The Blackfoot River and surrounding landscape are cherished by Montanans and visitors from around the world. It’s a landscape that provides for almost every form of recreation, from snowmobiling to fly fishing, and provides some of the most quality fish and wildlife habitat in Montana. Whether you hunt, hike, bike, or birdwatch, all Montanans recognize the importance of landscapes like the Blackfoot to Montana’s heritage.
The Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act, introduced by Senator Jon Tester, is an opportunity to preserve this landscape well into the future. For over a decade, this proposal has resulted in 140 jobs, thousands of miles of trails restored, and millions of dollars invested in the local community.
Montana’s congressional delegation has the ability to pass this legislation to protect Montana’s heritage. Send a message to our elected officials today in support of the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act.
Now once again we are asking conservationist hunters to get into the fight against CWD. Hunters need to be extra careful in handling game animals to prevent further spread of the disease. That includes leaving the spine and head of animals killed in the special “CWD Management Zones” in Montana onsite or disposing of them in a landfill within the zone. It also means never disposing of any deer, elk or moose carcasses out in the woods. And we’re asking all hunters to report any incidences of animals that appear to be weakened, disoriented or otherwise showing signs of this degenerative brain disease.
The Montana Wildlife Federation is expanding our freelance talent network and connecting with writers, photographers, videographers, and all-around creatives with whom we can reach out to work on future projects. We are hoping to create a database of creatives who have experience or interest in creating content that will help to protect Montana’s wildlife, habitat, and public access. These will be paid opportunities for project-based content creation. If you do not have an online portfolio or website to share with us please email any relevant writing or photography samples to our Communications Director at sonya@mtwf.org.
MWF knows that hunters care about wildlife like no one else and they have shown a willingness to do the right thing in defense of wildlife. In Montana, we are seeing too many occurrences of our wildlife becoming critically ill due to lead poisoning, contracted from consuming lead left in gut piles. While this is an unintentional repercussion of hunting with lead ammunition, the impact can be mitigated when hunters switch to lead–free alternatives. We are asking you to join us in our Lead–Free MT initiative by taking the MWF Non-Lead Pledge. By taking the MWF Non-Lead Pledge you agree to help wildlife and your fellow Montanans by:
- Only use lead–free ammunition, such as steel or copper, when hunting.
- Where possible, practice at established ranges so lead on the landscape is confined to specific, manageable areas.
- Help to educate others on the benefits of hunting with lead–free ammunition by sharing your knowledge and experience.
While these steps may seem simple, the positive effects they will have can not be understated. It is our role to stand up for the wildlife that can’t stand up for itself. Stand up for Montana’s wildlife today by taking the MWF Non-Lead Pledge.Together we can support our wildlife and each other by creating a lead–free Montana.
Elk management is one of the most contentious issues in Montana. Farmers, ranchers, and other private landowners have concerns about crop and fence damage, and about the potential for disease transmission to livestock. Hunters have concerns with a loss of elk on public lands and ultimately less hunting opportunity. While some hunting units are over objective, many hunters also report problems getting to elk and having the opportunity to hunt them.
FWP has tried to find solutions that balance different stakeholder interests, but there is more that needs to be done. In order to inform ongoing management deliberations, the Montana Wildlife Federation is seeking input from Montana hunters.
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