A ballot initiative seeking to allow landowners to hunt elk, deer and black bears on their property hit a setback Wednesday when the Environmental Quality Council voted not to support the measure. At issue is Initiative I-193, which aims to “increase landowner hunting opportunity.” It would allow a landowner to hunt for deer, elk and black bear on their property during the general hunting season so long as the landowner is licensed and follows “all hunting laws and regulations pertaining to ...

Today, Montana’s Environmental Quality Council held a hearing to discuss I-193, the proposed ballot initiative that would prevent landowners from being prohibited from hunting black bears, deer or elk on their property. Montana’s Attorney General Austin Knudsen (R) and the Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen (R) have both already signed off on this initiative, so today’s hearing was to give members of the EQC a chance to review and vote to - or not to - support this. No one from Montana Fish ...

The Montana Chapter is extremely grateful for our business sponsors across the state that want to protect access to our public lands and waters. This holiday season, we encourage you to shop local and spend your money supporting businesses and organizations that are passionate about the things you are. As you're shopping for loved ones (or maybe treating yourself), use this Holiday Gift Guide featuring our amazing partners to grab great deals and support those who give to the places we ...

*** Review the proposals and submit your own comments here, by November 21st *** November 9, 2023Dear Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks:On behalf of the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (MT BHA), please see the comments below regarding the proposed 2024/25 statewide season-setting regulations.First, we appreciate the ongoing efforts of the Department to provide opportunities for public engagement with these efforts. Citizens must have a say in these matters, and while we ...

*** LEARN MORE AND COMMENT HERE BY NOVEMBER 27th ***   October 30th, 2023   Ben Gilles, Montana National Wildlife Refuge Complex Project Leader U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 922 Bootlegger Trail  Great Falls, MT 59404 MOHWCA@fws.gov   RE: Proposed Missouri Headwaters Conservation Area   Dear Mr. Gilles   The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is a grassroots conservation organization representing roughly 3,000 dues-paying members in the state. Our members value productive ...