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AFI 2024 National Priority Landscape
(Shortgrass Prairie Ecosystems)
What is it:
A National Priority Landscape is an area of the North American Continent that is of critical importance and has been deemed a priority by the BHA Board of Directors. The AFI priority landscape event is a dual skills camp or in this case a series of dual skills camps focused on bringing attention to this priority landscape. We run this camp in the same manner as our other dual skills camps in which we focus on teaching participants how to recreate on the public lands and waters in a consumptive manner in order to truly connect with and participate in the natural cycle. We also focus on teaching participants why this landscape is of critical importance and how they can use their voice as members of the military community to continue their service to the United States in a new mission of conservation.
2024's national priority landscape is the short grass prairie ecosystem that has been declining for several decades. This year we will host three events focused on this ecosystem, all featuring a unique aspect of the landscape. This event is part one and will focus on learning to hunt sharptails and sage grouse in Eastern Montana.
AFI is looking for 10 participants interested in learning to hunt in the uplands and how to get involved in conservation. Participation is dependent on being selected from the pool of applicants.
Please follow the link in the RSVP conformation email to submit your application
Where is it:
This event will be an overnight field-based event in Eastern Montana. (exact Location will be given to those selected as participants)
Who can Come:
This event is open to all members of the military community. Active duty, reserves, national guard, veterans and gold star families may apply to attend.
While you do not need to be a BHA member to attend we sure would appreciate it.
https://www.backcountryhunters.org/join
When is it:
Participants should plan on arriving the evening of Thursday September 5th after 5 pm and plan to hunt Friday through Sunday with their mentors before departing Sunday evening or Monday morning. Participants are of course free to stay longer should but we can only guarantee we have mentors available through Sunday evening.
What gear do you need:
(A full and detailed packing list will be provided to those selected to participate)
Why you should apply to attend:
The shortgrass prairie ecosystem is an essential piece of the American Landscape. It has existed since the Mastodons and saber tooth tigers gave way to the antelope and mountain lion. It is what Lewis and Clark called the great American desert. Contrary to the movie it is where the mountain man Hugh Glass crawled hundreds of miles after being left for dead after a grizzly attack. The settlers following the Oregon trail subsisted off its bounty of grouse, prairie chicken, and venison. While the mountains maintain their carefully cultivated image at the peak of wildness in this country it is the great plains who more accurately deserve the reputation. If you want to hunt Sharptails and Sage Grouse with some amazing company and learn how you can impact the short grass prairie eco-systems, consider applying below.
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