Advocacy
Advocacy is fundamental to our mission, driven by a steadfast commitment to advancing the outfitting industry across three pivotal domains: legislation, regulation, and industry support.
Legislation
A vigilant defender at every Montana legislative session, and an active voice in Washington.
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.
Since 2021: One Time Only Permits, 454 Permits, Outfitter Preference Points, and 20+ state bills defeated or supported.
Regulation
A seat at every table where Montana's wildlife and public lands rules are written.
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 the National Park 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.
Since 2021: 20+ major season-setting changes for trout species, ungulates, predators, upland bird, waterfowl, fisheries, and land access — plus regulation and administrative rules reform in Title 87 (FWP) and Title 37 (Board of Outfitters).
Industry Support
Partnerships, events, and business resources that keep Montana's outfitters competitive.
MOGA fosters strategic partnerships with the Montana Department of Commerce, the state's tourism 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 host 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.
That work is grounded in research. Alongside the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research, MOGA helps document the industry's economic footprint: in 2023, outfitters and guides generated nearly $500 million for the state economy — 9% of Montana's annual tourism GDP, ranking fourth behind food, gas, and lodging. Outfitters empower the economy, disperse tourism, and enhance rural communities where it is needed the most.
50 years of the MOGA Winter Convention, 20+ natural resource symposiums, 20+ trade shows, and hundreds of connections with sportsmen recreation businesses — including 40 business members.
The issues shaping Montana's outdoors
Addressing overcrowding
MOGA tackles the increased demand for outdoor recreation driven by rising resident and non-resident visitation. Outfitters strengthen the economy and support rural communities by dispersing hunting and fishing into the areas where that activity is needed most.
Hunting and fisheries management plans
MOGA advocates with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the Forest Service, and the BLM to ensure fair and reasonable access to all natural resources.
Private lands partnership
MOGA supports incentivized access to private lands and opposes punitive policies against landowners, in favor of sustainable hunting solutions.
Programs we fought for
Elk Hunting Access Agreements — the "454" program
The Elk Hunting Access (EHA) Agreement Program, known as "454 agreements," was intended to increase access to private lands for Montana resident hunters. The program allows 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. Numbers released by Montana FWP demonstrate the success of the program in its first year.
- In the first year after the 2021 legislative changes, the 454 program opened up nearly 400,000 acres of prime elk hunting on private land.
- 10 of 13 enrolled landowners provided additional free public access beyond what was required, creating opportunity for more than 660 hunters above the statutory minimum.
- In total, the program provided private-land access for 750 hunters, nearly all of them Montana residents.
Outfitter Preference Points
In 1975, the Montana Legislature established a cap of 17,000 nonresident big game combination licenses. During the 2020 season, a surge in nonresident deer and elk hunting demand meant many outfitter clients could not secure a license. Recognizing the economic importance of the outfitting industry to the state, the Legislature passed the Outfitter Preference Point system, which took effect for the 2022 season.
- Outfitter Preference Points provide stability for Montana's outfitting industry while funding public access programs that benefit Montana residents.
- In the program's first two years (2022 and 2023), OPP fees raised more than $1.4 million to support public access programs.
- The number of licenses issued through the general nonresident drawing remains capped at 17,000.
Hunter & Angler Defense Fund
When hunting and angling rights are challenged in court, HADF underwrites the legal defense. Contributions fund the litigation that protects access for every Montana sportsman.