FWP Seeks Public Comment Regarding Lighted Nocks

We have just received the link for everyone to have their chance to voice their opinion on the lighted nocks. FWP and the Commissioners need to hear from us the Bowhunters. For five years we have tossed this issue back an forth, it has caused much tension among our membership. Now is not the time to sit back and let others carry out what you might want or don’t want. It is up to us to send out our…

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I-177 Threatens Montana’s Hunters, Anglers, Trappers and Ranchers

Montanans are facing what may be the most important legal challenge to sportsman’s rights in the history of our state. In November Montana citizens will be asked to vote whether the long standing tradition of trapping will continue on public lands. Trapping has proven to be a necessary part of Montana’s wildlife management practices for decades. It is also a source of income for Montana families and predator control for ranchers and farmers who need it most. The Montana…

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Joey Nelson, First Woman Bowhunter of the Year

Joey Nelson had the hunting season of her life in 2008. An avid bowhunter with a passion for the hills she filled all her tags, along with her freezer, that fall.Nelson, of Bozeman, was already looking ahead to the 2009 hunting season when she broke her arm in a freak accident. She shattered the radial head in her right arm, dislocated her elbow and tore numerous ligaments.

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MBA Archery Equipment Policy Proposal Gains Public Comment Period

Throughout the spring, summer, and early fall, the MBA worked on an Archery Equipment Policy proposal designed to strengthen the review process within the current Tentatives cycle. The MBA developed the policy and an evaluation matrix to better focus equipment discussions and aid the Department and Commission in their deliberations on archery equipment proposals. During the October 13th Commission meeting, the MBA requested and was granted a public comment period for the proposal. Thus far, we have received positive…

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MBA Regarding Breaks and 22OD Limited Permits

UPDATE: After a 2020 survey of members, the MBA is no longer opposed to the 22ODs, which are now HD 900 archery permits. At the May Commission meeting it was announced that there would be a special meeting of the Commission on June 8th to discuss the limited permits for archery elk in both the Breaks and the 22 units outside the Breaks in regions 4, 5, and 7. The MBA is excited about the opportunity to revisit the…

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Montana Bowhunter Education Classroom Courses are in Progress

A Montana bow and arrow license, plus the proper Montana hunting license, is required if you want to bowhunt during any special archery season. To purchase a bow and arrow license, you must: Show a certificate of completing the national bowhunter education course from Montana or any other state or province; or Show any prior year’s bowhunting/archery stamp, tag, permit, or license from any state or province. If you cannot produce this license, you may sign an affidavit, at…

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PUBLIC REVIEW AND COMMENT PERIOD FOR TENTATIVE PROPOSALS

Following are season changes being considered by MT FWP for 2016-2017. The following links will take you to the MT FWP page concerning each issue. The MBA Tentative Committee welcomes your input on individual hunting districts so that we may provide comprehensive comments to the Commission about the concerns of our membership. 2016-17 Hunting Season Changes: This document includes the proposed changes for statewide regulations as well as individual changes in hunting district boundaries, permit and license types, and…

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The most fun I have had in a season yet

My 2010 season was a great one, getting great footage for our decoy (Be the Decoy). Having early success lead to having plenty of time to take my son out for some whitetails from our box blind. Him being 3 years old I didn’t think it would be very productive. The first night out was with his mother and I. Mom was trying to find a good buck. First deer we saw caused a near explosion in the blind…

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The Rest of the Related Story

by Paul Martin It was the morning of Sept. 27, 2006 at that same favorite hunting spot in region 1 but this hunt I was on my own, it had been numerous years since I’d been here and only a mile or so up the trail with gaining light as I crossed a small spring I could see the canine like tracks in the mudded areas, sign I am not happy to see . Further up the trail and…

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Wolf Management Controversy – MBA Position

As you are probably aware Judge Donald Molloy has handed down his decision to re-list the gray wolf as an endangered species. The MBA is very disappointed in this decision.  Aside from the fact that the 2010-2011 wolf season would have been the first season to incorporate an archery only opportunity, Judge Molloy’s decision once again takes the management of our wolf populations out of the hands of the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Dept. and puts it back…

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