As a responsible black bear hunter and firm believer of hunting as a crucial component of wildlife management, I thank Commissioner Brooke along with Chair Robinson and Commissioners Burrows and Walsh for their nay votes on a proposal to allow for black bear tooth submissions in lieu of in-person bear checks in regions 2, 3 and 4. Our fair-chase hunting heritage depends on our ability to remind and convince the non-hunting public that we’re doing it right. We take a bear ID test proving ...

HELENA — On Monday, February 26, Governor Greg Gianforte unveiled the Montana 2024 Migratory Bird Stamp at the state capitol. Montana received over 70 submissions for this year’s contest. Florida artist, John Nelson Harris’ won the contest with his Northern Pintail Duck painting. For winning the 2024 Migratory Bird Stamp contest, Nelson receives a $2,000 prize paid for by contributions from the Montana Outdoor Legacy Foundation, Montana Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, and Montana ...

Congressman Ryan Zinke announced on Monday that he is putting forward the “Public Lands in Public Hands” bill to limit the privatization of public lands. Zinke introduced the public lands bill as part of a roundtable discussion on Monday between himself and representatives from outdoor recreation, sportsmen and conservation organizations. Beyond seeking to add a layer of protection to public lands and increased scrutiny on their sale, Zinke said the bill will start a discussion on the ...

The Montana chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) is hosting a raffle for one of the Treasure State’s most coveted big game tags, and it’s open residents and non-residents alike. The winner will get an antlered mule deer tag valid in every hunt unit in the state—even hard-to-draw units knows for massive mulies. It’s the first time that a Montana conservation organization has hosted an open raffle for a trophy tag, as licenses like this are typically auctioned off to the highest ...

The opportunity to hunt shouldn’t just be for the wealthy. At least, that’s how Montana BHA feels about it, and that’s what the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation says, too. Montana currently offers five highly prized statewide tags: bighorn sheep, elk, mountain goat, mule deer, and Shiras moose. They’re valid for any open season, any weapon (archery, rifle, and muzzleloader), and anywhere in the state, including limited-entry districts. Read more from the MeatEater.com...