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Hunters Celebrate Expansion of Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area

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On a tight-vote, the Montana Land Board gave conditional approval this morning for the state to acquire a small private parcel to be managed as part of the Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area.

Acquisition of the 829-acre Willow Creek parcel was a priority for hunters and anglers who were worried private development would spoil critical big game winter range.   They say today’s vote will protect wildlife habitat, increase public access, and provide new hunting and other outdoor opportunities for Montanans.

“This was the only responsible outcome for Montana and for our wildlife,” said Gary Ouldhouse, president of Anaconda Sportsman’s Club. “We thank Governor Gianforte for his leadership and are encouraged that the majority of our Land Board members agreed to create new public access and protect high-quality habitat that would have otherwise been developed and closed off to future generations.” 

The Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area straddles the Continental Divide and is the largest Wildlife Management Areas in the state.  The new addition is located four miles south of Anaconda and shares a 2.5 mile border with the existing management area.

The acquisition was supported by the Anaconda Deerlodge County Commission, Montana Union Sportsman’s Alliance, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Jefferson Valley Sportsmen, the Anaconda Sportsman’s Club, Montana Trout Unlimited as well local hunters and landowners.

“We’re incredibly thankful this addition was finally approved. FWP, RMEF and the landowners deserve all the thanks and praise we can muster, yet today’s narrow and conditional approval for a project overwhelmingly supported by the public and paid for with sportsmen’s dollars reminds us we need to continue to show up and engage when it matters most,” said Scott DeSena, a board member of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. “We’d like to thank Governor Gianforte who showed leadership today in repeatedly expressing his support for this project with sound and reasonable justifications.” 

According to Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, the Willow Creek property was likely to be subdivided and developed had the state not stepped in. 

“Given current interest in Montana real estate, the recreational value of the property due to bordering the WMA, the easy access from Interstate 90 and MT Highways 1 and 569, and the proximity to the amenities of Anaconda, this property is prime for subdivision. The current landowners have recently been approached by developers showing interest in acquiring their property for this purpose,” reads the State’s environmental analysis. 

Funding for the $2.7 million purchase will come from Montana’s Habitat Montana program with in-kind support from Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks conservation trust.

For over three decades, the Habitat Montana program has helped landowners create new public access and protect habitat-rich lands from development.  The program raises money through hunting license sales and state taxes on recreational marijuana. 

Hunting and conservation advocates say they are hopeful today’s majority vote signals continued interest in additional fee title acquisitions later this year.  At the top of that list is the creation of a new 5,677-acre Wildlife Management Area in the Big Snowy Mountains. 

The Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Commission is expected to vote on the Big Snowy proposed acquisition next Thursday.  That vote would clear the path for approval by the Montana Land Board. 

“We are hopeful the majority of our Montana Land Board will continue to support strong proposals like the Big Snowy Mountains WMA, which are fiscally responsible and have overwhelming support from hunters and landowners,” said Marcus Strange, Director of State Policy and Government Relations for Montana Wildlife Federation.

 

CONTACT

Gary Ouldhouse, President of Anaconda Sportsman’s Club, 406.559.0422

Marcus Strange, Director of State Policy Montana Wildlife Federation, 406.916.2585

Scott Desena, Board member of MT Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, 406.498.8811

MWF Cheers Landmark Inflation/Climate Deal

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Today we are thrilled with news of a legislative breakthrough that will boost Montana wildlife, fisheries, forests and communities and reduce our carbon emissions 40% by 2030.  And by lowering energy costs, we reduce inflation. MWF encourages you to call Senator Jon Tester at (202)-224-2651 to express appreciation for his support of climate action and to call Senator Steve Daines at (202)-224-2651 and ask him to get on board!

Hunters, anglers, farmers, ranchers, bird watchers, and conservationists of all stripes have long advocated for Congress to act on climate. We understand the long established science, and bear witness to the impacts as our Montana fisheries warm and our public lands and communities endure ever-more devastating floods and wildfires. And three-quarters of respondents in a recent Montana State University survey of farmers and ranchers reported anxiety from the uncertainty driven by climate change.  

As recently as two weeks ago, MWF was back in DC speaking up for action on climate. See image below.

The historic Inflation Reduction deal announced this week includes:

– natural climate solutions that will build the resilience of Montana’s wildlife, fish, forests, streams, rivers, prairies and farms and ranches

– first meaningful oil and gas leasing reform in 100 years, protecting critical Montana habitat, wildlife and taxpayers

– $5 billion in grants to support healthy, fire resilient forests, forest conservation and urban tree planting

– investments in U.S. clean energy manufacturing

– investments in Montana communities, including tribes, long impacted by environmental injustices

– more than $20 billion to support climate-smart agriculture practices

– tax credits for electric vehicles

Contact: Frank Szollosi, Executive Director, 406-417-9909

Below Montana Wildlife Federation Executive Director Frank Szollosi, of Missoula, speaks with Senator Jon Tester on Capitol Hill about climate-fueled devastation in and adjacent to Yellowstone National Park, and the lopsided fiscal benefits of strong climate policy. July 12, 2022.

2022 07 12 Frank Szollosi 1

Montana sporting groups call on Rep. Rosendale to abandon his attack on federal wildlife conservation funding

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Today, the Montana Wildlife Federation and twelve affiliate rod and gun clubs representing tens-of-thousands of hunters called on Representative Matt Rosendale to withdraw his co-sponsorship of legislation that would defund the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and gut federal funding for wildlife conservation and hunter education programs across the nation.

H.R. 8167, the “Return our Constitutional Rights Act of 2022,” would essentially repeal one of the most important pieces of legislation for wildlife management and hunting, the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act. Passed in 1937, the Pittman-Robertson Act sets aside the revenue from federal excise taxes on firearms and archery equipment for grants to state fish and wildlife agencies for wildlife management and hunter education. The Pittman-Robertson Act is used to this day to provide robust funding to state fish and wildlife management agencies. 

In a letter to Rosendale, the groups reiterated the importance of the Pittman-Robertson funding, stating “Pittman-Robertson is the backbone of the management that ensures that fish and wildlife that are pursued by hunters and anglers continue to flourish. It is a key element in the phrase hunters proclaim proudly:“hunting is conservation”. 

FWP’s largest source of federal funding comes from both the Pittman-Robertson Act and the similar Dingell-Johnson Act, which provides funding to states to support recreational fishing. In total, both sources of funding account for nearly 20 percent of FWP’s budget. 

While H.R. 8167 purports to direct federal oil and gas revenue into the Pittman Robertson Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund instead of firearms excise taxes, the bill is actually written to completely repeal the core Trust Fund and direct additional funding into a different set of programs that are targeted at non-game wildlife conservation. While that latter goal is crucially important – and the subject of separate pending federal legislation, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which enjoys bipartisan support – H.R. 8167 would end all federal funding for the management of game species and their habitats, as well as funding for hunter safety education and public shooting ranges. 

In addition to all of the benefits of robust conservation funding, signers of the letter to Rosendale emphasized to the need to protect the conservation legacy that has been created by Pittman-Robertson: “Montana hunters take pride in being the primary source of funding for state wildlife management agencies through the Pittman-Robertson Act as well as hunting/fishing license sales. These funding mechanisms are critical to the future persistence of both game and nongame species. We again urge you to listen to the voices of hunters across the state and withdraw your support for H.R. 8167.” 

Signers of the letter included the Montana Wildlife Federation, Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association, Laurel Rod and Gun Club, Bearpaw Bowmen, Hellgate Hunters and Anglers, Montana Artemis Alliance, Helena Hunters and Anglers, American Bear Foundation, Flathead Wildlife Inc., Montana Union Sportsmen’s Alliance, Anaconda Sportsmen’s Club, Public Land Water Access Association and Traditional Bowhunters of Montana. 

Contact: Frank Szollosi, executive director, Montana Wildlife Federation, 406-417-9909

MWF Calls on Rep. Rosendale to abandon his attack on federal wildlife conservation funding

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Contact: Frank Szollosi, Executive Director, Montana Wildlife Federation, 406-417-9909 
 
Helena, MT: Today, the Montana Wildlife Federation called on Representative Matt Rosendale to withdraw his co-sponsorship of legislation that would defund the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and gut federal funding for wildlife conservation and hunter education programs across the nation. 
 
H.R. 8167, the “Return our Constitutional Rights Act of 2022,” would explicitly repeal the historic Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act, which has been used for generations to fund successful wildlife management and hunting programs. Passed in 1937, the Pittman-Robertson Act sets aside the revenue from federal excise taxes on firearms and archery equipment for grants to state fish and wildlife agencies for wildlife management and hunter education. 
 
“Congressman Rosendale and other co-sponsors of this legislation should be aware that they are demolishing conservation funding for state wildlife management agencies,” said Frank Szollosi, Executive Director of Montana Wildlife Federation. “H.R. 8167 is a direct attack on the legacy of conservation that was created by Pittman-Robertson, and a slap in the face of Montana hunters who understand the importance of using the federal excise tax on firearms to fund Montana’s Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP).” 
 
FWP’s largest source of federal funding comes from both the Pittman-Robertson Act and the similar Dingell-Johnson Act, which provides funding to states to support recreational fishing. In total, both sources of funding account for nearly 20 percent of FWP’s budget. 
 
While H.R. 8167 purports to direct federal oil and gas revenue into the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund instead of firearms excise taxes, the bill is actually written to completely repeal the core Trust Fund and direct additional funding into a different set of programs that are targeted at nongame wildlife conservation. While that latter goal is crucially important – and the subject of separate pending federal legislation, the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which enjoys bipartisan support – H.R. 8167 would end all federal funding for the management of game species and their habitats, as well as funding for hunter safety education and public shooting ranges. The bill also reduces the excise tax on fishing products, further diminishing state revenues. 
 
“Pittman-Robertson funding was passed on the shoulders of hunters who cared deeply for fish and wildlife and wanted to see the excise taxes that they pay on firearms go back into wildlife management and hunter education programs. Over the last eight decades, the Pittman-Robertson Act has helped restore and manage species across the nation, including our cherished elk, pronghorn, deer, and other game,” Szollosi continued. 
 
“In co-sponsoring this bill, Rep. Matt Rosendale demonstrates hostility to the conservation legacy built by American hunters. We ask that he stand up for Montana hunters and immediately withdraw his support for H.R. 8167.” 

Montanans Intervene in Lawsuit Attacking State Management of Elk

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Montanans Intervene in Lawsuit Attacking State Management of Elk

The coalition of state-based groups decries suit by property owners’ association as attempt to upend Montana’s game management, reduce public hunting opportunity

HELENA, Mont. – A coalition of Montana hunting and conservation groups has taken formal action to oppose the lawsuit filed in May by the United Property Owners of Montana against Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Fish & Wildlife Commission, calling it “an attack on wildlife management and Montana’s egalitarian hunting traditions.”

Composed of Helena Hunters and Anglers, Hellgate Hunters and Anglers, Montana Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Montana Bowhunters Association, Montana Wildlife Federation, Public Land Water Access Association and Skyline Sportsmen, the coalition filed a motion to intervene on behalf of FWP and the citizens of Montana. The groups represent a broad array of interests and are committed to maintaining long-term, proven management that benefits all Montanans, not just a privileged few. All have a strong record of public participation in decisions affecting Montana’s natural resources and hunting heritage.

UPOM, an organization of out-of-state and resident landowners with a history of opposing the concept that public wildlife are owned by the public in Montana, alleges in its suit that the public process for managing elk and setting hunting regulations in Montana is unconstitutional. It attempts to force FWP to act to reduce elk numbers in the state substantially – by upwards of 50,000 animals – and giving landowners authority over management practices of elk on their properties, including opportunities to sell elk tags to the highest bidder. Similar attempts by UPOM at the legislative and commission levels have been loudly opposed and soundly defeated.

“Elk are a cornerstone of Montana hunting traditions,” said Steve Platt, president of Helena Hunters and Anglers. “UPOM and its billionaire backers are trying to privatize our public elk herds for their own gain. The citizens of Montana will not let them get away with this!”

“Hellgate Hunters & Anglers is proud to join in standing up for Montana’s elk and our time-honored, science-based wildlife management practices,” said Walker Conyngham, president of Hellgate Hunters & Anglers. “Montana hunters across the state look to the department and our wildlife managers for responsible, equitable management of our big game species. We’re stepping up to protect those men and women, Montana hunters, and our elk herds from this reckless, misguided attempt to fundamentally change elk management in our state.”

“The United Property Owners of Montana would like to upend Montana’s well-established wildlife management model, as well as Montana’s public hunting traditions,” said John Sullivan, chair of Montana Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. “Regardless of our political affiliations, economic backgrounds and other views, we all have a stake in opposing this lawsuit and supporting responsive, state-based management of Montana game populations. The Montana chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with other groups who are taking action to defend elk management, as well as public hunting opportunity, in Montana.”

“We will not stand by and allow the United Property Owners of Montana to strongarm the state of Montana,” said Ken Schultz, president of the Montana Bowhunters Association. “We will stand strong along with several other groups in Montana who are stepping up to support the FWP and the state in this battle and in their efforts to manage elk populations in Montana.

“All the years of hard work by past and current state employees – and the committees that have spent hours of volunteer time to come up with a solid plan to manage the elk populations – would be for naught if UPOM succeeded in making this a ‘pay to play’ state,” Schultz continued. “This would change elk hunting for generations to come. This just can’t happen! We must unite and fight back with our fellow hunting partners in Montana.”

“The public season setting process has been used for decades,” said Chris Servheen, board chair, Montana Wildlife Federation. “To suddenly try to throw out years of hard work and wisdom from scientists, agency professionals, duly appointed fish and wildlife commissioners, and engaged citizens is simply wrong. What this lawsuit seeks to do is what UPOM has failed to do at the legislature: turn elk hunting into a rich man’s game in Montana. UPOM couldn’t get its way in the legislature or the commission, and now instead of talking with those they disagree with, they filed a lawsuit.

“Elk in Montana belong to the public, not to wealthy special interests,” Servheen continued. “Generations of public hunters have stood up for science-based elk management, and the Montana Wildlife Federation is proud to stand with our partners to fight to keep elk public for public hunters.”

“PLWA values, recognizes, and appreciates the contributions private lands and landowners continue to make to ensure Montana is home to robust, viable, and huntable populations of elk and other wildlife statewide,” said Drewry Hanes, executive director of Public Land Water Access Association. “Central to this is the legal and social construct of elk and other wildlife to be held in the public trust for the benefit of all – elk are not to be owned and sold by private interests. The UPOM lawsuit challenges this very essence and what has served Montana well for more than 100 years. We believe in and uphold the principles of public participation, science-based management, equity in opportunity, and the duty to hold our elected and appointed officials responsible and accountable.”

Learn more on the coalition website.

Contact: Katie McKalip, BHA, 406-240-9262, mckalip@backcountryhunters.org             

Sonya Smith, MWF, 406-417-9909, sonya@mtwf.org

Jeff Lukas – MWF Elk Campaign Manager

Jeff Lukas

Conservation Director

Jeff Lukas is a passionate conservationist who has been fishing and hunting his entire life. Whether it’s floating a small stream chasing trout, pursuing elk in the high country, or waiting in a blind for ducks to set their wings, Jeff is always trying to bring more people afield to show them what we are trying to protect. He loves being in the arena, and he will never shy away from conversations about the beautiful and unique corners of Big Sky country.