Our Organization
Protecting wildlife, habitat, and public access in Montana for eight decades.
Photo: Janko Ferlic
Historic conservation
The Montana Wildlife Federation is Montana’s oldest, largest, and most effective wildlife conservation organization. Our roots trace back to 1936 when hunters, anglers and other conservationists joined landowners to address the loss of Montana’s natural lands, healthy waters and abundant wildlife. The decades of westward expansion prior to the 1930’s left wildlife populations decimated throughout North America, and Montana was no exception. That year the first North American Wildlife Conference was held in Washington D.C. and wildlife conservation was thrust into the limelight. The National Wildlife Federation, Montana Wildlife Federation, and many other state wildlife organizations were formed. Since then, MWF has championed scientific wildlife management and fought to conserve the great natural resources found in this state and wildlife populations have rebounded. This legacy is maintained through our dedicated staff and volunteers.
Wildlife Management
MWF is involved in critical collaborative efforts throughout Montana that work to protect public lands, enhance public access and protect critical wildlife habitat and populations. We work closely with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to develop recommendations for wildlife management and we work to ensure the voice of Montana’s wildlife conservationists, hunters and anglers are heard in the state Legislature and in Washington D.C.
OUR Conservation Victories
Over the years, MWF has secured some of the Treasure State’s most important conservation victories, including:
- The best stream access law in the country
- A ban on wildlife farms
- Protection of Montana’s public lands and waters
But we didn’t stop there. We are now engaged on critical issues including:
- Chronic Wasting Disease
- Grizzly Bear management
- Energy Development and Sage Grouse
- Elk management
- Protection of secure wildlife habitat
- Clean water protection and enhancement
Strength in numbers
Citizens invested in wildlife management were critical to our previous accomplishments and are critical to our continued success. Our network of affiliate organizations throughout the state in addition to our strong member base helps us stay heavily engaged in key issues affecting wildlife at the local, regional, and statewide levels.
WHERE WE STAND
We are passionately committed to preserving Montana’s unique and diverse wildlife. From majestic grizzly bears to elusive mountain lions, and from soaring golden eagles to iconic elk herds, we tirelessly advocate for their protection.
Through conservation initiatives and community engagement, we strive to ensure the flourishing of Montana’s extraordinary animal inhabitants.
Together, let’s safeguard our cherished Montana wildlife.
If you value wildlife management in this great state and want to add your voice to our legacy of conservation successes, please provide a donation and become a member today.
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Our Friends and Partners
MWF Ambassador Roles
To help drive the grassroots efforts of MWF, we launched the Ambassador Program. MWF Ambassadors are volunteer leaders in their communities that are committed to sharing their authentic love for MWF’s advocacy and campaign work and Montana’s wildlife, habitat, and public lands and waters.
They do this important outreach by increasing MWF’s capacity by reaching wider and more diverse audiences, and by sharing their story. Our ambassadors are engaged advocates! They write LTEs, op-eds, and blogs, host and support events, testify at meetings and perform many additional outreach activities.
MWF is comprised of supporters, affiliate groups and clubs, donors, and a collective of people from all walks of life who identify with many titles and labels – hunters, anglers, recreationists, conservationists, advocates, public access champions, landowners, etc. We don’t always agree on the way forward for every issue but when we share dialogue, collaborate, align on issues, and work together, we are the strongest force. This has been proven time and time again at the legislature and within local communities. Each MWF Ambassador is unique in background and character but they all have one thing in common – their support of MWF, our mission, and our values.
The MWF staff is committed to this program because we value the talents and gifts of our Ambassadors, all volunteers dedicated to contributing to their communities and the whole of conservation work in Montana. We are devoted to providing meaningful and impactful volunteer experiences through the MWF Ambassador Program.
Our Board
Lailani UphaM
Director - Browning
Marion Cherry
Director - Bozeman
Gary Wolfe
Director - Missoula
John Salazar
Director - Missoula
OUR STAFF
Our Work
Healthy fish and wildlife populations depend on high-quality, intact habitat. The Montana Wildlife Federation works to protect habitat on public and private lands throughout the state. We advocate for scientifically-based land management and conservation of wild lands and wild waters.
Our Work
Fish and wildlife that have disappeared from other parts of the West are still abundant in Montana. However, the pressures and threats grow greater and more numerous with each passing year. MWF works to advocate for sound science and policies aimed at protecting every species found here, whether it is a nongame, big game, or one of our amazing fish species.
Our Work
Montana is home to some of the highest quality natural resources in the nation as well as the longest hunting seasons in the West. However, wildlife managers often face pressure to manage wildlife and recreation for private profit. MWF fights to protect public access and recreational opportunities for people of every color, creed, religion, gender, and sexual orientation.
Our Work
The Montana Wildlife Federation has a grassroots network of local affiliated clubs around Montana.
Latest Organization News
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Make A Difference
Your generous donation supports Montana Wildlife Federation’s work conserving our wildlife, wild places, and hunting and angling opportunities for current and future generations.
