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Support a Lead Free Montana

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MWF knows that hunters care about wildlife like no one else and they have shown a willingness to do the right thing in defense of wildlife. In Montana, we are seeing too many occurrences of our wildlife becoming critically ill due to lead poisoning, contracted from consuming lead left in gut piles. While this is an unintentional repercussion of hunting with lead ammunition, the impact can be mitigated when hunters switch to lead-free alternatives. We are asking you to join us in our Lead-Free MT initiative by taking the MWF Non-Lead Pledge. By taking the MWF Non-Lead Pledge you agree to help wildlife and your fellow Montanans by:

  • Only use lead-free ammunition, such as steel or copper, when hunting.

  • Where possible, practice at established ranges so lead on the landscape is confined to specific, manageable areas.

  • Help to educate others on the benefits of hunting with lead-free ammunition by sharing your knowledge and experience.

While these steps may seem simple, the positive effects they will have can not be understated. It is our role to stand up for the wildlife that can’t stand up for itself. Stand up for Montana’s wildlife today by taking the MWF Non-Lead Pledge HERE. Together we can support our wildlife and each other by creating a lead-free Montana.

Supporting our Network of Dedicated Affiliates

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MWF is fortunate to work with our network of dedicated affiliates. In an effort to better support the work our affiliates do, in 2019 MWF started an affiliate grant program to award funding to our affiliates who are working with conservation-minded landowners on wildlife habitat protection and enhancement.

20180517 085614 resized MWF awarded one of the first of these grants to the Western Bear Foundation (WBF). Due to the increasing presence of grizzly bears near Valier Montana, residents have become increasingly concerned about bear activity near Lake Francis Campground, which is directly adjacent to the town. 

WBF and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks identified a need for better bear-proof garbage cans at the campground.  In an effort to be proactive, mitigate conflict, and protect wildlife, WBF placed 6 Kodiak Bear Proof Containers at various locations around the campsite. The garbage cans are 96 gallons each and are able to be dumped by sanitation staff without having to leave the vehicle.

Bear proof garbage cans will help prevent grizzly bears from using the campground which is within Valier town limits. Additionally, the visibility of such receptacles will promote bear aware behaviors and actions in the town community. Keeping bears away from town and showing that agencies and organizations are working hard to keep people safe will aid in building tolerance for the grizzly bear population in the area. 

20180517 085434 resized MWF is proud of the work that our affiliates, like WBF, do. We are looking forward to awarding our 2020 grants soon and support more quality work from these conservation stalwarts. We encourage you to also support your local MWF affiliate by becoming a member or donating to them today. If you would like to learn more about MWF’s affiliate program, contact Marcus Strange at mstrange@mtwf.org. 

 

Supporting Those Who Support Us

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The Montana Wildlife Federation has long been blessed with an amazing network of affiliate partners. From the dark timbered mountains to the breaky badlands, in local communities statewide, our affiliates are working tirelessly to protect and enhance public access, habitat, and wildlife. It is safe to say that Montana would look drastically different without them.

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Dave Stone, Vice President for MWF affiliate Anaconda Sportsmen’s Club, showing off a beautiful 3-pound brook trout he recently landed.

We are so appreciative of the help we’re receiving during this difficult time. At this time, while we hope that you will continue to support us, we also hope that you consider supporting our affiliates in your local communities. Like so many others, our affiliates are canceling crucial fundraising events that enable them to do the work that benefits their local communities. These are the groups who are pulling fences, teaching hunters education, and speaking up for wildlife, habitat, and access during the legislature. The groups need your support.

MWF is mindful of those around us and the struggles they are facing. Our thoughts are with those in our state and our world who are being adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage everyone who supports us to also support our partners who make our conservation efforts possible and better your community. Do what you can, give where you can. We’re all in this together.

Practice Social Distancing Apply for Permits for Fall

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Credit Kyle Mlynar 13
Photo by Kyle Mlynar.

Montanans are being encouraged to stay home as much as possible and for good reason. As we work to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus, it’s important to practice social distancing and stay at home as much as possible.  Eventually, life will return to normal. 

For Montana hunters, that will hopefully include a special hunt this fall for deer or elk. The thought of time spent with family and friends pursuing that big buck or bull is pretty enticing right now. Every year we anticipate the fall and hunting season; this year should be no different. 

Hunters have until April 1 this year to apply for special deer and elk permits. While it’s easy to sometimes let these applications go until the last minute, this year it’s imperative that hunters be proactive in applying early. The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website can get overwhelmed under the best of circumstances and with many state employees working from home, there are sure to be some unseen hurdles.

Take the time to look over the hunting regulations, and go to www.fwp.mt.gov to fill out the applications for special permits. Think back to those areas that are most important for those hunting memories and try for those districts. We may be inside now, but when the fall comes, we’ll be ready to get outside and enjoy all that Montana has to offer.

Gardening a Great Way to Help Cope With Social Distancing and Wildlife

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Untitled design 4 As stress and anxiety have overwhelmed the news and media with needed updates and concerns about Covid-19 we hope you can find some solace in your social distancing through gardening.

The Montana Wildlife Federation in Billings has partnered with the National Wildlife Federation in a project called Gardening for Wildlife. Gardening has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety and we can give you tips on how you can garden to also help wildlife. Gardening for Wildlife has a goal of creating wildlife-friendly gardens throughout the city of Billings in order to combat quickly deteriorating habitat worldwide.

Here are some examples of what you can do in your own yard and home:

  • Start planning your garden and take the first steps!
    • Start the process to remove your lawn to decrease your water use
    • Build raised beds for edible gardens
    • Too cold to start gardening outside? Start planting seeds for your summer garden indoors!
      • To fair the cooler weather some seeds such as lettuce, broccoli, peppers, cabbage, winter squash, onions, tomatoes, eggplant, and many others should be planted inside before they are transferred to your home garden
        • When you buy seed packets, check the back and it should let you know exactly how long each plant needs to be inside
      • Use small containers such as egg cartons to start seeds for a few weeks or months before you transfer them outside
        • If the seedlings grow too large for the egg cartons start moving them to larger pots. Last year’s pots you saved from the nursery or even coffee cans will work.
    • Make a butterfly sanctuary
      • Start out by planting native plants, especially milkweed, and by making a puddling area with water sand and mud 
    • Start transitioning your yard to have more native plants
    • Check if your garden meets the criteria to be a Certified Wildlife Habitat 
      • Food
      • Water
      • Cover
      • Places to Raise Young
      • Sustainable Practices
    • Certify your garden! 

Have kids at home and are looking for ways to entertain and teach them? Take a look at the National Wildlife Federation’s free education tools!

 

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.