OPINION: Why we want to keep elk public

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 landowners, is suing Montana's Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Helena Hunters and Anglers, Hellgate Hunters & Anglers, Montana Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Montana Bowhunters Association, Montana Wildlife Federation, Public Land Water Access Association and Skyline Sportsmen's Association have requested to formally intervene in the lawsuit. Our groups reject UPOM’s agenda and are committed to defending Montana’s elk hunting and management solutions.

Here's why:

The UPOM lawsuit attacks wildlife management and public hunting. Given UPOM's history, it's hard to believe this is really about managing elk. We've repeatedly pointed to existing solutions and new ideas to address problematic concentrations of elk. But we're met with opposition from the same party crying wolf — UPOM dismisses these solutions and demands bull elk tags for landowners as the remedy.

Read more from the Helena Independent Record here...

Thomas BaumeisterThomas Baumeister

Capital Chapter Leader - Montana BHA; Board Member - Montana Outdoor Hall of Fame; Board President - Orion -The Hunter's Institute

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Capital Chapter Leader - Montana BHA; Board Member - Montana Outdoor Hall of Fame; Board President - Orion -The Hunter's Institute

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