles of motorized roads through the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments on Left Coulee Access EA 1/29/2024 January 29, 2024 Bureau of Land ManagementUpper Missouri River Breaks National Monument920 NE Main St, Lewistown, MT 59457Rachel Miller, rmiller@blm.gov Re: Left Coulee Access Environmental... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on Cebull’s black bear amendments 1/29/2024 *** view and comment on Commission agenda items (amendments) here *** January 29, 2024 Chair Robinson, Commissioners - On behalf of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, we... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Objectors raise concerns regarding East Crazy Mountain land exchange 1/19/2024 Concerns that public lands proposed for trade to landowners along the east side of the Crazy Mountains will be developed — whether with condos, lodges and golf courses for the wealthy or mining —... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues FWP seeks members to serve on Mule Deer Citizens Advisory Council 1/17/2024 Ask any Montana hunter, and they’ll have a different response on the state of our mule deer herds and mule deer hunting. There’s certainly no shortage of complaints, nor ideas on what to do about... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Yellowstone Northern Range elk herd management to change after hunting district boundary modified 1/14/2024 This coming season, elk and deer hunters on the western side of the Yellowstone River, just north of Yellowstone National Park, will have a two-week longer season than their counterparts across... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports the Lost Creek Proposed Land Acquisition 1/12/2024 January 12, 2024 Amanda James, Field ManagerBureau of Land Management - Dillon Field Office1005 Selway DriveDillon, MT 59725 Re: Lost Creek Proposed Land Acquisition Ms. James: On behalf of the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments on the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Plan Revision 1/12/2024 January 12, 2024 The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & AnglersPO Box 9257Missoula, MT 59807 Regional Forester Leanne Martin (Reviewing Officer)USDA Forest Service Northern (R1) Regional... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues FWP Hosting Meetings to Discuss Upland Game Bird Regs 1/12/2024 Are upland game bird regulations about to be flipped on their head? Not exactly. Current proposals include nothing drastic. But FWP’s decision to host two meetings - and reminding the public that... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues TAKE ACTION: Protect our wild backcountry in the Great Burn 1/11/2024 Now in its final stages of planning, the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest has made clear what they intend to do with the 252,000-acre landscape of wild, roadless lands that most know as the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Roundup man's hunting privileges revoked for 10 years after elk poaching 1/4/2024 What began as a sweeping prosecution for three bull elk poached in Musselshell County ended last month with a conviction for a single elk killed out of season and a man's hunting privileges... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Smith River 2024 - What you need to know 1/3/2024 The application season for the prized Smith River float permits is now open, and things look a little different this year. 1) Non-residents are now limited to 10% of the launch permits, which... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Let FWP biologists do their job 12/26/2023 During Montana’s Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting in Helena last week, a subtle yet profound shift occurred, signaling a troubling trend in Montana wildlife management. This shift wasn’t a... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA: 2023 Year In Review 12/21/2023 Here's a quick(ish) recap of what Montana BHA was able to accomplish in 2023, and what's on our minds as we head into the new year: Policy Efforts Every other year, Montana’s legislature is... Tags: Montana recap, the campfire, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Field to Table Rabbit and Pheasant Curry 12/18/2023 Too often during a pheasant hunt we find our four-legged companions not being able to withstand the wild chase of a cottontail through the brush and briers. It is easy to holler, “Easy girl,... Tags: Field to Table, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Fish and Wildlife Commission nixes quota ranges for trophy-hunting districts 12/15/2023 The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission voted this week to scrap quota ranges in trophy-hunting districts, a decision that drew criticism from hunters concerned about politics steering the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Responds to New Elk Management Plan 12/12/2023 FWP’s new Elk Plan has been adopted. Last revisited in 2004, the long awaited plan has a lot to like, but falls short of expectations. Montana BHA participated diligently in the public scoping... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues TAKE ACTION: Support the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act 12/12/2023 Tags: Montana Chapter, access, Montana action alerts
Media State Issues Montana BHA Comments on the Beaverhead-Deerlodge Outfitter and Guide Project 12/11/2023 View and comment on the Outfitter and Guide Project Revised Draft Environmental Assessment (DEA) here.The deadline is Dec. 18th. December 11, 2023 Beaverhead -Deerlodge National ForestAttn:... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Beaverhead-Deerlodge Outfitter and Guide Project 12/11/2023 The US Forest Service is proposing to increase guiding and outfitting use days 153 percent on our public lands found within the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest. The comment deadline is... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Groups weigh in on new Montana elk management plan 12/10/2023 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ recently released Elk Management Plan has drawn fire from sportsmen and landowner groups. Unveiled on Dec. 1 after three years of work, the new elk plan updates... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Legislative Council Splits Vote on Ballot Initiative to Extend Landowner Hunting Rights 12/8/2023 A proposed ballot initiative seeking to more broadly extend landowner hunting rights to private parcels in Montana — even for non-tribal members who own property on reservation lands — would... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Ballot initiative seeking to expand landowners’ hunting access met with committee opposition 12/6/2023 A ballot initiative seeking to allow landowners to hunt elk, deer and black bears on their property hit a setback Wednesday when the Environmental Quality Council voted not to support the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Tribes, conservation groups pile on against ballot initiative on hunting 12/6/2023 Tribal officials and conservation groups on Wednesday raised their objections with an incoming ballot initiative that will soon go out for signature gathering. Initiative 193 would allow... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana EQC Votes on I-193 12/6/2023 Today, Montana’s Environmental Quality Council held a hearing to discuss I-193, the proposed ballot initiative that would prevent landowners from being prohibited from hunting black bears, deer or... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Surprise Ballot Initiative Would Allow Montana Landowners to Hunt Big Game Without Permits 12/5/2023 A proposed ballot initiative that could have broad implications for Montana’s elk management and tribal relations will be the sole subject of a surprise state oversight committee Wednesday... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana Chapter 2023 Holiday Gift Guide 11/20/2023 The Montana Chapter is extremely grateful for our business sponsors across the state that want to protect access to our public lands and waters. This holiday season, we encourage you to shop local... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Objects to Draft Decision on East Crazy Inspiration Divide Land Exchange 11/9/2023 *** To learn more about this proposal and comment, click here. *** To read the Montana Chapter of BHA's objections submitted on November 9th, 2023, click here. Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA comments on 2024-25 Season Setting Proposals 11/9/2023 *** Review the proposals and submit your own comments here, by November 21st *** November 9, 2023Dear Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks:On behalf of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters &... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues The Proposed Missouri Headwaters Conservation Area - What You Need to Know 10/30/2023 Right now, the US Fish and Wildlife Service is taking comments on a proposal to create a conservation area in parts of five counties in SW Montana. If enacted, private landowners would be eligible... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA comments in support of Proposed Missouri Headwaters Conservation Area 10/30/2023 *** LEARN MORE AND COMMENT HERE BY NOVEMBER 27th *** October 30th, 2023 Ben Gilles, Montana National Wildlife Refuge Complex Project Leader U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 922 Bootlegger... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Applauds Sen. Tester's Efforts to Restore Funding for Hunter's Ed 10/26/2023 Last Friday, Montana BHA board member Jake Schwaller had the privilege of joining fellow Montana hunters in thanking Senator Tester for his leadership and efforts in returning funding for... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Commission approves land purchase for new wildlife management area near Forsyth 10/20/2023 The first of what could be several land acquisitions by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks along the Lower Yellowstone River to improve public access was approved on Thursday. The Fish and Wildlife... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana hunters thankful for reversal on hunting education in schools 10/20/2023 BILLINGS — With the general rifle season set to kick off Saturday, Friday was cause for celebration for hunters like Evan Trewhella, who say that hunter safety taught in school is basically a rite... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Fish and Wildlife Commission votes to support purchase of Lower Yellowstone River property 10/19/2023 The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission unanimously voted today to approve the acquisition of a new wildlife management area proposed for the Lower Yellowstone River. According to Angie Grove,... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues COMMENT NOW - The Fish Creek Watershed Draft Recreation Strategy 10/13/2023 Speak up for quality hunting and fishing opportunities and productive fish and wildlife habitat in the Fish Creek watershed. Deadline to comment is October 20th. Right now, Montana FWP is... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA comments on Fish Creek Watershed Draft Recreation Strategy 10/12/2023 *** Read the Fish Creek Watershed Draft Recreation Strategy and comment yourself. *** October 12, 2023 Randy ArnoldFWP Region 2 Supervisor406-542-5504rarnold@mt.gov RE: Fish Creek Watershed... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues VIEWPOINT: Daines should stop playing games with Blackfoot Act 10/6/2023 Last month, Senator Tester’s Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act passed out of committee. The product of more than a decade, the BCSA enjoys the support of the majority (84%!) of Montanans. It’s... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA 2023 Fall Newsletter 9/28/2023 It's the most wonderful time of the year! Like most of us here at Montana BHA, we expect many of you are spending as much time afield or on the water as possible this fall. With that in mind,... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues MT BHA Comments on Dry Riverside Project in Flathead National Forest 9/28/2023 September 28, 2023 Gary BlazejewskiHungry Horse Ranger DistrictPO Box 190340Hungry Horse, MT 59919gary.blazejewski@usda.gov Re: Dry Riverside Project Dear Mr. Blazejewski, The Montana Chapter... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues East Crazy Mountain, Big Sky land exchanges advance with changes 9/28/2023 Acontentious land exchange on the eastern side of the Crazy Mountains and near Big Sky has been approved by the supervisor of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The draft decision contains... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Forest Service Tentatively Approves Crazy Mountain Land Swap 9/28/2023 The U.S. Forest Service announced Wednesday that it has tentatively approved a land swap involving more than 15 square miles of land located in two Montana mountain ranges. The Custer Gallatin... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media Press Releases Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act Advances in U.S. Senate 9/21/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseSept. 21, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Made-in-Montana bill would protect important headwaters, facilitate timber harvests in... Tags: the campfire, Montana Chapter, press releases
Media State Issues Montana BHA Applauds Agreement to Retire Final Remaining Lease in the Badger-Two Medicine 9/7/2023 Late last week, news broke that the final remaining oil and gas lease in the Badger-Two Medicine was to be permanently retired! This area, US Forest Service lands adjacent to the Bob Marshall... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Are hunters satisfied with Montana's elk management? A 5,800-person survey offers answers 8/31/2023 The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently released the results of two hunter surveys. One was sent to 5,000 residents and another to 800 nonresidents. The surveys asked questions... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Supports Falls Creek LWCF Project 8/30/2023 August 30, 2023 Chad BensonKootenai National Forest Supervisor31374 US Hwy. 2Libby, Montana 59923-3022 RE: LWCF Falls Creek Project Dear Mr. Benson, My name is Aaron Agosto, I am writing on... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Supports Crevice Mountain Acquisition 8/30/2023 August 30, 2023 Mary EricksonForest Supervisor USDA Forest Service – Custer Gallatin National Forest10 E. Babcock Bozeman, MT 59771 RE: Crevice Mountain Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Are Montanans really satisfied with elk management? 8/30/2023 Sharing the results of their Resident Elk Hunter Survey, FWP’s press release and summary tout that 73% of respondents "are satisfied with elk management." Given the contention around elk... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Sportsmen: Elk Hunter Survey Doesn't Support FWP Claims 8/28/2023 A sportsmen’s group is questioning Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ interpretation of its recent elk hunting poll, particularly claims that most resident hunters are satisfied with current elk... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Are Montanans Really Satisfied with Elk Management? 8/22/2023 Montana FWP recently shared the results of their research gauging hunters' satisfaction with elk management in Montana. The survey was sent to 5,000 randomly selected resident hunters with half... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana residents generally happy with elk, mule deer management, survey finds 8/18/2023 Elk hunting has been an emotional topic for some Montana hunters in recent years, with rallies on the Capitol steps, special conferences between differing interest groups and bills introduced in... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Supports Wildcat WMA Acquisition 8/18/2023 August 18, 2023 Montana Fish, Wildlife & ParksAttn: Brett DorakPO Box 1630Miles City, MT 59301Brett.Dorak@mt.gov RE: Wildcat WMA Acquisition Dear Mr. Dorak, On behalf of the Montana Chapter of... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Supports Racetrack Creek Acquisition 8/16/2023 August 16, 2023 Lisa Timchak, Forest Supervisor Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest 420 Barrett Street Dillon, MT 59725 Re: Racetrack Creek 2025 LWCF-Funded Acquisition Proposal Ms.... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana Hunters Requests Improvements to Elk Hunting Access Agreements 8/7/2023 August 7th, 2023 Director Temple, Chair Robinson, Commissioners, Chair Beal - First, thank you for your continued efforts to improve the Elk Hunting Access Agreements. As you know, since the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Comments on 2023 EMP Draft 7/31/2023 July 31, 2023 Montana FWP Wildlife Division 1420 East Sixth Avenue Helena, MT 59620 RE: Montana BHA Comments on the 2023 Montana Statewide Elk Management Plan Draft Mr. Northrup, Mr.... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Guest View: Proposed elk plan goes in circles 7/27/2023 Nearly 20 years have passed since Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks last updated its Elk Management Plan (out for comment now). The new EMP has some good ideas, like reviewing the plan every five... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act (S. 2149) 7/21/2023 July 21, 2023 The Honorable Joe ManchinChairmanSenate Energy and Natural Resources Committee306 Hart Senate Office BuildingWashington, DC 20510 The Honorable John BarrassoRanking MemberSenate... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues FWP's New Elk Management Plan - What's in it? 7/20/2023 Montana's new Elk Management Plan is out for comment now. It's nearly 500 pages. So what's in it? Well, there are some things to like, for example, the raising of objectives - now called goals -... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Wildlife Accommodations for the Cougar Creek Bridge Replacement Project 7/20/2023 The Honorable Pete Buttigieg, Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590 Re: WCPP Discretionary Grant Letter of Support: Wildlife Accommodations for... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program 7/19/2023 Wednesday, July 19, 2023 The Honorable Peter ButtigiegSecretary, U.S. Department of Transportation1200 New Jersey Ave, SEWashington, DC 20590-001 RE: Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program Grant... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program: Missoula to Garrison 7/19/2023 Wednesday, July 19, 2023 The Honorable Pete Buttigieg, Secretary U.S. Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590 Subject: for Wildlife Crossing Pilot Program... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments On Statewide Season-Setting Proposals 7/14/2023 July 14, 2023Dear Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks:On behalf of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (MT BHA), please see the comments below regarding the statewide proposals... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments On Lolo National Forest Plan Revision 7/7/2023 July 7, 2023 Lolo National Forest Supervisor’s Office Attn: Amanda Milburn - Lolo Plan Revision 24 Fort Missoula Rd Missoula, MT 59804 SM.FS.LFNRevision@usda.gov Dear Ms. Milburn: Thank you... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Conservation licenses required for fishing access, wildlife management areas 7/6/2023 Starting July 1, people using Montana fishing access sites and wildlife management areas who don’t already have a conservation license with their fishing or hunting license are supposed to buy one... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA 2023 Summer Newsletter 6/30/2023 Summer has arrived! When we haven't been attending bow shoots, boots-on-the-ground stewardship projects, or chasing the salmon fly hatch, here’s what we’ve been up to since our last quarterly blog... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues TAKE ACTION: Support the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act! 6/27/2023 Tags: Montana Chapter, access, Montana action alerts
Media State Issues Thinking about corner crossing in Montana? Read this first. 6/20/2023 In Montana, is Corner Crossing “unlawful,” “illegal,” or something else entirely? Across the country, the concept of “corner crossing” became the hottest topic in the hunting community when a... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues 50 landowners awarded free elk tags under hunting access program 6/10/2023 Fifty Montana landowners will be awarded 79 either-sex elk tags as an incentive to allow public hunters access to almost a half-million acres of land in the 2023 hunting season. The Fish and... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Billings sportsmen weigh in on BLM public lands rule 6/4/2023 The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) — our nation's largest land management agency, tasked with overseeing 245 million acres across the country — manages public lands for a multitude of uses. But... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues FWP statement on corner crossing in Montana raises public land access advocates' hackles 6/1/2023 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ deputy director has raised the hackles of some Montana land access advocates. A recent federal court ruling in Wyoming regarding public access at the corners where... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues 2023 Legislative Session Recap - Montana BHA 5/24/2023 Congrats! We made it through the 2023 Montana Legislative Session! Thanks to the tireless efforts from our chapter leaders, staff, and lobbyists in the Capitol - and more importantly thanks to... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on proposed Upper Thompson Conservation Easement. 5/24/2023 Montana BHA members are encouraged to weigh in on this proposal. Find more information and send in your own comments here. May 24, 2023 Leah Breidinger Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks 490... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media Press Releases State Issues Montana BHA and Partners Celebrate Bill that Defends Legal Public Access 5/19/2023 News for Immediate ReleaseMay 19, 2023Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Montana’s House Bill 486 increases the fine 10X for illegally blocking public... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, press releases, public lands
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Big Spring Creek Conservation Easement Proposal 5/18/2023 Learn more and submit your own comments here. May 18, 2023 Sonja Andersen, Wildlife BiologistMontana Fish, Wildlife & ParksPO Box 938Lewistown, MT 59457sandersen@mt.govRe: Big Spring Creek... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments Re: Implementation of SB 280 - Bird Dog Training Licenses and Season Proposal 5/12/2023 Tags: Fair Chase, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Petition to Conduct SB 442 Veto Override Poll with Partner Groups 5/8/2023 Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, habitat
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments in support of Marshall Mountain Community Forest and Mountain Park 5/4/2023 Kali Becher Open Lands Project ManagerMissoula County200 W. BroadwayMissoula, MT 59802 May 3rd, 2023 Re: Marshall Mountain Community Forest and Mountain Park Dear Ms. Becher: I am writing on... Tags: Montana Chapter, access, habitat
Media State Issues Field to Table Backcountry Bistro: Montana BHA's 2023 Wild Game Cookoff Recipe 5/2/2023 Grilled Elk Steak and Morel Sandwich with Elk Tallow Twice-Fried Frites and a Montana Bush Pilot When I think of Montana and reflect on what it took for me to harvest an elk this year, I... Tags: Field to Table, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues TAKE ACTION: Fight Attacks on Federal Public Land & LWCF Funding! 5/1/2023 Tags: Montana Chapter, access
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on FWP Habitat Conservation Lease Program 4/27/2023 April 27, 2023 Montana FWP Wildlife Division Attn: Rick Northrup, Habitat Bureau Chief 1420 E Sixth Ave., P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620 406-444-5633 rnorthrup@mt.gov RE: Habitat... Tags: Montana Chapter, habitat
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on WSR and Wilderness Inventories in draft Lolo National Forest Plan 4/26/2023 April 26, 2023 Lolo National Forest Supervisor’s Office Attn: Amanda Milburn - Lolo Plan Revision 24 Fort Missoula Rd Missoula, MT 59804 SM.FS.LFNRevision@usda.gov Dear Ms. Milburn; Thank... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Podcasts BHA Podcast & Blast, Ep. 154: The Legal Fight Over Corner Crossing Comes to a Head 4/25/2023 The future of public access to public lands is being decided in Wyoming with the ongoing saga of the corner-crossing hunters and their legal travails. We all have a dog in this fight – and never... Tags: the campfire, Montana Chapter, Podcast
Media State Issues LETTER: Montanans Support SB 442 as Amended 4/13/2023 April 13, 2023 Montana State Capitol Building1301 E. 6th AvenueHelena, MT 59601 RE: Montanans Support SB 442 as Amended Dear Gov. Gianforte and Members of the Montana Legislature, Right now,... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, habitat
Media State Issues Podcasts BHA Podcast & Blast, Ep. 153: The MT Legislature, The Weed Tax, and The Conservationists 4/11/2023 Montana's legislature meets for only 90 days every two years, but the amount of work that goes into a single abbreviated session is mind-blowing. In just a few short months during its 2023... Tags: the campfire, Montana Chapter, Podcast
Media State Issues Q1 Newsletter from Montana BHA 4/11/2023 We’re entering the final stretch of Montana’s legislative session, which is where the majority of our time and focus has been this year. That said, there are things happening outside of Helena... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana Citizen Elk Management Coalition members and sporting groups request veto of HB 635 4/5/2023 April 5th, 2023 Governor Greg Gianforte State Capitol 1301 E. Sixth Ave. Helena, MT 59601 RE: Montana Citizen Elk Management Coalition members and sporting groups request veto of HB... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: RE: Sportsman, Landowner, & Outfitter Support for SB 442, as currently amended 4/3/2023 April 3, 2023 MT Senate President Jason Ellsworth State Capitol 1301 E. Sixth Ave. Helena, MT 59601 RE: Sportsman, Landowner, & Outfitter Support for SB 442, as currently amended Dear... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Montana sportsmen groups oppose HB 635 3/26/2023 Montanans have long fought to make sure that hunting is available for all, equitably, and not just reserved for the wealthy and well-connected. This is so important that when many of us agreed... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues A Closer Look at HB 635: What do Montana Hunters Get Out of This? 3/18/2023 Update: On April 21st, Governor Gianforte sent HB 635 back to lawmakers with amendments. One of those was to triple the number of licenses given to nonresident landowners owning 2,500 acres. So... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: What’s good for prisoners may not be good for hunters 3/17/2023 In 2022, FWP established a new pheasant release program: “... which aims to engage youth in the sport of hunting, promote hunter success, and provide additional hunting opportunities for hunters... Tags: Fair Chase, policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Podcasts BHA Podcast & Blast, Ep. 151: Bill Avey, 40 Years in the Forest Service 3/14/2023 Retired Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Supervisor Bill Avey is here to give us a clear view into the workings of the U.S. Forest Service – and what is arguably, for a public lands hunter... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, Podcast
Media State Issues Montana BHA '23 Mid-Session Recap 3/8/2023 We're ending transmittal break, the halfway mark of the 2023 legislative session. In the first 45 days, Montana BHA has provided testimony on and helped influence the outcomes of 39 individual... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments on BLM Solar PEIS 2/28/2023 February 28th, 2023 Mr. Jeremy Bluma, Acting Division Chief National Renewable Energy Coordination Office BLM Headquarters 1849 C Street NW Washington, DC 20006 Submitted electronically at... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Dem's Bill Would Ensure Shed Hunters Can Be Prosecuted for Trespassing 2/27/2023 A bill in the House Fish, Wildlife and Parks Committee would add penalties for criminal trespassing while collecting antlers, sheds, or horns. Rep. Jill Cohenour, D-East Helena, is... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Ask your senator to support SB 406 2/26/2023 Montanans can’t get to 3.1 million acres of our public lands. If a neighbor wants to let us walk across their land to access public lands, they should be able to do so, encouraged to do so, and... Tags: Montana Chapter, access
Media State Issues Bill awards large nonresident landowners with big game combination hunting licenses 2/24/2023 Fifteen percent of the available big game combination licenses would be set aside for nonresidents owning a minimum of 2,500 acres under a bill designed to spread out hunting pressure and reward... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, access
Media State Issues Reducing acreage requirement for landowners proposed in elk hunting bill 2/24/2023 For two years without success, Rep. Marty Malone, R-Pray, has attempted to draw a landowner preference tag to shoot cow elk on his property in the Paradise Valley. In the Montana Legislature on... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, access
Media State Issues Public Lands Rally Draws Hundreds to Protect Popular Fund 2/24/2023 Few things can motivate Montanans to stand outside for close to an hour in below-zero temperatures like rallying to protect public lands. That’s what more than 200 people from around Montana did... Tags: Montana Chapter, access, habitat
Media State Issues OPINION: Don't Sell Our Hunting Heritage 2/23/2023 There are some forms of technology in hunting that come down to just personal preference. While others — the ones that adversely affect the experience for all hunters and jeopardize the public... Tags: Fair Chase, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Hundreds "Rally for Public Lands" at Montana State Capitol 2/23/2023 On Thursday in Helena, hundreds of people braved below-zero temperatures and snow showers to “Rally for Public Lands” at the State Capitol. This was the fifth legislative session that conservation... Tags: Montana Chapter, access, habitat
Media State Issues Public lands advocates rally, testify for outdoor access funding 2/23/2023 Nearly 500 public land advocates rallied in sub-zero temperatures on the steps of the Capitol Thursday to voice support for conservation funding and Montana’s constitutional guarantee of a clean... Tags: Montana Chapter, access, habitat
Media State Issues Forever no more? Bill seeks to restrict state’s access to perpetual conservation easements 2/22/2023 A broad assortment of industry groups, conservation nonprofits, ranching families and hunting and fishing access advocates on Tuesday testified in opposition to a bill that would impose term... Tags: Montana Chapter, access, habitat
Media State Issues Bill seeks landowner preference for bison tags as big hunting season continues outside Yellowstone 2/22/2023 Montana lawmakers on Tuesday afternoon heard testimony in favor of and against a bill that would allocate 15% of the state’s special bison hunting licenses to private landowners near Yellowstone... Tags: Fair Chase, Montana Chapter, access
Media State Issues Bill bans sale of public land trail camera images for hunting 2/22/2023 The sale of wildlife trail camera images and location trail data for hunting on public lands would be prohibited under a bill that was heard and quickly advanced from committee Thursday. House... Tags: Fair Chase, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Public property rights deserve protection 2/19/2023 The Hughes Creek Road in Ravalli County was illegally gated for decades. Landowners blocked the road with gates, threatening signs, and even machinery, essentially giving themselves exclusive... Tags: Montana Chapter, access
Media State Issues Lawmakers hear bill to increase fines for illegally blocking roads 2/17/2023 An effort long championed by access groups to increase fines for illegally blocking public roads made its return to the Legislature on Friday with a bill that could raise fines to up to $500 per... Tags: Montana Chapter, access
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA supports the Hannah Ranch Conservation Easement 2/16/2023 Montana BHA encourages you to learn more about this project and submit your own comments in support. The deadline is February 22nd. And if you'd like to see more projects like this funded in the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Libby lawmaker eyes legislative change to Lake Koocanusa selenium standard 2/16/2023 A Republican lawmaker from Libby on Wednesday spoke on behalf of a bill that seeks to strike the existing water quality standard for selenium in Lake Koocanusa and double the limit. Selenium is a... Tags: Montana Chapter, habitat
Media State Issues Bill would reduce hunting, fishing license costs for some nonresidents 2/16/2023 Some nonresidents would be eligible for lower-cost hunting and fishing licenses in 2024 under a bill presented to the Senate Fish and Game Committee on Thursday. Senate Bill 350 would... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: It’s time to put Montana hunters first 2/16/2023 Show us a resident hunter who doesn't think there are too many out-of-state hunters in Montana. We’ll wait. Truth is, this sentiment isn’t just from anecdotal observations from packed... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Protect Habitat Montana funds 2/16/2023 The secret is out. Everyone wants a piece of Montana. As property values skyrocket and taxes become increasingly burdensome, Montana’s landowners deserve every tool in the toolbox to protect... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, habitat
Media State Issues Sportsmen Decry Bill Removing Marijuana Tax From Habitat Funding 2/14/2023 Conservationists are amassing to oppose a Legislative bill that would go against voters’ wishes and permanently cut marijuana tax money out of Montana’s popular habitat acquisition program. On... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, habitat
Media State Issues Protecting Our Sporting Heritage 2/13/2023 Hunters are fired up in Montana right now. We’ve seen bull elk tags being given to large absentee landowners, an inability to address the crowding issues on the Madison River, hunting regulations... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media Press Releases State Issues Montanans Rebuke Legislation to Limit Access and Habitat Funding 2/9/2023 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 2/9/2023 Contact: Jim Klug, Business for Montana Outdoors: 406-581-6434 Frank Szollosi, Montana Wildlife Federation: 406-417-9909 Whitney Tawney, Montana Conservation... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, press releases, public lands, habitat
Media State Issues Montana Legislative Update - A Quarter of the Way Through 2/7/2023 We're just over one quarter of the way done with the 2023 Montana legislative session. A lot has happened the last five weeks, with even more on deck. Here's a quick recap showing what bills... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA statement on HB 372 2/6/2023 Montana BHA strongly supports the right of every citizen to hunt, fish and trap. This should come as no surprise. House Bill 372 seeks to reconstruct this right in our state's Constitution. While... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana Sporting Groups Support for Conservation Funding from HB 701 (2021) 2/2/2023 February 2, 2023 Speaker of the House Matt Regier & Senate President Jason EllsworthState Capitol1301 E. Sixth Ave.Helena, MT 59601 RE: Montana sporting groups support for conservation funding... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, public lands, habitat
Media State Issues MT Legislature set to take up fish, wildlife issues 1/23/2023 Will fish and wildlife issues again be some of the most hotly debated issues of this session, or will the 68th Legislature be marked by more consensus-building and agreement for a state known for... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Why All Montanans Should Support In-Person Hunters Ed 1/23/2023 In Montana, new drivers are required to take an in-person driving test before being allowed to legally operate vehicles. As a high school teacher, I had to be visually observed and evaluated to... Tags: Fair Chase, policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments on Helicopter Aerial Gunning in Limestone Hills 1/13/2023 January 13, 2023 Katie RediskeNEPA manager, Malmstrom AFB39 78th St. N.Malmstrom AFB, MT 59402341CES.CEIE.NEPAWork-Flow@us.af.mil Re: the Establishment and Operation of a Helicopter Aerial Gunnery... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments on Grizzly Bear Management Plan and EIS 1/6/2023 January 6, 2023 Wildlife Division Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701 fwpwld@mt.gov Re: Montana Grizzly Bear Management Plan and EIS To Whom It May... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Elk regulations top talks in Helena as 2 gatherings are planned 1/6/2023 Elk hunting is dominating discussions outside and inside the capitol this legislative session. On Jan. 14, eight organizations have announced a conversation concerning elk management at the... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Public invited to hear panel of stakeholders discuss state elk management Jan. 14 1/6/2023 The event is set for Jan. 14, the final day of the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association Winter Convention, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Delta Colonial Hotel in Helena. It will include... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Commission Vice Chair Did the Right Thing 1/1/2023 Hunters agree on the need for things like quality habitat, large landscape conservation, and scientific management of our wildlife. But things get fiery when you start asking sportsmen about who... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments On Dry Riverside Project 12/23/2022 December 23, 2022 Scott Snelson Hungry Horse Ranger District PO Box 190340 Hungry Horse, MT 59919 Re: Dry Riverside Project Scoping Dear Mr. Snelson, The Montana Chapter of Backcountry... Tags: Montana Chapter, habitat
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA comments on the East Crazy Inspiration Divide Land Exchange Preliminary Environmental Assessment 12/21/2022 On November 9, 2022, the Custer Gallatin National Forest (CGNF) released public notice of a land exchange called the East Crazy Inspiration Divide Land Exchange. The preliminary environmental... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA: 2022 Year In Review 12/20/2022 Here's a quick(ish) recap of what Montana BHA was able to accomplish in 2022, and what's on our minds as we head into the new year: Policy Efforts Along with other sportsmen's groups, we took... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues MT BHA comments during December 22 Commission Meeting 12/20/2022 Montana BHA delivered the following comments to the Commission on December 20th, 2022: “Chair Robinson, members of the Commission… my name is Kevin Farron and I’m the coordinator for the Montana... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Field to Table Chimichurri Venison Chops 12/20/2022 I am lucky enough to live on enough land that I can hunt out of my back door. Most years, I take a white-tailed doe out there to help fill the freezer. Being able to drag a deer out whole... Tags: Field to Table, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Reject East Crazy Mountains land swap proposal 12/18/2022 Just like Holland Lake, the U.S. Forest Service is at it again — trying to pull a fast one on the public by putting forward a significant proposal that would negatively impact our public lands,... Tags: Montana Chapter, access, habitat
Media State Issues Drastic Changes to Quality Elk Hunting in District 313 Proposed 12/16/2022 For an outfit that has repeatedly stated their desire to simplify and improve public engagement, a proposed last-minute change in FWP’s hunting regs seems mighty rushed. Long after the biennial... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Public Land Hunters Object to Land Swap in Montana’s Crazy Mountains 12/13/2022 A local conservation group and the U.S. Forest Service have proposed a land exchange that would put an end to decades of confusion over where the public can access the Custer-Gallatin... Tags: Montana Chapter, access
Media State Issues Opposing the East Crazies Land Swap: What You Need To Know 12/7/2022 We encourage you to comment on this proposal here by the December 23rd deadline. Only those who comment on this now will be allowed to comment further as the process proceeds. The USFS will... Tags: Montana Chapter, access
Media Chapter News Hunting for Sustainability Continues in Colorado, Montana, and Arizona 12/7/2022 We owe tremendous thanks to our partners who made these workshops possible: Timber to Table, G&H Decoys, Boss Shotshells, OnX Maps, Teller Wildlife Refuge, Arizona Wildlife Federation, and... Tags: Colorado Chapter, the campfire, Montana Chapter, Arizona Chapter, r3, Collegiate Program
Media State Issues Montana Chapter 2022 Holiday Gift Guide 11/18/2022 Your Montana Chapter is extremely grateful for our business sponsors across the state that want to protect our access to our public lands and waters. This holiday season, we encourage you to shop... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana - squeal on pigs! 11/17/2022 Feral swine (sometimes called wild pigs, wild boars, etc) spell trouble for Montana's wildlife and habitat. They're incredibly destructive, invasive and hard to control. In the 39 states they're... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: It's up to us to defend our hunting traditions 11/4/2022 Hunting season is here. Many hunters— including me — will head out this weekend in search of good times and a chance at harvesting Montana’s publicly owned game. While afield I’m often reminded... Tags: Fair Chase, policy blog, Montana Chapter, access
Media State Issues Montana Land Board Approves Purchase of Thousands of Acres of Prime Deer and Elk Habitat 11/1/2022 A recent vote by the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Land Board will set aside 5,700 acres of state-managed public land in the Big Sky State. The new public land will... Tags: Montana Chapter, access
Media Chapter News State Issues AFI Podcast Tour 10/31/2022 AFI Director Trevor Hubbs has been hitting the podcast network on a speaking tour for a few months garnering support for the program and building sponsor relationships. For a list of Podcast... Tags: Minnesota Chapter, New England Chapter, AFI Featured Stories, AFI Comms Channel, Montana Chapter, Michigan Chapter, Kansas Chapter, Wisconsin Chapter
Media State Issues MT Land Board Acquires Large Property for Public Use 10/26/2022 The Montana Land Board has approved acquiring a new piece of land to become a Wildlife Management Area. In a four-to-one vote, the board acquired more than 5,000 acres, at the base of the Big... Tags: Montana Chapter, access
Media State Issues FWP News: Partnership announced to promote hunter behavior 10/19/2022 HELENA – In Montana, good relationships between hunters and landowners are integral to our opportunities, lead to proper wildlife management and ensure that our hunting traditions... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OCTOBER '22 MONTANA ELK UPDATE 10/17/2022 It's 70 degrees today, rifle opener is on the horizon, fall colors are peaking and mountain snow is in the 10-day forecast! Things are changing rapidly in Montana, and elk management is no... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Land Board approves purchase of Big Snowy Mountains Wildlife Management Area 10/17/2022 The Montana Land Board on Monday approved the state’s purchase of a nearly 5,700-acre property in the Big Snowy Mountains north of Ryegate for a new wildlife management area. The board, made up... Tags: Montana Chapter, access
Media State Issues Hunting groups say Rosendale misfired on gun tax repeal 10/14/2022 Pro gun, anti tax. The candidate who takes those positions in a Montana election usually avoids a lot of criticism, but not this year. Hunting groups and the firearms lobby are displeased with... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments on 2022 Elk Management Scoping 10/14/2022 October 14, 2022 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Attn: Wildlife P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701 Re: 2022 Elk Management Scoping Comments Director Worsech: The Montana Chapter of... Tags: Montana Chapter, access, habitat
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments on Madison River Work Group’s recommended changes 10/14/2022 October 14, 2022 Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission 1420 East Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620 RE: Madison River Work Group’s recommended changes Chair Robinson, Vice Chair... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments on Proposed Holland Lake Expansion 10/8/2022 October 7, 2022 Chris Dowling District Ranger Flathead National Forest All Units 650 Wolfpack Way Kalispell, MT, 59901 christopher.dowling@usda.gov Re: Proposed Holland Lake Expansion... Tags: Montana Chapter, access, habitat
Media State Issues Montana BHA Fall '22 Newsletter 10/3/2022 Fall is in the air! Waterfowl is back, fall fishing is in full force, pheasant and rifle antelope begins this weekend, archery and upland seasons continue and some of us are already finding... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Field to Table Fried Heart Strips 10/3/2022 Heart is something my family always overlooked when I was growing up. Like many, we stuck to the classic cuts of meat and didn't utilize organ meat well. My husband changed that when he did a... Tags: Field to Table, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA comments on Elk Management Citizen Advisory Group Recommendations 9/30/2022 Just in time for peak rut, 15 elk-related recommendations were released for public comment from FWP on September 15th. Developed by FWP's hand-selected Elk Management Citizen Advisory Group, the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Proposed Holland Lake Lodge Expansion 9/30/2022 A proposed expansion to Holland Lake Lodge is proving quite controversial. The existing special use permit holders - along with POWDR, a large ski resort operation - are proposing to tear down... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Free Kalispell, Libby clinics to teach hunters how to collect their own CWD samples 9/20/2022 Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is offering free clinics to teach hunters how to collect lymph node samples from animals to have them tested for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) as hunting... Tags: Montana Chapter, r3
Media State Issues SEPTEMBER '22 MONTANA ELK UPDATE 9/15/2022 We're in the thick of it now! September is here and with each bugle that raises the hairs on our arms, we're reminded why elk and elk hunting are so important to us. So with that, here's an update... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Outdoor groups get stake in elk management lawsuit 9/15/2022 Last week District Court Judge Heather Perry granted a motion from a coalition of outdoor groups allowing them to intervene in a lawsuit filed by a property rights group charging Fish, Wildlife... Tags: Montana Chapter, access
Media State Issues Land deal will increase public access and benefit Shodair 9/12/2022 A plan that's over two years in the making is in its final step. Shodair Children's Hospital was given an almost 6,000-acre plot of land in the Snowy Mountains several years ago. They were given... Tags: Montana Chapter, access, habitat
Media State Issues Judge allows conservation groups to intervene in elk regulation lawsuit 9/2/2022 A Fergus County district court judge has granted the request of hunting and access groups to intervene in opposition to a lawsuit seeking to overturn Montana elk hunting regulations. Judge... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media Press Releases State Issues Montana Hunting and Conservation Groups Solidify Court Standing in Legal Defense of Elk Management 9/1/2022 News for Immediate ReleaseSept. 1, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, BHA, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Sonya Smith, MWF, 406-417-9909, sonya@mtwf.org District court judge... Tags: the campfire, Montana Chapter, press releases
Media State Issues OPINION: Don't Forget What Happened Last Session 8/26/2022 Since the 2021 legislative session, there's been a lot of outcry from Montana hunters and anglers. Whether it's our discontent about repeated attempts to privatize elk, a disregard for scientific... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Votes to Approve Controversial Pheasant Stocking Program 8/25/2022 The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park (FWP) Fish and Wildlife Commission has voted to approve a controversial new pheasant stocking operation for select public lands in the state. The vote occurred... Tags: Fair Chase, policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Fish and Wildlife Commission approves Big Snowy Mountain land purchase 8/25/2022 In a unanimous vote, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission on Thursday approved the purchase of 5,677 acres in the foothills of the Big Snowy Mountains, north of Ryegate. The measure must... Tags: Montana Chapter, access, habitat
Media State Issues Commission approves release of pheasants reared at Montana State Prison 8/25/2022 The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission on Thursday approved the release of up to 50,000 pen-raised pheasants annually onto wildlife management areas, adding a stipulation that wildlife managers... Tags: Fair Chase, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana Fish & Wildlife August 2022 Meeting 8/22/2022 The Fish and Wildlife Commission is meeting on Thursday, and it's a doozy. Included in the agenda are pen-raised pheasant releases, further delaying outfitter caps on the Madison River, amending... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Time to kill FWP's pheasant stocking 8/22/2022 Checks and balances are a cornerstone of American democracy. This system of controls is also central to managing our fish and wildlife as a public trust resource in Montana. Here, our elected... Tags: Fair Chase, policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana Chapter's Cast or Blast Summer Raffle! 8/22/2022 The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is proud to present a "Cast or Blast!" summer raffle! With two packages to choose from, you can snag tickets for one or both, if you're feeling... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments in Support of Upper Thompson Conservation Easement 8/17/2022 August 17, 2022 Rick Northrup Wildlife Habitat Bureau Chief FLP Program Mgr. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 1420 East 6th Avenue PO Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620 Re: Upper Thompson Conservation... Tags: Montana Chapter, access, habitat
Media State Issues August '22 Montana Elk Update 8/16/2022 We've changed out our field tips and are tuning our broadheads. Archery elk season is just around the corner. Here's what we've been up to related to elk management, elk habitat and elk... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Supports Point of Rocks Acquisition 8/16/2022 August 16, 2022 Lisa Timchak - Forest Supervisor420 Barrett StreetDillon, MT 59725Lisa.timchak@usda.gov RE: Point of Rocks Acquisition On behalf of our roughly 3,000-dues paying members in the Big... Tags: Montana Chapter, access
Media State Issues OPINION: Daines playing DC politics 8/10/2022 My mother, a fourth-generation Montanan, regularly preached “leave it better than you found it.” Now that I’m a father who hunts and fishes on public lands and waters with my family, the reason... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments on Angling Restrictions and Hoot Owl Criteria 8/4/2022 August 4, 2022 Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners Waller, Byorth, Walsh, Cebull & Lane Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks 1420 East Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 200701 Helena, Mt... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana Is on the Brink of Destroying One of Its Most Successful Conservation Programs 8/4/2022 STEEN ANDREASEN is running out of options to keep his central Montana ranch in his family. The 54-year-old is raising his own two sons along with his two nephews on the 23,000-acre family place... Tags: Montana Chapter, habitat
Media State Issues OPINION: Hollow complaints on elk management 8/3/2022 Debby Barrett, former lawmaker from Dillon, is reprimanding Montana FWP for not using more tools to kill more elk in Montana. Pointing to her legislation from nearly 20 years ago, she... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Field to Table Cold Summer Noodles with Venison 8/2/2022 Cold Summer Noodles is a great field to table option for those who are harvesting their own meat and growing a lot of their own seasonal produce. The salad itself is cool and refreshing, plus... Tags: Field to Table, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments re: Delaying Implementation of Madison River Commercial Use Cap 7/28/2022 July 28, 2022 Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners Waller, Byorth, Walsh, Cebull & Lane Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks 1420 East Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 200701 Helena, Mt 59620-0701 cc:... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Forest Management Bill to Reverse ‘Cottonwood Decision’ Clears Senate Committee 7/24/2022 Billed by Montana’s congressional delegation as a top forest-management priority, a measure to roll back a federal appellate court ruling known as the “Cottonwood Decision” has advanced through a... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana’s Controversial Pheasant Stocking Program Moves Forward 7/23/2022 Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks is moving forward with a controversial program to stock pen-raised pheasants on state-owned lands in an effort to recruit more hunters. FWP is now seeking final... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues July '22 Montana Elk Update 7/22/2022 For the most part, we know our draw results and our fall hunting plans are beginning to take shape. Even though we're six weeks away from archery opener, elk still dominate the news here in... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media Chapter News Slate of Public Lands Bills and Nominee Considered in Senate Committee 7/22/2022 A long-awaited markup of public lands legislation by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee was held on Thursday, July 21. Among a total of more than three dozen bills were eight pieces... Tags: Colorado Chapter, policy blog, Montana Chapter, New Mexico Chapter, Arizona Chapter, California Chapter, Oregon Chapter, public lands
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments On Final Pheasant Stocking Commission Approval 7/21/2022 July 21, 2022 Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners Waller, Byorth, Walsh, Cebull & Lane Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks 1420 East Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 200701 Helena, Mt... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments In Support of Big Snowy Mountains WMA Acquisition 7/21/2022 July 21, 2022 Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners Waller, Byorth, Walsh, Cebull & Lane Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks 1420 East Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 200701 Helena, Mt... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Backcountry Journal Privatizing Public Elk 7/21/2022 Photos: Erik Peterson "The movement for the conservation of wildlife and the larger movement for the conservation of all our natural resources are essentially democratic in spirit, purpose, and... Tags: the campfire, Montana Chapter, Backcountry Journal, issues
Media Press Releases Public Land Advocates Appeal Anti-Access Ruling in Crazy Mountains Lawsuit 7/21/2022 News for Immediate ReleaseJuly 21, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Coalition of sportsmen-conservationists maintains the Forest Service is abdicating its... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, press releases
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments on Habitat Lease Conservation Agreements 7/21/2022 July 21, 2022 Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners Waller, Byorth, Walsh, Cebull & Lane Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks 1420 East Sixth Avenue P.O. Box 200701 Helena, Mt... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter, habitat
Media State Issues Bill overturning 'Cottonwood' decision advances 7/21/2022 With a temporary measure set to sunset next year, a bill that would permanently reverse an appellate court’s decision on when federal agencies must consult on endangered species advanced from a... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Pick or choose: Montana hunters lose 7/20/2022 FWP's elk advisory group has proposed many productive ideas regarding shoulder seasons, the hunt roster, new approaches to block management and improving hunter behavior. But their proposal to... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Reroute: Coalition appeals ruling over Crazy Mountains public access rights to Ninth Circuit 7/19/2022 A coalition of conservation and sporting groups are appealing a federal district court judge’s decision over public access rights in the Crazy Mountains, the organizations announced last... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues FWP pheasant stocking program moving forward, despite opposition 7/15/2022 Birds will soon hit the ground under a Fish, Wildlife and Parks program aimed at increasing the number of youth hunters by stocking pen-raised pheasants on state-owned land across Montana,... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media Press Releases State Issues Montana BHA Cheers USFWS Establishment of Lost Trail Conservation Area 7/13/2022 News for Immediate Release July 13, 2022 Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Multi-use nature of Lost Trail property will conserve wildlife habitat and... Tags: policy blog, the campfire, Montana Chapter, press releases
Media State Issues American Prairie opens 9,300 acres of new Musselshell ranch to hunters this fall 7/13/2022 American Prairie has announced that access to 9,300 acres of its newly acquired ranch along the Musselshell River will be open to hunters this fall through the state Block Management... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments on MT FWP Proposed Habitat Conservation Lease Agreements 7/13/2022 July 13, 2022 Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks c/o Ken McDonald P.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620 RE: Habitat Conservation Lease Agreements EA Dear Mr. McDonald, I’m submitting this letter... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Supports Mt. Haggin WMA Addition to Land Board 7/12/2022 July 12, 2022 Governor Gianforte Attorney General Knudsen Commissioner Downing Secretary of State Jacobsen Superintendent Arntzen CC: Secretary Christensen landboard@mt.gov RE: Willow... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA responds to 'pick your weapon/season' proposal 7/12/2022 FWP's elk advisory group deserves our thanks for their sincere, well-intended efforts to improve elk management in Montana. On July 7th, members forwarded a recommendation to 'pick your... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Montanans expect more from FWP 7/10/2022 With the former bureau chief of licensing and his 17 years’ experience now leading Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, we're left surprised and disappointed in how FWP's drawings and regulations have... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on River Highlands development 7/7/2022 July 7, 2022 Columbia Falls Planning Board Columbia Falls City Council c/o City Clerk 130 6th Street West, Columbia Falls, MT 59912 staalandb@cityofcolumbiafalls.com Columbia Falls Planning... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Why we want to keep elk public 7/1/2022 In their latest attempt to dismantle public elk hunting throughout the Big Sky State, the United Property Owners of Montana, a group representing wealthy, out-of-state interests and some resident... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues MT BHA Summer 2022 Newsletter 6/29/2022 The high country is beckoning and Hike to Hunt is in full force! Here's a summer update from your Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers! Q2 Recap Elk hunting in Montana is under... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Wildlife commission OKs free elk tags for 28 landowners under revised process 6/22/2022 Thirty-seven landowners will be awarded 47 free elk hunting tags only good on their property during this fall’s hunting season under a newly devised process, the Fish and Wildlife Commission... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Commission Comments June '22 6/22/2022 These comments were delivered on June 22nd during the Fish & Wildlife Commission meeting in Helena, MT. Madam Chair and members of the Commission, good morning, my name is Thomas Baumeister. I... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Field to Table A Montana Moment: Montana BHA's 2022 Wild Game Cookoff Recipe 6/21/2022 Elk Meatballs with Huckleberry-Jalapeno Jam and Labneh, Sauteed Morels and Wild Asparagus, Flathead Cherry and Huckleberry Crisp and a Midnight Forest Bourbon Cherry-Basil Smash Building... Tags: Field to Table, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Conservation groups, FWP disagree over defense against elk regulation lawsuit 6/19/2022 In the weeks following the filing of a lawsuit seeking to have Montana’s elk hunting regulations overturned, both the state and conservation groups have sought to oppose the litigation while... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues A Flood of Support for Father's Day 6/17/2022 As we head into Father's Day weekend, it's impossible to ignore all who are hurting in Montana right now due to this week's historic floods. Below is a list of gift ideas that will stoke out dad,... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues June '22 Montana Elk Update 6/17/2022 We've been busy shooting our bows, hitting the rifle range, doing some preseason scouting and watching our freezers empty one package of elk steaks at a time. Elk are on the mind, and we're not... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Can prison-farmed pheasants save hunting? 6/16/2022 A spring day in the Bitterroot Valley’s Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge brings a cacophony of birdsong. The bugling of sandhill cranes, the familiar honking of Canadian geese, and the throaty... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Is Headwaters Legacy Act 'far-sighted' or 'federal overreach'? 6/10/2022 For the past two years, Sen. Jon Tester has led an effort to extend federal protections to some of the most loved free-flowing rivers and streams in Montana. If signed into law, Tester’s “Montana... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Why do we want to Keep Elk Public? 6/10/2022 1. Why did Montana hunting and conservation groups formally file to intervene in the lawsuit by United Property Owners of Montana? The coalition’s members – Montana-based hunting and... Tags: the campfire, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Private property group alleges FWP fails to manage elk; sportspeople seek to intervene 6/10/2022 A lawsuit alleging Fish, Wildlife and Parks is failing to manage elk seeks “a radical departure” from the law and from an earlier court decision about the status of wildlife in Montana, according... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Report: 8.3M acres of public land in limbo due to questions over legality of corner crossing 6/9/2022 Access to 8.3 million acres of public land in 11 western states is in limbo due to questions over the legality of crossing from one corner of public land to another, known as corner crossing. The... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Working together: New trail will open up thousands of acres of Bitterroot Forest lands 6/2/2022 It’s not every day when private, county, state and federal folks come together to open up thousands of acres of public access for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. On Sunday, many of those... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Avian influenza outbreak stirs concerns over Montana pheasant release 6/2/2022 As June arrives, the U.S. poultry industry is breathing a sigh of relief that the worst of the most recent outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) appears to be over. HPAI is a highly... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media Press Releases Montanans Intervene in Lawsuit Attacking State Management of Elk 6/1/2022 News for Immediate ReleaseJune 1, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, BHA, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org Sonya Smith, MWF, 406-417-9909, sonya@mtwf.org The... Tags: the campfire, Montana Chapter, press releases
Media State Issues Vanishing Trails, Part 1: The Battle For One of the West's Most Beloved Mountain Ranges 5/31/2022 “Vanishing Trails” is a series of articles about prescriptive easements and public access in Montana. On October 21, 2021, during a Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources hearing, New... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Coalition renews request for fisheries task force as drought worsens 5/26/2022 For the second year, a conservation coalition is asking Montana’s governor to create a task force to protect the struggling streams and fisheries of southwestern Montana. With the current drought... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues FWP advisory council spars over free landowner elk tags 5/26/2022 To reduce elk populations on private lands in Montana, landowners need to be given incentives to allow public hunters onto their property, Eric Albus said last week. “I want to see elk killed to... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Groups, businesses double down on request for cold water fisheries task force in Montana 5/26/2022 A coalition of conservation organizations and fly-fishing businesses are doubling down on efforts to compel Montana’s governor to form a cold water fisheries task force. Upper Missouri... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Game wardens seek information about illegal turkey killing 5/25/2022 Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens are seeking information on a person of interest suspected in illegally killing a turkey south of Roundup around 5:30 p.m. May 2. According to the game... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues “Bulls for Billionaires.” Are Montana’s 454 Permits a Step Toward Privatizing the State’s Elk Herd? 5/23/2022 On the face of it, the deal that billionaire Dan Wilks got last fall from Montana’s Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department last fall was underwhelming. Wilks, the non-resident owner of one of Montana’s... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues MT BHA Responds to Reassignment of MT FWP's Wildlife Division Chief 5/20/2022 Earlier this week news broke that longtime FWP’s Wildlife Division Chief, Ken McDonald, has been “assigned different responsibilities.” This seems to fit a recent pattern of demotions,... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana Property Owners File Lawsuit to Force FWP to “Remove, Harvest, or Eliminate Thousands of Elk” 5/17/2022 A lawsuit filed in April by a group of Montana property owners accuses wildlife officials of breaking a state law that requires elk populations to be maintained at sustainable levels, squandering... Tags: policy blog, Montana Chapter
Media Chapter News Press Releases BHA Bestows Top Honors at North American Rendezvous 5/17/2022 News for Immediate ReleaseMay 17, 2022Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org MISSOULA, Mont. – Backcountry Hunters & Anglers bestowed its top honors on a suite of... Tags: North Carolina Chapter, the campfire, AFI Comms Channel, Montana Chapter, press releases, Wyoming Chapter, Arkansas Chapter, Collegiate Program, Rhode Island BHA
Media State Issues Bird flu discovered in wild turkeys for first time ever 5/16/2022 Wildlife managers across the country are wondering what’s next after a deadly strain of bird flu was discovered in wild turkey flocks for the first time ever. “Highly pathogenic avian influenza”... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Pheasant chicks hatching at Montana State Prison as state grapples with avian flu protections 5/12/2022 The first crop of pheasant chicks are hatching at Montana State Prison’s new rearing program, as wildlife managers offer assurances that safety measures are in place given the recent outbreak of... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Timing of FWP's pen-raised pheasants plan is bad 5/6/2022 On April 18, FWP announced that a highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus was detected in wild birds and at domestic poultry farms in Montana. In its cautionary release, FWP explained that... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on the 'Pheasant Release for R3' 5/5/2022 These comments were submitted in response to the proposal to release 'Pheasants for R3' in front of the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission. You can learn more and comment yourself here. May 5,... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: Logan Shooting Area Clean Up 5/3/2022 The rain was coming down steadily during the drive from Belgrade to Logan on the morning of May 1, 2022. Not a downpour, but enough that it could make for a long day and possibly deter folks less... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Cleanup planned for state land near Logan 4/30/2022 State trust land by the Logan Landfill has become popular for recreational target shooting, but increasingly, users have left behind trash, spent shells and target waste. That’s why the Montana... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Staying Safe in Bear Country 4/28/2022 Quietly hiking up a steep section of trail, a loud crack of a branch broke the silence. "That’s a big animal," I thought. A rush came over me like a rocky mountain freight train as I quickly... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: Fence Pull on the CMR 4/26/2022 MT BHAers are known to brave any kind of weather to get the job done for our public lands. Despite threats of rain, snow and howling winds, a small but mighty crew of eight dedicated public land... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Benefactors aid children's hospital with land donations; recreationists could also benefit 4/21/2022 In 1881, a 19-year-old Louis Shodair stepped off a stagecoach in Helena, a small mining community only two years older than him. He arrived with his mother, widowed when Louis was 8, to care for... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Free landowner elk permit process OK'd, deadline to apply moved back to June 1 4/19/2022 Citing a short timeline for notifying participants, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission on Tuesday approved a deadline change and a new process for landowners to apply for free either-sex elk... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues FWP outlines proposed new policy for free landowner elk tags 4/13/2022 New guidelines and timelines for Montana landowners to apply for a free either-sex elk hunting tag will go before the Fish and Wildlife Commission for approval on April 19. Prior to that, the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Responds to '454' Program Changes 4/13/2022 We have long encouraged FWP to improve the 454 agreements, including most recently at March’s EQC meeting and in an oped published by one of our board members, Jake Schwaller. Some of our... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Supports Acquisition of Cornell Park FAS 4/12/2022 April 12, 2022 Jay Pape Regional Maintenance Manager 1400 South 19th Ave Bozeman, MT 59718 RE: Acquisition & Development of Cornell FAS Dear Mr. Pape, The Montana Chapter of Backcountry... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA 2022 Q1 Newsletter 4/4/2022 The skwalas are out and we're just 11 days from turkey and black bear opener; spring is definitely in the air! As we wrap up the first quarter or 2022, here's a quick recap of what the Montana... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Judge upholds magistrate's findings on Crazy Mountain access dispute 4/1/2022 Crazy Mountain access proponents suffered another defeat on Wednesday after U.S. District Court Judge Susan P. Watters adopted “in full” a February ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J.... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Big Snowy Mountains WMA Acquisition 3/30/2022 To learn more about this proposal, read FWP's release here or the entire Environmental Assessment here; we encourage members to submit their own comments by emailing fwpregion5pc@mt.gov and using... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Comments to EQC on 454 Agreements 3/22/2022 Montana BHA delivered comments via Zoom during March 22's Environmental Quality Council meeting regarding the Public Elk Hunting Access Agreements. Below are our comments, delivered by Montana BHA... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Forest Service defends cutting access to Mont. trails 3/18/2022 The Forest Service is defending a federal judge's decision last month that recommended the dismissal of a 2019 lawsuit by hunting and angling groups that accused the agency of failing to protect... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments on Proposed 2022/2023 Mountain Lion Regulations 3/16/2022 March 16, 2022 Wildlife Division Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks PO Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701 fwpwld@mt.gov Re: Comments on Proposed 2022-23 Mountain Lion Regulations The Montana... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues TAKE ACTION: Let's Fix the 454 public elk hunting access agreements 3/16/2022 On March 22, the Environmental Quality Council (EQC) will meet to discuss the Contractual Public Elk Hunting Access Agreements, commonly knows as '454 agreements.' Made infamous last fall by... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Let's fix the 454 public elk hunting access agreements 3/9/2022 Since the now-infamous program was discovered by wealthy, out-of-state landowners like the Texas-based Wilks Brothers, FWP's public elk hunting access agreements have become a point of great... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on BLM Dillon Field Office RMP Evaluation 3/7/2022 March 7, 2022 Amanda James, Field ManagerBLM Dillon Field Office1005 Selway DriveDillon, MT 59725 Re: Comments on BLM Dillon FO 15-Year RMP Evaluation Dear Ms. James: On behalf of roughly 3,000... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues MT BHA's 'Fill Your Freezer' Raffle Package 3/7/2022 The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers presents a 'Fill-Your-Freezer' raffle package! We're bringing you 75-85 pounds of delicious, grassfed, field-harvested, Montana bison, cut and... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Supports Thompson Chain of Lakes Conservation Easement 3/4/2022 March 4, 2022 Chris Hammond | chammond@mt.govMontana Fish, Wildlife & Parks490 North Meridian RoadKalispell, MT 59901 RE: Montana BHA Supports the Proposed Conservation Easement for 113,000... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Supports Mt. Haggin WMA Adjacent Land Acquisition 3/1/2022 March 1, 2022 Marina Yoshioka, Montana FWP Region 3 SupervisorMontana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks1820 Meadowlark LaneButte, MT 59701 RE: Acquisition of 829-Acre Parcel Adjacent to Mt. Haggin... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Could closing four Mont. trails cut off access elsewhere? 2/23/2022 A federal judge issued a blow to hunting and fishing advocates in Montana on Friday, recommending the dismissal of a lawsuit that accuses the Forest Service of failing to protect public access to... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Federal judge sides with Forest Service in Crazy Mountains access lawsuit 2/22/2022 The federal magistrate judge considering a lawsuit over the Forest Service’s handling of access disputes in the Crazy Mountains has issued a preliminary order favorable to Forest Service... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments in Opposition to Pen-Raised Pheasant Releases 2/22/2022 Deb O’Neill Special Projects Director Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks PO Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620 doneill@mt.gov RE: Programmatic Pheasant Release EA Comments Dear Ms. O’Neill: The Montana... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues In Crazy Mountains lawsuit, judge recommends ruling against trail access advocates 2/21/2022 In a blow to public access advocates that has drawn national attention, a federal court judge has recommended ruling in favor of the Custer Gallatin National Forest and private landowners on the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Is Hunter Recruitment Really Hurting Hunting Opportunity in the West? Here’s One R3 Coordinator’s Take 2/16/2022 DJ and I rumbled down the dusty, wash-boarded road en route to where we planned to camp for the opening weekend of Montana’s rifle season. We passed glammed-out campers, generator-powered chest... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments to Expand Hunting at Fort Peck 2/14/2022 February 14, 2022 US Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha DistrictOperations Division, Natural Resources Section1616 Capitol Ave.Omaha, NE 68102 RE: Scoping Comments Fort Peck Project Master Plan Dear... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA responds to 2022/23 season-setting regulations 2/11/2022 Here's a recap on some of the statewide season-setting proposals that were decided on during last week's Fish & Wildlife Commission meeting. Overall, we were pleased with some of the discussions... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Opposes Narrative Water Standards by MTDEQ 2/8/2022 February 8th, 2022 To Montana Department of Environmental Quality: Montana BHA on behalf of our 3,000+ dues-paying members continue to oppose the requested implementation of SB 358 via the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana elk season proposal approved to the disappointment of many 2/5/2022 Ending a chaotic public process lasting six months, the Fish, Wildlife & Parks commission voted in favor of several big changes to Montana’s elk and deer seasons, including limiting hunters to... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission adopts new elk hunting regulations — with amendments 2/4/2022 Hunters will have new regulations for taking elk in the 2022-23 seasons, but the changes won’t be as dramatic as earlier proposed with an amended and unanimously approved update Friday by the Fish... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Wildlife commission adopts elk regulation changes 2/4/2022 Elk regulations for the next two years are set following a marathon meeting of the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission on Friday that saw commissioners navigate widespread confusion and temper... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Clarity, finally, in the Crazy Mountains 2/4/2022 The long-simmering debate over public access finally had a hearing in court earlier this month. We take no joy in filing lawsuits; this is always our least preferred option to settle conflicts.... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues The Custer Gallatin National Forest’s new guiding doc 2/4/2022 After six years and tens of thousands of public comments, one of the largest and most popular national forests in the Northern Rockies has a new forest plan to guide its management for the next 15... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Controversial elk hunting regs on Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission agenda Friday 2/3/2022 If elk were dimwitted and equally distributed across Montana, setting rules for hunting them might be easier. But the ungulates can apparently figure out where to elude bullets and arrows, and in... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Can Landowners Really Not Hunt Their Own Land? 2/2/2022 With all this madness surrounding elk management in Montana lately, and with likely more to come in the days ahead, we keep hearing the director at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, Hank Worsech,... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Opposes Adopting Lower Selenium Standards for Lake Koocanusa 1/27/2022 Montana State Legislature 2021 - 2022 Water Policy Interim Committee Members Attn: Jason Mohr, Legislative Staff Researcher RE: HJ 37: Study of selenium standard for Lake Koocanusa Dear Sen.... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues FWP to draft elk plan after elk season changes 1/27/2022 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks will draft a new elk management plan by fall, so some hunters question the need to pass such drastic season changes now. FWP leadership spent two days this week... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Insanity in the Crazies 1/27/2022 A potentially dangerous precedent is playing out in a federal district court in Montana, where hunters, anglers and public lands users of all stripes have launched a Hail Mary in order to protect... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media Chapter News State Issues 11 Ways BHA Chapters Are Working on Public Access to Your Public Lands & Waters Right Now 1/26/2022 Quality public hunting and fishing access consistently tops the list of issues outdoorsmen and women expect Backcountry Hunters & Anglers to help tackle. The need for recreational access only... Tags: Pennsylvania Chapter, the campfire, Montana Chapter, New Mexico Chapter, California Chapter, Wyoming Chapter, public lands, Oregon Blog, West Virginia Chapter, Mid-Atlantic Chapter, Tennessee Chapter, Capital News, Rhode Island BHA, Mississippi News
Media State Issues 2022/2023 Season Setting - Montana BHA Comments on Region 3 Deer and Elk Proposals 1/21/2022 January 21, 2022 Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners Waller, Byorth, Walsh, Cebull & LaneMontana Fish Wildlife & Parks1420 East Sixth AvenueP.O. Box 200701 Helena, Mt... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Land Swap in the South Crazy Mountains Completed 1/20/2022 A land swap between the Forest Service and two ranches at the southern end of the Crazy Mountains has officially closed. The Custer Gallatin National Forest has completed the South Crazy Land... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues 2022/2023 Season Setting - Montana BHA Comments on Proposed Elk Regulation Changes 1/19/2022 January 19, 2022 Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners Waller, Byorth, Walsh, Cebull & LaneMontana Fish Wildlife & Parks1420 East Sixth AvenueP.O. Box 200701 Helena, Mt... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues 2022/2023 Season Setting - Montana BHA Comments in Opposition to Eliminating 240-50 Mule Deer Wilderness Permit 1/19/2022 January 19, 2022 Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners Waller, Byorth, Walsh, Cebull & LaneMontana Fish Wildlife & Parks1420 East Sixth AvenueP.O. Box 200701 Helena, Mt... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues 2022/2023 Season Setting - Montana BHA Comments in Opposition to Extension of Upland Bird Season 1/19/2022 January 19, 2022 Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor, Commissioners Waller, Byorth, Walsh, Cebull & LaneMontana Fish Wildlife & Parks1420 East Sixth AvenueP.O. Box 200701 Helena, Mt... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues A Public-Access Lawsuit in Montana’s Crazy Mountains Claims Forest Service Is Catering to Private Landowners 1/19/2022 The U.S. District Court in Billings, Montana, convened yesterday to hear arguments in a lawsuit regarding public access to established hiking trails in Montana’s Crazy Mountains. The lawsuit—which... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Crazy Mountain access, trails dispute argued in federal court 1/19/2022 The Custer Gallatin National Forest’s rights to access historic trails in the Crazy Mountains “died” because landowners successfully blocked access denying the public for five years, Assistant... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Solving the insanity surrounding elk 1/10/2022 FWP Director Hank Worsech, when referring to the state of elk management in Montana, has repeatedly evoked a quote attributed to Einstein: “Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Fears Loss of Habitat & Opportunity from Horse Creek Hills Development 1/7/2022 As more people flock to Montana, the sprawl of development continues to push into wild places, while decisions on developments seem to be made with little foresight or considerations for our... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Poacher Busted For Killing Bighorn He Thought Was an Elk 1/7/2022 A Montana poacher has been fined more than $5,000 after illegally killing a bighorn ram that he says he believed was an elk. Harold Horine, 45, of Deer Lodge, Montana, shot and killed a mature... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues MT BHA Thanks Anaconda Business Pivotal In Repairing Hebgen Dam 1/6/2022 On November 30, 2021, an angler reported shockingly low water levels on the Madison to staff at Galloup’s Slide Inn near Quake Lake. What followed was a flurry of coordination and... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA 2021 Year in Review 1/5/2022 2021 was a year of action. From the halls of the state capitol to the sagebrush steppe in southwest Montana, all the way from the remote trails of the Bob Marshall Wilderness to the comfort of our... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Forces Clash Over Future of Iconic Elk Herds 12/22/2021 On Dec. 6, 2021, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks announced a proposal to restructure the way it manages some of the state’s most iconic elk herds. The proposal would open up a handful of... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Clarifies R3 Efforts 12/21/2021 In a recent MeatEater podcast (Ep. 304), guest Dr. Matt Rinella suggested that the Montana Chapter of BHA has ceased efforts to recruit, retain and reactivate conservation advocates (R3). This is... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues American Prairie buys Musselshell ranch that BLM had eyed 12/21/2021 After a Bureau of Land Management purchase fell through in August, the nonprofit conservation group American Prairie stepped in to buy the 32,000-acre 73 Ranch along the Musselshell River. The... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Wildlife commission advances tentative elk hunting regulations; limited permit proposal dropped 12/16/2021 Following the withdrawal of a controversial proposal dealing with limited-entry elk permits, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission on Tuesday advanced tentative regulations for the 2022 and... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues ‘Firestorm’ of public comment leads FWP to rethink elk management proposals 12/15/2021 Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has backpedaled on a controversial elk management strategy after a public response that FWP Director Henry “Hank” Worsech described as a “firestorm.” Even after... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues FWP pulls back limited elk permit proposals ahead of commission meeting 12/13/2021 State wildlife managers will not move forward with a controversial proposal in eight hunting districts to eliminate limited-entry hunting permits for bull elk on private land in favor of general... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Elk management must return for all Montanans 12/13/2021 Elk hunting is everything to Montanans. We guard our vacation days with jealousy in anticipation of elk camp deep in the forests or Breaks country. We choose our sick days wisely and work hard for... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Hunters form statewide coalition to tackle elk management 12/13/2021 After almost a year of watching political decisions degrade some of Montana’s wildlife management, hunters have come together to see if public involvement still has the power to sway policy. Over... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: Highland Mountains Bighorn Sheep Survey with MT FWP 12/12/2021 When FWP calls for help, Montana BHA volunteers answer! On Saturday, Dec. 11th, 24 volunteers from Montana BHA joined forces with 19 other volunteers from Montana Wild Sheep Foundation and... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA comments on FWP's proposed new, limited elk season structure 12/11/2021 December 11, 2021 Chair Robinson; Vice Chair Tabor; Commissioners Waller, Byorth, Walsh, Cebull and LaneMontana Fish Wildlife & Parks1420 East Sixth AvenueP.O. Box 200701 Helena, Mt... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues State commission considers changes to bull elk permits 12/10/2021 Hunters, anglers and others who enjoy spending time in the outdoors of Northwest Montana may want to consider taking a careful look at some of the proposals on the Montana Fish and Wildlife... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana FWP proposal privatizes elk hunting 12/7/2021 Once again, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is considering a proposal that would separate the 'haves' and the 'have nots' when it comes to elk hunting in Montana. If you recall, HB 417, introduced... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Supports Two Archery Ranges In Flathead Valley 12/2/2021 Lone Pine State Park Archery Range EA Brian Schwartz (Lone Pine State Park Manager) Lone Pine State Park 300 Lone Pine Road Kalispell, MT 59901 RE: Lone Pine State Park Land Acquisition &... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Hunting for Sustainability Ramps Up Efforts in Montana 12/2/2021 BHA's Hunting for Sustainability program has its roots in Montana, so it's no surprise that the program has seen some of its most impactful achievements here. Working in tandem with the Collegiate... Tags: Montana Chapter, r3, Collegiate Program
Media State Issues Montana Chapter 2021 Gift Guide 11/28/2021 With the holidays right around the corner, there's no better time to start planning. Support Montana businesses that are putting their public lands and waters first by checking out some must-have... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments On Preliminary Scoping of Chip Creek Conservation Easement 11/1/2021 Gary Bertellotti (Region 4 Supervisor) Ryan Rauscher (Area Wildlife Biologist) rrauscher@mt.gov Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks 514 South Front Street, Ste C Conrad, MT 59425 RE:... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues BHA Awards Rebecca Romero Scholarships to Student Hunters 11/1/2021 Every fall, the University of Montana BHA club accepts applications for the Rebecca Romero Legacy Hunting award that covers the cost of a non-resident hunting license for out-of-state students... Tags: Montana Chapter, Collegiate Program
Media State Issues 2 more ranches given free bull elk tags for providing public access 10/28/2021 Despite the fact that Montana’s general rifle season is almost a week old, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission approved two more public elk hunting access agreements for landowners during... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Opposes Refuge Waterfowl Habitat Acreage Loss for Admin Facilities 10/26/2021 To whom it may concern Northwest Montana Wetland Management District PO Box 6 Charo, MT 59824 FW6NorthwestMontanaWMD@fws.gov Re: Draft Environmental Assessment: New Northwest Montana Wetland... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: MT Chapter Pint Night with Burch Barrel at Highlander Beer 10/22/2021 We had a blast at our Missoula Valley pint night meet-up on October 19, 2021. About 60 members joined us outside for beverages and pizza at Highlander Beer in Missoula. Thanks to everyone who came... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: John Owen FAS Clean Up At Stevensville Bridge 10/21/2021 River access sites across the state are getting more use than ever. Many are undeveloped or not built with this kind of traffic in mind. However, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks staff in Region 2... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Daines would add wilderness removal to Tester’s Blackfoot Clearwater bill 10/20/2021 Sen. Jon Tester is once again pushing to pass his Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act, but he’s getting little support from Montana’s other senator, Sen. Steve Daines. On Tuesday, the Public... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana fishing advocates, businesses call for river preservation task force 10/13/2021 For those wanting the state to take more action to preserve coldwater fisheries in southwestern Montana rivers, this summer demonstrated the need. But the governor has yet to heed their call for a... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Managing Montana's elk wealth is causing heartburn for landowners, FWP and hunters 10/10/2021 Elk have become a political animal in Montana. For decades, predators like grizzly bears and wolves were the ones to incite political passion. Yet slowly, as elk populations have grown and... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues MT BHA Auctions 3-Day Llama Packout Package 10/8/2021 The weight has been lifted! Experience hunting in Montana like never before! Thanks to a generous donation by Access WILD, the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is offering a... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Forest Service: Prescriptive easements on Crazy Mountain trails ‘likely non-viable’ 10/5/2021 A 2019 lawsuit brought by public land access advocates over the Forest Service’s handling of four disputed trails in the Crazy Mountains is nearing resolution, and the result could have national... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues MT BHA 2021 Q3 Newsletter 9/30/2021 "And all at once, summer collapsed into fall." - Oscar Wilde September - Public Lands Month - flew by this year! We hope you had ample opportunity to get out in the field to chase elk with your... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Landowner access agreements stir up commission, elk hunters 9/29/2021 Divisions among Montanans regarding how elk should be managed on private lands were center stage in a short Sept. 24 Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting. At issue was the commission’s approval... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: FWP issues trophy elk permits to Wilks brothers 9/28/2021 At last, the Wilks Brothers got what they wanted but money couldn’t buy: the guaranteed opportunity to hunt trophy elk on their ranch. In a hastily arranged Zoom meeting at 7:30 a.m. on Friday,... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: Mount Jumbo Public Lands Day Clean Up 9/28/2021 On September 25, National Public Lands Day, the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers worked with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Tangle Free Montana to pull a half mile of... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: Public Land Pack-Out with University of Montana BHA 9/22/2021 Missoula staff joined University of Montana BHA students for a public land pack-out on Lolo National Forest as a part of BHA's goal to pack out 10,000 bags of trash from public lands in the month... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter, Collegiate Program
Media State Issues FWP Recommends Acquisition of Forestland Near Columbia Falls For Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management Area 9/14/2021 After collecting and reviewing public input, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is recommending the acquisition of 772 acres of forestland along the Flathead River near Columbia Falls to protect... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana FWP director talks hunting regs, other changes at Bozeman meeting 9/8/2021 The director of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks said in front of a fiery crowd in Bozeman that he is focused on simplifying deer and elk hunting regulations going into this year’s biennial... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Welcomes New Chapter Organizer 9/3/2021 Veronica Corbett has a degree in wildlife, fisheries and conservation biology and has spent the last decade working in natural resource management. Her experience includes tracking B-run steelhead... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Comments on Montana Trophy Outfitters Special Recreation Permit Amendment 8/31/2021 August 31, 2021 Courtney FrostBLM-Butte Field Office106 North ParkmontButte, MT 59701 RE: DOI-BLM-MT-B070-2019-0005-CX Dear Ms. Frost, This letter is in response to the request for public comment... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues New FWP director talks public access, grizzlies in Northwest Montana 8/31/2021 New Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Director Hank Worsech discovered the passion of hunters, trappers and anglers from Northwest Montana at a meet-and-greet event last week in Kalispell. Worsech... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Elk shoulder season added in Paradise Valley; other shoulder seasons extended 8/26/2021 Hunters can participate in a new antlerless elk shoulder season in the Paradise Valley this winter after Montana officials voted to adopt it at a meeting last Friday. The Montana Fish and Wildlife... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana OKs emergency haying and grazing on more wildlife management areas 8/25/2021 Montana officials approved plans to temporarily expand emergency haying and grazing on various wildlife management areas in support of livestock producers affected by drought. The decision... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: Indian Creek Weed Removal w/ the Great Burn Conservation Alliance 8/24/2021 Members of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers recently joined forces with the folks at the Great Burn Conservation Alliance for a stewardship weekend deep in the Great Burn, a... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: State needs cold-water fisheries task force, plan 8/20/2021 Water in Montana has a tough job. It must irrigate our fields, float our boats, spin our turbines and brew our beers. It must also provide a home for fish and habitat for wildlife. As a result,... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: 2021 Flathead Waters Cleanup 8/16/2021 As an appetizer for Public Lands Pack-Out month, members of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers teamed up with the Flathead Rivers Alliance to clean up water and access sites in... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: Grizzly Park Weeds & Trail Clear w/ BMWF 8/13/2021 During the first week of August, volunteers from the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers teamed up with the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation to clear trails and initiate treatment... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments on Emergency Grazing & Haying on WMAs Proposal 8/6/2021 August 6, 2021 Rick Northrup, Habitat Bureau Chief Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks PO Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620 rnorthrup@mt.gov Re: EMERGENCY GRAZING AND HAYING LEASES ON SELECT FWP WILDLIFE... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues MT BHA member tip leads to illegal OHV use citation 7/29/2021 During the spring of 2020, Montana BHA life member Hannah Nikonow was hiking in an area she hunts quite a bit in the fall. She was surprised (and upset) to hear the whine of engines getting... Tags: Montana Chapter, OHV
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Kootenai Forestlands Phase II 7/27/2021 Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers PO Box 9257 Missoula, MT 59807 Kootenai Forestlands Phase II Conservation Easement Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Attn: Kris Tempel 490 N. Meridian... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments on Pheasant Stocking Proposals 7/23/2021 Montana Fish, Wildlife & ParksCommissioners: Lesley Robinson, Brian Cebull, KC Walsh, Pat Byorth and Pat TaborDirector: Hank Worsech1420 East Sixth AvenueHelena, MT 59620 Dear FWP Commissioners... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments on Elk Shoulder Season Proposals 7/22/2021 July 21st, 2021 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commissioners: Lesley Robinson, Brian Cebull, KC Walsh, Pat Byorth and Pat Tabor Director: Hank Worsech 1420 East Sixth Avenue Helena, MT... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments on Muzzleloader Season 7/22/2021 July 22, 2021 FWP CommissionWildlife DivisionPO Box 200701Helena, MT 59620-0701 RE: MT-BHA Muzzleloader Season Public Comment Dear Commissioners, The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters &... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Comments on BLM Grazing Proposal 7/21/2021 Montana BHA provided the following comments verbally at a virtual Bureau of Land Management hearing on Wednesday, July 21st. Good afternoon, my name is Thomas Baumeister. I serve on the board of... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Proposal would kill the wrong elk 7/21/2021 I have never heard an elk hunter or a Forest Service employee complain about too many elk on Montana's public lands. The persistent narrative of over-abundance is a private lands issue, not one of... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: Horse Prairie Fence Pull, July 17 7/19/2021 Early last year, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) launched a six-year study called the Montana Pronghorn Movement and Population Ecology Project with the goal of identifying migration... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues FWP wants feedback on public land elk shoulder season hunts 7/16/2021 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is asking the public if elk shoulder seasons should expand onto additional public lands in some hunting districts. The agency issued a supplemental request for... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Q2 Newsletter 7/1/2021 After carrying a heavy load this legislative session, Montana BHA was able to lighten our packs just a bit as we strode into summer. Here's a quick recap on what we've been up to and what's on... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Field to Table Wild Game Blue Cheese Burger 6/30/2021 As summer comes into view and the meat selection in the freezer gets a little sparse, we love to utilize ingredients we have on hand to create a recipe perfect for the warmer weather and some... Tags: the campfire, Field to Table, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: Trail Clearing with Wild Montana, June 18-20 6/25/2021 Last weekend (June 18th-20th) the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers teamed up with Wild Montana to clear trail in the Sapphire Mountains of western Montana. In two-and-a-half days,... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana Sen. Jon Tester Introduces Bill to Protect 385 Miles of Rivers in State 6/24/2021 In June of 2021, Montana Sen. Jon Tester reintroduced the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act which aims to designate 385.4 miles of Montana's rivers as Wild & Scenic, nearly doubling the state's... Tags: the campfire, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: Montana Cabin with a Cook | June 18-20, 2021 6/22/2021 In January 2021, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers hosted our first ever Winter Extravaganza, a 3-day live virtual event featuring stories, seminars, policy updates, fun competitions and an online... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: GAOA funds for the Custer Gallatin National Forest 6/17/2021 June 17, 2021 Mary Erickson, Forest SupervisorCuster Gallatin. National Forest10 East Babcock St.Bozeman, MT 59715 Re: Great American Outdoors Act funds for the Custer Gallatin National... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: La Valle Creek Fence Pull 6/16/2021 On June 12th, a soggy Saturday morning, ten Montana BHA volunteers teamed up with the four members of a longtime Montana ranching family to remove some unneeded and unruly fence. Montana BHA,... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: Montana BHA 2021 Camp Cookoff 6/14/2021 One of our favorite events at BHA's annual Rendezvous is the Camp Chef Cookoff, where BHA members from across the country represent their local chapters and compete against one another for the... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments on 2021 Fish Removal Projects 6/3/2021 June 3rd, 2021 Dear FWP Commission – The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is a grassroot conservation organization with approximately 3,000 due-paying members across the state of... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Ninemile Woodchuck Area Acquisition 5/24/2021 May 24, 2021 Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Land ManagementMissoula Field Office3255 Fort Missoula Rd.Missoula, MT 59804 Re: LWCF Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Ninemile Woodchuck Area Acquisition The... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues New Law Reignites Debate Over Money’s Role In Hunting Opportunities 5/17/2021 A last-minute addition to a Montana fish and wildlife bill signed into law on Friday reinvigorated a long-running debate over the role of money in hunting in Montana. House Bill 637 is sprawling;... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues 2021 Montana Legislative Session Recap 5/13/2021 Congrats, Public Land Owners! We made it through the 2021 Montana Legislative Session! Thanks to the tireless efforts from our volunteer leadership team and paid lobbyists in the Capitol - and... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Debate over outfitter licenses continues past Montana Legislature 5/9/2021 As the dust settles after the 67th Montana Legislature, one thing is for certain: the debate over nonresident hunting licenses and the role of outfitting is far from over. Montana’s system for... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana Hunters Request Governor Veto Outfitter Tags Bill 5/5/2021 May 5, 2021 Gov. Greg GianforteMontana State Capitol1301 E. Sixth Ave. Helena, MT 59601 RE: Sporting organizations request for veto of HB 637 Dear Gov. Gianforte, Our organizations collectively... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Letters: Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act cuts through partisan politics 5/5/2021 It’s easy to see why so many are fed up with modern politics and the “us versus them” rhetoric. Thankfully, a trip up the Blackfoot Valley puts this chaotic world into perspective with stunning... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues South Crazy Mountains land exchange OK’d 5/4/2021 It’s a small step that took years of work, but the south end of the Crazy Mountains will have two fewer sections of private land inholdings, allowing easier access to public lands. Under a... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on Elk Management Plan Guiding Principles 4/27/2021 April 27, 2021 RE: Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers Comments on the Montana Elk Management Plan Guiding Principles Employees of FWP and Members of the Fish & Wildlife... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Never give up on defending Montana’s public lands 4/22/2021 Once again, the Rally for Public Lands at the State Capitol was proof that our public lands and outdoor way of life bind us. The numbers bear it out: 89% of Montanans visit public lands every... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Hunting Bills Stall In The Legislature 4/21/2021 A debate over the role of money in deer and elk hunting in Montana has fizzled out in the Legislature. Senate Bill 143 would have created a $300 early drawing system for nonresident elk and deer... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues FWP 'clean-up' bill draws debate 4/16/2021 Legislation characterized by supporters as a “cleanup” bill for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to tweak language in several areas of law saw pushback from opponents this week who saw it as a... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: HB 637 is a mess of a 'clean-up' bill 4/16/2021 For a "clean-up" bill, House Bill 637 is a mess. On its face, HB 637 aims to clarify language found in existing laws. These non-substantive, clerical changes would be fine if the bill stopped... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Committee tables bill tapping hunting license dollars for wildlife crop damage 4/6/2021 A bill that would have tapped hunter license dollars to pay for elk damage to crops in areas well over population objectives and limited permits passed an initial vote in the House on Tuesday... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana Sporting Coalition opposition to HB 697 4/6/2021 April 6, 2021 Speaker Wylie GaltMontana State House of RepresentativesState Capitol1301 E. Sixth Ave.Helena, MT 59601 RE: Montana Sporting Coalition opposition to HB 697 Dear Speaker Galt and... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Principles outlined to guide new elk management plan 4/1/2021 Change is coming to elk hunting in Montana. What form those changes may take and when they may be implemented are still uncertain, but a group of volunteers has outlined some guiding principles... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MTBHA comments in support of the Lower Musselshell River Acquisition 3/25/2021 March 25, 2021 Mark JacobsenBLM Eastern Montana/Dakotas District111 Garryowen RoadMiles City, MT 59301mjacobse@blm.gov RE: Lower Musselshell River Acquisition_EA_Public Comment Dear Mr.... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Sportsmen oppose HB 505, committed to addressing elk problems 3/24/2021 Dear Chair Fitzgerald and members of the House FWP Committee, Our organizations represent thousands of Montana hunters. We include statewide organizations and local sporting clubs who all care... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Sportsmen ask for veto on land board control over FWP easements 3/24/2021 A dozen sportsmen’s groups are asking Montana’s governor to veto a bill that would allow the state Land Board to veto conservation easements that would benefit hunters and wildlife. Last week, the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montanans: Thank Legislators for Listening to Hunters 3/19/2021 Montana hunters finally have something to smile about this session! First, the big win on House Bill 505, which would have given 10 non-resident landowner-sponsored elk tags to landowners with... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Sportsmen request veto on SB 115 3/19/2021 March 19, 2021 Gov. Greg GianforteMontana State Capitol1301 E. Sixth Ave.Helena, MT 59601 RE: Veto request of SB 115 requiring state Land Board approval for conservation easements Dear Gov.... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues 2021 Legislative Recap - Transmittal Break 3/4/2021 We're halfway through the legislative session, meaning it's time to catch our breath, lick our wounds, and get a clearer picture of where things stand. At this 45-day mark the non-revenue bills... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MTBHA supports reestablishment of native species in the North Fork 3/3/2021 March 3, 2021 John SlownEnvironmental Coordinator, US Forest ServiceLolo National Forestjslown@fs.fed.us Dear Mr. Slown, The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is a grassroot... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Montanans rely on Fish and Wildlife Commission for balanced management 3/2/2021 The Montana Senate rejected Andrew McKean’s application to continue his service on the Fish and Wildlife Commission by a 31-18 party-line vote, with all Democrats voting in favor and all... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Legislators need to stand up for access rights 2/26/2021 How nice would it be to have exclusive access to thousands of acres of public lands? Deciding who gets to hunt these lands, fish these streams, hike these trails or enjoy the solitude — that all... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Bad bill undoes hunting partnership between CSKT and non-tribal members 2/5/2021 For the hook and bullet community in Western Montana, the Flathead Reservation is a source of incredible opportunity. From backpacking and skiing in the Mission Range to pursuing waterfowl,... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Outfitter guaranteed hunting license makes hunting elitist 2/2/2021 Montana’s hunting opportunities are the envy of other Western states, in large part because we place a premium on equal opportunity, regardless of financial means. That’s why thousands of... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Lawmaker to Montana ranchers: You cannot be trusted 1/21/2021 “Cows not Condos” is a popular bumper sticker seen across Montana on everything from flatbed ranch trucks in Miles City to grocery getters in Missoula. The slogan captures one of the few... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA supports Musselshell River FAS 1/6/2021 January 6, 2021 Montana FWP Region 5 Attn: Mark Ruggles 2300 Lake Elmo Drive Billings, MT 59105 RE: Riverside FAS Dear Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, The Montana Chapter of Backcountry... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Year in Review - 2020 12/23/2020 Places to safely recreate, to provide food for your family or to find much needed peace of mind – never have these wild places been more appreciated and valued than in 2020. And never has BHA's... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Field to Table Maple Turkey w/ Midnight Forest Bourbon Whiskey 12/23/2020 I read over a dozen recipes for wild turkey before setting out to cook my first one. The sentiments I found in some forums as to the dark meat being “not worth” preparing did not deter me, but... Tags: the campfire, Field to Table, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA encourages Land Board to approve Flathead Lake acquisitions 12/18/2020 Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers PO Box 9257 Missoula, MT 59807 Email: montana@backcountryhunters.org The Board of Land Commissioners The Montana Department of Natural... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues MT BHA Holiday Gift Guide - 2020 12/15/2020 We've made it easy for ya! Below are some must-have, hot-ticket gift ideas from many of the Montana-based brands and businesses who support our wild public lands and waters and all the work we do... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media Press Releases State Issues U.S. Forest Service Drops Controversial Sections from Crazy Mountains Land Swap 12/11/2020 News for Immediate ReleaseDec. 11, 2020Contact: Katie McKalip, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org USFS cited input from sportsmen and women as reason for change in course MISSOULA,... Tags: the campfire, Montana Chapter, press releases
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA supports efforts to ban drones while fishing 12/1/2020 December 1, 2020Phil KilbreathFWP Enforcement DivisionP.O. Box 200701Helena, MT 59620-0701pkilbreath@mt.gov Dear Mr. Kilbreath: Montana has a long tradition of safeguarding the essence of... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Support Selenium Standards for Lake Koocanusa & the Kootenai River 11/16/2020 Water binds us all together, and in the case of northwest Montana, our community is living with the downstream effects of the upriver environment. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks found selenium... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Offers $1,000 Reward in Moose Poaching Case 11/12/2020 The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is offering a reward for $1,000 for information leading to a conviction in a recent moose poaching incident south of Lewistown. A cow moose was... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA's Comments on Madison River Recreational Management Proposal 10/30/2020 October 30th, 2020 Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission1420 East Sixth AvenueP.O. Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620 RE: Madison River Recreational Management Proposed Rules and EA Dear Montana FWP... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Tester introduces bill to protect Montana rivers as wild and scenic 10/27/2020 By Helena Dore - October 28, 2020 - Originally published in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle GALLATIN GATEWAY — The Gallatin River snaked behind Montana Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester Tuesday... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA supports Missoula Access Project 10/22/2020 October 22, 2020 Leanne Marten Regional Forester U.S. Forest Service USFS Region 1 Cc: Carolyn Upton Forest Supervisor Lolo National Forest 26 Fort Missoula Road Missoula, MT 59804 Re: LWCF... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports USFWS' Lost Trail Conservation Area 10/14/2020 Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & AnglersPO Box 9257Missoula, MT 59807U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceAttention: Vanessa Fields, Project PlannerEmail: LTRCA_comments@fws.govRE: Draft... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA supports site-specific selenium standards 10/13/2020 This article originally appeared in the fall 2020 issue of Backcountry Journal. BY RYAN BUSSE As a young man I once stood on a mountain ridge so beautiful that I now find it impossible to... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Tester’s BCSA helps preserve our hunting heritage 9/24/2020 The Indiana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers (BHA), the voice for our public lands in the Hoosier state, is excited to announce a new volunteer partnership with the U.S. Forest Service... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Tester’s Blackfoot-Clearwater act gets brief hearing in Senate committee 9/16/2020 By Laura Lundquist - September 16, 2020 - Originally published in the Missoula Current The Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act has finally gotten a committee hearing, although not much... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA supports Somers Beach State Park acquisition 9/12/2020 September 12, 2020 Stevie BurtonMontana Fish, Wildlife & Parks490 N. Meridian RoadKalispell, MT 59901stevie.burton@mt.gov RE: Somers Beach Acquisition Draft Environmental Assessment The Montana... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Supports WMA Acquisition in Snowy Mountains 9/8/2020 September 8, 2020 Ashley Taylor, FWP Wildlife Biologist2300 Lake Elmo Dr.Billings, MT 59105 RE: Property Purchase to Establish Snowy Mountain WMA Dear Mrs. Taylor, The Montana Chapter of... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: Public Lands Month 2020 Kickoff w/ FHF Gear & Burch Barrel 9/2/2020 To kick off Public Lands Month, the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers joined forces with FHF Gear, Montana FWP, and Burch Barrel to clean up the Erwin Bridge Fishing Access Site in... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Hunting group urges members to oppose proposed Crazy Mountain land swap 8/31/2020 By Brett French - August 31, 2020 - Originally published in the Billings Gazette Citing concerns about giving up access via historic forest trails, a Montana-based hunting group is encouraging... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Hunting, Conservation Groups Oppose Crazy Mountains Land Swap Proposal 8/27/2020 By Rachel Cramer - August 27, 2020 - Originally published at Montana Public Radio A group of hunting and conservation organizations say a proposed land swap and new trail in the Crazy Mountains... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Pendley's Past Remarks on Public Lands Catch Up with Him in MT 8/13/2020 By Eric Tegethoff - August 13, 2020 - Originally published in the Public News Service - MT HELENA, Mont. -- A chorus of voices is growing louder for the Trump administration to withdraw William... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Concerns re: Castle Mountain expansion of the Fording River coal mine 8/13/2020 Aug 13, 2020 Fording River’s Castle Mountain Coal Expansion To Whom It May Concern: British Columbia Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BC BHA) is the voice for wildlife and freshwater... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Assists Property Enrolled in Block Management 8/13/2020 Paradise Ranch and Giant Warm Springs in central Montana is a favorite swimming hole for locals in the summer, and the private ranch is enrolled in Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Block Management... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Public access in Crazy Mountains requires long-term solutions, not one-sided land swaps 8/7/2020 By Sportsmen and Sportswomen Consortium - August 7, 2020 - Originally published in the Missoula Current Finally, after more than 80 years of disagreements, a combination of legal pressures and... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: The need to pass the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act 7/30/2020 By David Clumpner - July 30, 2020 - Originally published in the Missoula Current On July 22, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Great American Outdoors Act, legislation that fully funds... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media Chapter News Student Leaders Step Up and Help Pass the Great American Outdoors Act 7/27/2020 Today, the House passed the Great American Outdoors Act with a 310-107 vote. It now makes its way to the President's desk for a final signature. BHA members across the U.S. made their voices... Tags: North Carolina Chapter, Idaho Chapter, New England Chapter, Utah Chapter, Montana Chapter, Michigan Chapter, Southeast Chapter, Wisconsin Chapter, Collegiate Program
Media State Issues House passes Great American Outdoors Act; bill now awaits Trump's signature 7/23/2020 By Brett French - July 23, 2020 - Originally published in the Billings Gazette Legislation that would fully and permanently fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund was passed by the U.S. House... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Supports Proposed Lost Trail Conservation Area 7/22/2020 July 22, 2020 U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceAttn: Ben Gilles922 Bootlegger TrailGreat Falls, MT 59404benjamin_gilles@fws.gov RE: Montana BHA Supports Proposed Lost Trail Conservation Area The... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Support the Great American Outdoors Act 7/20/2020 By Molly Elliott - July 20, 2020 - Originally published in the Flathead Beacon The Great American Outdoors Act would make targeted investments on our lands and waters On June 17, the U.S. Senate... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Time for House to pass Great American Outdoors Act 7/19/2020 By Rachelle Schrute - July 19, 2020 - Originally published in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle On June 17, the U.S. Senate passed the Great American Outdoors Act which is headed for a House vote on... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: The time is now for the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act 7/19/2020 By Ben Gabriel, Marne Hayess, John B. Sullivan III, Frank Szollosi, Becky Edwards, Scott Brennan and Jim Klug - July 19, 2020 - Originally published in the Missoulian Dear Sen. Daines, Passage... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA supports the Mattson FAS Property Acquisition 7/17/2020 July 17, 2020 The Montana Chapter of BHAPO Box 9257Missoula, MT 59807 Tony Powell, Region 1 FAS ManagerMontana Fish, Wildlife and Parks490 N. Meridian roadKalispell, MT 59901 RE: Mattson... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports Everson Bench Conservation Easement 7/15/2020 Gary Bertellotti (Region 4 Supervisor) Sonja Andersen (Lewistown Wildlife Biologist) Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks 4600 Giant Springs Road Great Falls, MT 59405 RE: Everson Bench Public... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Building a Public Lands Legacy at Lost Trail 7/13/2020 By Tristan Scott - July 13, 2020 - Originally published in the Flathead Beacon Fish and Wildlife Service proposes conservation easement on 100,000 acres of prime hunting and timberland owned... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Field to Table Grilled Venison Orecchiette Stroganoff 7/8/2020 Stroganoff is one of those meals that just hits all the right notes: it's a comfort food from childhood that's a bit heavy and filling, leaving you in a wonderful food coma afterward. In an effort... Tags: the campfire, Field to Table, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Standard view: We must find a new generation of giants 7/5/2020 Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues BHA Rewards Hunter who Reported Illegal Wilderness Helicopter 6/25/2020 Public lands sportsman submitted evidence of illegal access that resulted in the pilot’s conviction Backcountry Hunters & Anglers has issued a reward to John Morris, the Montana hunter who... Tags: Montana Chapter, OHV
Media State Issues EVENT RECAP: Montana BHA State Lands Cleanup 6/24/2020 On Tuesday, June 23rd, Leaders from the Montana Chapter of BHA hosted an outdoor BHA member meeting and state lands cleanup at a site targeted as a potential public shooting range. At this time,... Tags: Montana recap, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues U.S. Senate passes bill to fund LWCF and federal land maintenance 6/17/2020 By Laura Lundquist - June 17, 2020 - Originally posted in the Missoula Current With U.S. Senate passage of a significant public lands bill, it’s likely that the Land and Water Conservation Fund... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Federal appeals court upholds cancellation of Badger-Two Medicine oil, gas leases 6/17/2020 By Laura Lundquist - June 17, 2020 - Originally published in the Missoula Current An appeals court added one more chapter to a 38-year struggle when it ruled against an oil company that’s... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA comments on BLM E-Bikes Proposal 6/9/2020 June 9, 2020 The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers PO Box 9257 Missoula, MT 59807 Andy Tenney, Division Chief, Division of Recreation and Visitor Services Bureau of Land... Tags: Montana Chapter, OHV
Media State Issues FWP Commission approves Bitterroot land purchase, OKs Placid Lake pike regs 5/29/2020 By Laura Lundquist - May 29, 2020 - Originally published in the Missoula Current An emergency kill order and some new Fish, Wildlife & Parks property and easements could benefit local fish... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues MT BHA Encourages Lost Trail Conservation Easement 5/5/2020 May 5, 2020 Montana Fish, Wildlife & ParksKris Tempel, Habitat Conservation Biologistktempel@mt.gov490 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell, MT 59901 The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Public lands unite us in most challenging times 5/1/2020 By Hilary Eisen, Ian Jones and Dane Rider - May 1, 2020 - Originally published in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle In the midst of a global pandemic, Montanans are able to responsibly find moments of... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Hunting and fishing provide food security in the time of COVID-19 4/29/2020 Hunting and fishing provide food security in the time of COVID-19 But virus fears and travel restrictions could impact big game season in the fall. By Nick Bowlin - April 29, 2020 - Originally... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Field to Table Venison Tartare with Truffle and Lemon Zest 3/31/2020 Venison Tartare with Truffle and Lemon Zest By Montana BHA Life Member Corey Ellis What You'll Need 10oz finely diced, raw, quality venison or antelope (backstrap, tenderloins or rump meat... Tags: Field to Table, Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana Take Action: Nez Perce-Clearwater Forest Plan Revision 3/31/2020 Our Idaho neighbors are currently undergoing a Forest Plan revision for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest. Last written in 1987, this plan is overdue for some guidance, and will guide the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA Nez Perce-Clearwater Comments 3/31/2020 March 31, 2020 The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & AnglersPO Box 9257 Missoula, MT 59807 Zach Peterson – Forest PlannerNez Perce-Clearwater National Forest903 3rd StKamiah, ID... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Supports FAS on West Fork Bitterroot 3/26/2020 March 26, 2020 Sharon Rose Comments Coordinator, Region 2 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 3201 Spurgin Rd Missoula, MT 59804 shrose@mt.gov Re: C. Ben White Memorial Fishing Access Site Dear... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Supports Thompson River FAS 3/24/2020 March 24, 2020 Ryan Kreiner, Fisheries BiologistMontana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks5427 HWY 200Thompson Falls, MT 59873rkreiner@mt.gov Re: Thompson River Fishing Access Site Dear Mr.... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues FWP recognizes Block Management Program cooperators 3/10/2020 FWP recognizes Block Management Program cooperators - March 10, 2020 - Originally posted by Montana FWP Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 7 took the opportunity in February to recognize the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Chronic Wasting Disease’s Potential Economic Impacts 2/29/2020 By Maggie Dresser - February 29, 2020 - Originally published in the Flathead Beacon CWD is already altering hunters’ habits since its detection in Montana in 2017, and there are worries in the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Park County Court Cases Testing Boundaries Of Public Access, Private Property Rights 2/28/2020 By Rachel Cramer - February 28th, 2020 - Originally published at Montana Public Radio March 1 kicks off the new license year for Montana hunters, many of whom will rely on public land to punch... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Trump Budget Proposes Cuts to LWCF Funding, National Parks 2/20/2020 By Tristan Scott - February 20, 2020 - Originally published in the Flathead Beacon Montana leadership promises full funding even as president’s budget includes 97% cut in spending on Land and... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues More timber harvest, grazing in new BLM plan 2/16/2020 By Patrick Reilly - February 16th, 2019 - Originally published in the Missoulian. The Bureau of Land Management lands near Missoula will be open to more logging and grazing should a new... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments on the Horsefly Vegetation Project 2/10/2020 February 10, 2020 The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & AnglersPO Box 9257 Missoula, MT 59807 Carol Hatfield, District Ranger Belt Creek- White Sulphur Springs Ranger District 204... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Montana BHA Comments on Bitterroot Elk Habitat Objectives 1/22/2020 January 22, 2020 The Montana Chapter of BHAPO Box 9257Missoula, MT 59808montana@backcountryhunters.org406-926-1908 Forest Supervisor Matthew AndersonBitterroot National ForestAttn: Forest Plan... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Speak Up for Reasonable Elk Management in Montana 1/13/2020 The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is deeply concerned about the manner in which Elk Shoulder Seasons (ESSs) are being used to manage elk in Montana. The Shoulder Seasons were... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Comments on Elk Shoulder Seasons 1/13/2020 January 13, 2020 The Montana Chapter of BHA PO Box 9257Missoula, MT 59808 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commissioners: Shane Colton, Richard Stuker, Tim Aldrich, Pat Byorth and Logan... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA supports W-Bar Conservation Easement 1/10/2020 January 10, 2020 The Montana Chapter of BHA PO Box 9257Missoula, MT 59808 Montana FWP Attn: Brandi Skone P.O. Box 1630 Miles City, MT 59301 bskone@mt.gov Re: W-Bar CE Comment To the Dedicated... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Fish, Wildlife and Parks commission rejects hovercraft on Bitterroot River 1/6/2020 By Laura Lundquist - January 6, 2020 - Originally published in the Missoula Current Locals on fishing rafts, kayaks and inner tubes won’t have to dodge hovercraft on the Bitterroot River and a... Tags: Montana Chapter, OHV
Media State Issues OPINION: Celebrating public lands with a cold one 1/3/2020 By Land Tawney and Marc Pierce - January 3, 2020 - Originally published in the Missoulian The next chapter of the conservation movement has arrived, and it comes in a can. Highlander Beer’s Public... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA's Follow-Up Comments on Pryors Travel Management 1/2/2020 January 2, 2020 The Montana Chapter of BHA PO Box 9257 Missoula, MT 59808 Dave Lefevre, Field Manager dlefevre@blm.gov Jennifer Alexander, Outdoor Recreation Planner jalexander@blm.gov BLM... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Weyerhaeuser land sale shows importance of LWCF, public access 12/30/2019 By Julie Mackiewicz - December 30, 2019 - Originally published in the Missoula Current In the last minute of shooting light on one of the last days of the 2019 hunting season, I took the... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: MT BHA & others comment on the Tendoy Project EA 12/30/2019 Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Hovercraft petition for rivers comes before FWP Jan. 6 12/27/2019 By Eve Byron - December 27, 2019 - Originally published in the Missoulian Jim Crews’ petition to allow hovercraft to operate on the Bitterroot and Clark Fork rivers through Missoula year-round is... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA comments on the Pryors Travel Management Plan 12/19/2019 December 19, 2019 The Montana Chapter of BHA PO Box 9257 Missoula, MT 59808 Jennifer Alexander Outdoor Recreation Planner jalexander@blm.gov BLM Billings Field Office5001 Southgate... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues OPINION: Elk shoulder seasons are ineffective. It's time to think outside the box 12/19/2019 By Thomas Baumeister - December 19, 2019 - Originally published in the Missoulian Montana has a lot of elk — 134,557, to be more precise. Elk are part of our state’s identity and we’re better for... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Tendoy White Pine Project Deadline Extension Request 12/17/2019 Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Weyerhaeuser agrees to sell Montana timberland 12/17/2019 By Seaborn Larson - December 17, 2019 - Originally published in the Missoulian U.S. timber giant Weyerhaeuser Company on Tuesday announced it has agreed to sell its Montana timberland to a private... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Elk Shoulder Season Evaluation Needs Best Science Available 12/12/2019 December 12, 2019 Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Attn: Commissioner Aldrich;Commissioner Byorth; CommissionerStuker; Commissioner Brower; Commissioner Colton; Director Wiliams; Wildlife Division... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues LETTER: Montana BHA Responds to Hovercrafts 11/25/2019 Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers PO Box 9257 Missoula, MT 59807 November 25, 2019 Montana FWP Commission Helena, Montana Dear Chairman and Commissioners Re: Petition to... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Eastern Montana man arrested in illegal killing, wasting of bull elk 11/18/2019 November 18, 2019 - From Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks - Originally published in the Montana Standard A 23-year-old Roundup man was arrested Friday in the poaching of three trophy bull elk in... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Tell Senator Daines to Reject Pendley 11/15/2019 Join BHA in urging Senator Daines to #RejectPendley $cweb(function(){ $cweb('#congressweb-action-128').congressweb({ url : '//www.congressweb.com/BHA/128', responsive :... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Senate Bill Could Reopen Fort Keogh Boat Ramp 11/4/2019 Despite growing uncertainty for the prospects of a 2020 appropriations deal, the U.S. Senate just passed a bill with a measure that effectively sidesteps the bureaucratic nightmare impeding access... Tags: Montana Chapter
Media State Issues Hunters, anglers question Crazy Mountain land swap 10/30/2019 By Michael Wright - October 30, 2019 - Originally published in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle Meanwhile, the Forest Service has tried to make some progress. This summer, it began work on the... Tags: Montana Chapter