Advocacy is fundamental to our mission, driven by a steadfast commitment to advancing the outfitting industry across three pivotal domains:
Throughout every Montana state legislative session, MOGA stands as a vigilant defender and proactive advocate for outfitters.
Noteworthy achievements include our pivotal role in securing the One Time Only permits, a lifeline that allowed outfitters to maintain operations amidst challenging times, thereby preserving countless small businesses. Additionally, the 454 Permits Elk Hunting Access Program improved resident hunters’ access to private lands in Montana. Our advocacy efforts secured Outfitter Preference Points, increasing the frequency of outfitter client tag draws and bolstering public access programs with a notable $2.2 million contribution as of 2024. Equally crucial is our track record of opposing and defeating over 10 legislative proposals in 2023 that threatened the outfitting industry.
Federally, MOGA engages extensively with Montana’s congressmen and senators, along with group efforts alongside key affiliates to advocate for robust land access and natural resource initiatives that directly benefit our membership
Addressing Overcrowding
MOGA tackles the increased demand for outdoor recreation due to rising resident and non-resident visitors. Outfitters empower the economy and enhance rural communities by dispersing hunting and fishing to rural areas where most needed.
Hunting and Fisheries Management Plans
MOGA advocates with FWP, Forest Service and BLM to ensure fair and reasonable access to all natural resources.
Private Lands Partnership
MOGA supports incentivized access to private lands, opposing punitive policies against landowners for sustainable hunting solutions.
Notable Achievements
Since 2021: One Time Only Permits, 454 Permits, Outfitter Preference Points, 20+ state bills defeated or supported.
MOGA actively participates in every meeting at the Montana Board of Outfitters and the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission. Through these engagements, we champion rigorous industry standards and advocate for responsible stewardship of our natural resources.
Our advocacy extends to federal agencies such as the National Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife, and National Parks Service where we advocate for fair regulation and policy improvements for permit processes and the sustainable operation of commercial services on public lands. We work tirelessly to ensure that our members have equal access to these lands and can operate in a manner that respects and preserves Montana’s rich environmental heritage.
Additionally, we engage in team efforts with various stakeholders to enhance resource management and promote policies that support the long-term viability of the outfitting industry.”
Notable achievements since 2021: 20+ major season setting changes for trout species, ungulates, predators, upland bird, waterfowl, fisheries, and land access. Regulation and administrative rules reform in title 87 (FWP) and title 37 (Board of Outfitters).
The Elk Hunting Access (EHA) Agreement Program, called “454 agreements,” were intended to increase access to private lands for Montana resident hunters. The program allows for a landowner to receive an elk permit and/or license in exchange for allowing free elk hunting access to at least three public hunters – one of which may be selected by the landowner. The numbers released by MT FWP demonstrate the success of the program in its first year.
In the first year since legislative changes were made in 2021, the 454 program opened up nearly 400,000 acres of prime elk hunting on private land
10 of 13 landowners enrolled in the program indicated they provided additional free public access in addition to what was required, providing opportunity to more than 660 additional public hunters above the statutory requirements.
In total, the program provided access on private lands for 750 hunters, most all of which were Montana residents.
MOGA members work on improvement of trails, access points that benefit the public at large.
MOGA fosters strategic partnerships with the Montana Department of Commerce, the state’s tourist industry through Visit Montana and the Montana Travel Association, and top-tier service providers in the sportsmen and outdoor recreation sectors. These collaborations are pivotal in providing MOGA members with unparalleled support in business development, networking opportunities, and advocacy.
Through these partnerships, our members gain access to cutting-edge resources, including market intelligence, promotional opportunities, and innovative business solutions tailored to the unique needs of the outfitting industry.
We also facilitate exclusive events of an annual convention and a premier tradeshow that enable members to connect with industry leaders, share best practices, and stay abreast of emerging trends. By leveraging these strategic alliances, MOGA ensures that its members are not only well-supported but also positioned at the forefront of the industry, driving growth and excellence in Montana’s outdoor recreation sector.
Notable Achievements: 50 years of the MOGA Winter Convention, 20+ natural resource symposiums, 20+ trade shows, countless small events with our supporters. Recognition in tourism across the state. Hundreds of connections with sportsmen recreation businesses and 40 business members.
In 1975, the Montana Legislature established a cap of 17,000 for nonresident big game combination licenses. The number issued through the general nonresident drawing remains capped at 17,000.
During the 2020 hunting season, Montana saw an increased demand from nonresident deer and elk hunters. This increased competition for 17,000 nonresident licenses resulted in many outfitter clients being unable to secure a nonresident license. Recognizing that economic importance of the outfitting industry to the state, the Montana legislature passed the Outfitter Preference Point System. The OPP system went into effect during the 2022 hunting season.
Outfitter Preference Points help provide stability for Montana’s outfitting industry while funding public access programs benefitting Montana residents. In the first two years of the program (2022 and 2023), OPP fees have raised more than 1.4 million dollars to support public access programs.
