Where We Stand
We are passionately committed to preserving Montana’s unique and diverse wildlife.
Protect wolverines as a threatened species
MWF supports the listing of wolverines as a Threatened Species and seeks reconsideration of certain trapping methods and motorized winter recreation in wolverine denning habitat.
Montana needs more wildlife crossings to reduce collisions
MWF is working with tribal, state, federal and local officials, landowners, scientists and other partners to enhance wildlife habitat connectivity and reduce deadly traffic collisions.
Trapping based on sound data, education and certification
Trapping must be done sustainably based on scientifically sound data on the numbers and distribution of species taken by trapping to assure that trapping does not result in population declines or range reductions of trapped species. MWF supports educational programs and/or certification regarding the appropriate and ethical use of equipment, techniques, and methods to trap species to reduce the injury or mortality of non-target animals.
Ensure public access by resolving corner crossings
MWF encourages state and federal officials to work cooperatively with landowners and public land access advocates to fully and durably resolve corner crossing access that guarantees public access to public land while respecting private property.
Oppose efforts to reduce protections to public land across Montana
MWF recognizes and supports the protections afforded to public land – and the wildlife that depends on critical habitat – within Wilderness Study Areas. Elected officials should listen and represent Montanans overwhelming support for public land protection.
All policymakers, especially in Montana, must act on climate
MWF insists that policymakers be guided by the best available science, including climate science, in making wildlife management decisions.
Bison Restoration in Montana
The resolution strongly supports creating a conservation herd of at least 1,000 bison over 100 square miles. It should involve the public and Tribal communities, minimize conflicts with livestock, ensure disease-free bison classified as wildlife, handle excess bison, and have proper infrastructure, funding, and staff.
Hound Hunting of Black Bears in Montana
The resolution opposes hound hunting of black bears in Montana as unnecessary and harmful to black bears and the image of sport hunting.
science-based climate change policy
The resolution urges all levels of government to address climate change promptly using science-based solutions. It also emphasizes the importance of educating the public about the causes and threats of climate change, as well as the potential solutions.
Coldwater Fisheries
The resolution emphasizes protecting Montana’s cold-water fisheries by implementing angling closures if temperatures become critical, maintaining water flows and quality, and ensuring adequate funding. It proposes the establishment of a task force to develop a science-based solution for addressing climate change’s impact on the state’s cold-water fisheries.
Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in Montana
The resolution urges Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) to prioritize public education on CWD, improve testing availability and turnaround times, ban game farms, prevent unprocessed cervid transfer, enforce proper carcass disposal, manage ungulate herd sizes, and increase funding for CWD research and management.
Forest Management and Wildlife in Montana
The resolution stresses prioritizing ecosystem management, habitat diversity, and functional ecosystems in resource management. It calls for proactive coordination of forest resource management across public and private lands to address climate change impacts and advocates for the protection of wilderness study and roadless areas.
Resolution on Fair Chase Hunting
The resolution acknowledges the importance of ethical and fair chase hunting for safeguarding our hunting heritage and effectively managing wildlife. The Montana Wildlife Federation (MWF) resolves to support legislation and policies that encourage these principles. Conversely, the MWF will oppose legislation and policies that fail to abide by the principles of fair chase.
Feral Pigs in Montana
The resolution urges the state of Montana to take proactive measures in preventing the establishment of feral pigs. It emphasizes the importance of monitoring and preventing the introduction of invasive wildlife. Furthermore, the resolution calls for the state to prioritize information dissemination and enforcement efforts that highlight the detrimental impacts of feral pigs on Montana’s citizens, agriculture, wildlife, and habitat.
Grizzly Bear Management in Montana
The resolution expresses concerns about several bills (HB 224, SB 314, HB 225, and HB 468) due to their potential impact on non-target species, specifically grizzly bears. The bills permit the use of neck snares, baiting around wolf traps, extended trapping seasons overlapping with bear activity, and hound hunting in areas where grizzly bears are present.
Conservation of Native Fish in Montana
The resolution prioritizes the preservation of Montana’s natural heritage by maintaining diverse native species. It emphasizes maintaining water quantity and quality standards, protecting critical native fish habitat, and preventing the isolation or extinction of native fish populations by ensuring adequate stream flows. Adequate funding, restoration of native fish populations, careful evaluation of fish introductions, and highlighting the impacts of illegal introductions on native fish are also emphasized.
Non-toxic Ammunition in Montana
The resolution supports the widespread use of non-toxic ammunition in hunting and emphasizes increasing education on the negative impacts of lead on wildlife. It urges the State of Montana to expand non-toxic ammunition education through a fair and transparent public process.
Montana Stream Access
The resolution supports the preservation of stream access rights for the public under existing Montana law. Additionally, it urges the Montana Legislature, FWP, and the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission to take measures to protect and uphold these rights.
Tribal Sovereignty
The resolution supports tribal sovereignty in managing natural resources, including fish and wildlife. It commits to increasing outreach efforts, developing strong relationships, and opposing any attempts to diminish tribal regulatory and management capabilities. Additionally, the resolution pledges active support for tribal fish, wildlife, and habitat projects that benefit shared interests.
Wolf Management in Montana
The resolution urges the repeal of listed laws and the restoration of science-based, fair chase wolf management. It opposes unethical hunting practices and supports the use of science and a fair public process in setting wolf hunting parameters. Additionally, the resolution expresses support for maintaining healthy carnivore populations in Montana.
