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A bill heard at the Montana Legislature Tuesday reignited a long-running debate over the role of money in hunting access in Montana.
Republican Jason Ellsworth from Hamilton wants Montana to set aside a percentage of nonresident deer and elk hunting licenses for out-of-staters hunting with outfitters. Ellsworth said the state’s current lottery system for nonresident hunters means outfitter businesses rely too much on chance for clients each year. You know, I think we owe it to these small businesses to sit here and say, ‘Yeah, we wanna make sure you thrive and survive, Ellsworth said.
He said that outfitted hunters spend about five times as much in the state as non-resident do-it-yourselfers, fueling local economies throughout Montana. A study from the University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research showed that hunting outfitters generated more than $50 million in revenue in 2017.
Overlooking the Missouri River from the American Prairie Reserve in northeastern Mont., June 2005.
Correction: The original post said the American Prairie Reserve will expand its disease management plan by testing 325 bison each year for the bacterial disease brucellosis for the first five years and then 150 bison annually for the next five years. The story has been updated to reflect the American Prairie Reserve will test 325 bison total during the first five years of the settlement agreement and another 150 over the next five years.
Conservation and livestock groups have found a resolution to a long simmering bison disease management disagreement in northeast Montana. The compromise could help inform similar agreements if the American Prairie Reserve continues to expand its bison range.
HELENA, Montana (AP) Two northwest Montana lawmakers are considering a number of bills that could moderately or significantly change the way Montana manages wolves. Sen. Bob Brown and Rep..
Governor Greg Gianforte announced his nomination of Henry “Hank” Worsech to lead the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) on Wednesday.
HELENA, Mont. â Governor Greg Gianforte announced Wednesday his nomination of Henry âHankâ Worsech to lead the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP).
âProtecting our public lands and conserving wildlife is a shared priority of landowners, hunters, anglers and all Montanans who cherish our outdoor heritage. Itâs part of what defines our Montana way of life,â Gov. Gianforte said. âWith nearly two decades of experience with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Hank understands the importance of this tradition and is committed to strengthening it.â
A public servant for nearly three decades, Worsech most recently served as a license bureau chief for the Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks.