Contact: Ellary TuckerWilliams, Rocky Mountain States, Assistant Manager
Why it Matters: As the fourth largest state in the nation, it is often a difficult task to bring legislators and conservation partners from across Montana to one place, particularly in off session years. Therefore, the Montana Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and Advisory Council decided to take this year’s spring events on the road. By hosting events in different parts of the state, there was increased access and opportunity for members of the Montana Sportsmen’s Caucus, Advisory Council, and conservation partners to put faces to names, network, and discuss important conservation topics a little closer to home.
The Montana Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus Spring Has Sprung Tour was a smashing success. With events held in Helena, Kalispell, and Missoula last week, attendance included numerous sitting legislators, candidates, Montana Sportsmen’s Caucus Advisory Council members, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, the Fish and Wildlife Commission and representatives from Governor Gianforte’s Office. Both the Helena and Kalispell events provided opportunities for new and experienced shooters to shoot trap with follow-up receptions, while the Missoula event was a catered cocktail reception held at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation headquarters.
All three events highlighted the bi-cameral and bi-partisan nature of the Montana Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and the power of coming together over a mutual passion for our shared outdoor heritage to find workable solutions to conservation problems in the state. Lead by Co-Chairs Rep. Marilyn Marler, Rep. Matt Regier, Sen. Bob Brown, and Sen. Pat Flowers, the Montana Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus is getting a head start on discussing issues and potential solutions with key members of Montana’s outdoor sporting community before there 2023 legislative session.
As the host state for this year’s NASC Sportsman-Legislator Summit, the Montana Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus and Advisory Council are excited to bring the National Assembly of Sportsmen’s Caucuses to Bozeman and showcase the Treasure State and its appreciation for the contributions of the outdoor sporting and conservation community.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
