UPDATE!! - THIS IS PART FIVE -  YOUR VOICE IS BEING HEARD AND ITS HAVING A PROFOUND EFFECT.  NOW WE NEED TO CLOSE THIS OUT TO BE SURE THIS GETS MOVED TO THE BALLOT IN THE FALL of 2024.  YOUR ACTIONS NOW WILL GO TO THE FULL MT SENATE.

Why Does Montana need this?

Threats to hunting heritage in Montana remain under attack from anti-hunting organizations.  A constitutional amendment will elevate hunting, fishing, and trapping to the highest protected status. 

In 2016, citizen’s ballot initiative I-177 sought to ban trapping on public land. While this measure failed overwhelmingly, as 55 out of 56 counties voted against it, a similar 2021 measure passed in New Mexico.  In response to the overt strategy of systematically dismantling hunting, fishing, and trapping, Montana sportsmen are working to preserve our heritage and lifestyle with a constitutional amendment.  In the 2021 legislative session, the amendment failed to be presented to the people of Montana by just a SINGLE vote. 

The Right to Hunt is for all people.  Events in New Mexico demonstrate the need for all sportsmen from every state to unite behind our common passion, livelihoods, and heritage.  Hunting’s current means and methods cannot be eroded or compromised.  Montanans should not be told when, where, or how they will carry on their hunting heritage, whether on public or private land. 

The Bill and Sponsor

Paul Fielder, representative for Thompson Falls, is the primary sponsor of this draft bill, but he will need one hundred co-sponsors from fellow legislators to present this amendment to the people of Montana for approval.  The current session is particularly heavy with proposed constitutional amendments, and help is needed to lift the Hunting Heritage Protection Amendment above the rest.  Following its success in the legislative session, further work will be needed to raise awareness across the state.      

READ:  Constitutional Amendment to protect Montana’s Hunting Heritage

Matt Lumley, National Trappers Association Vice President stated, 

“This is the single most important way to save conservation dollars and send them downrange where they can make an impact.”  

CONTACT Montana State Legislators

UPDATE!! - THIS IS PART FIVE -  YOUR VOICE IS BEING HEARD AND ITS HAVING A PROFOUND EFFECT.  NOW WE NEED TO CLOSE THIS OUT TO BE SURE THIS GETS MOVED TO THE BALLOT IN THE FALL OF 2024.  YOUR ACTIONS NOW WILL GO TO THE FULL MT SENATE.

There is great urgency to act now by adding your voice.  Legislation must meet deadlines as it progresses.  Legislators must know this is a priority to move this to the ballot, above other proposed amendments.  They must hear of past attacks (and successes) on our hunting heritage and the call for them to raise its protected status.  The current window is limited and is favorable for the passage of this amendment.    

When you take action you'll be emailing members of the Montana Senate.  1 of over 100 different messages will pop up below for you to send to them or you can edit and write your own.   If you are a MT resident be sure to include that in your email.  Customize your own message as much as you can.  Please be respectful and be sure to stress the importance of moving this to the ballot.