Outdoor groups get stake in elk management lawsuit

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 and Parks with failing to manage elk in Montana.

The groups, including Montana Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Montana Bowhunters Association, the Montana Wildlife Federation and others, now have standing to represent another voice in elk management.

The United Property Owners of Montana, UPOM, filed suit against FWP in April in Fergus County’s Tenth Judicial District Court. UPOM alleges that the state has failed to meet its legal mandate to manage elk populations within objective (the number determined to be appropriate for habitat conditions).

Read more from the Ranger Review here...