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 as Montana’s Stream Access Law, and it’s a beautiful thing. But we can’t take it for granted, as it continues to be challenged and threatened. First, what exactly is the Stream Access Law? What constitutes recreation? And how are rivers and streams defined? Following the Supreme Court’s establishment ...

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 "HPAI viruses are extremely infectious and fatal to poultry and some species of wild birds." As we have all learned over the last several years, the potential spread of viruses is serious business. With this new virus emerging in and amongst our bird populations this situation begs an important ...

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 59620-0701   Dear Chair Robinson, Vice Chair Tabor and Commissioners:   The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers submits this comment in opposition to the current proposal to extend the upland bird season in Montana until January 31 of each year. Our more than 3,000 dues-paying Montana members have a ...

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 Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers submits this comment in support ofthe Ninemile Woodchuck Proposed Land Aquisition. The Montana Chapter’s more than 3,200members have a keen interest in the permanent protection of Montana lands (more than 11,000acres here), as our organization is ...

Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & AnglersPO Box 9257Missoula, MT 59807U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceAttention: Vanessa Fields, Project PlannerEmail: LTRCA_comments@fws.govRE: Draft Environmental Assessment and Land Protection Plan, Lost Trail Conservation Area The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers submits this comment in support of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s (“USFWS”) establishment of the Lost Trail Conservation Area. The Montana Chapter’s roughly ...