August 6, 2021   Rick Northrup, Habitat Bureau Chief Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks PO Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620 rnorthrup@mt.gov   Re: EMERGENCY GRAZING AND HAYING LEASES ON SELECT FWP WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREAS DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT   The Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (MT BHA) represents approximately 3,000 dues-paying Montana members who care deeply about fish and wildlife habitat, public access and fair-chase practices. We strive to protect large parcels of ...

Early last year, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) launched a six-year study called the Montana Pronghorn Movement and Population Ecology Project with the goal of identifying migration patterns, seasonal ranges and potential barriers. In the Big Hole study area, roughly 60 pronghorn does were collared with GPS units that report hourly on their location. After one year, some rather surprising information was gathered suggesting that populations of pronghorn are traveling great distances ...

After carrying a heavy load this legislative session, Montana BHA was able to lighten our packs just a bit as we strode into summer. Here's a quick recap on what we've been up to and what's on deck. First, Some Well-Deserved Recognition, and Some Fun Before BHA's big annual event, the 10th Annual North American Rendezvous, the Montana Chapter was recognized for its outstanding work as BHA Chapter of the Month. At Rendezvous, our Board Chair, John B. Sullivan III, was awarded the Mike ...

In June of 2021, Montana Sen. Jon Tester reintroduced the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act which aims to designate 385.4 miles of Montana's rivers as Wild & Scenic, nearly doubling the state's protected river segments. Wild and Scenic designations would mean that public access and many traditional uses of these rivers continue, but would ensure that these waterways remain undammed, wild, clean and free flowing, forever. There's no doubt that this level of protection would benefit Montana’s $7.1 ...

One of our favorite events at BHA's annual Rendezvous is the Camp Chef Cookoff, where BHA members from across the country represent their local chapters and compete against one another for the coveted bronze trophy! Each team of two has to prepare their meal in one short hour, using limited utensils and tools, and all cooked over Camp Chef burners. Teams need to start with raw ingredients (unless pickled or cured, for example), and no domestic meat is allowed - only wild game. Plates are ...