If you are not a Montana resident, your access to outdoor recreation is under attack.
In the most recent legislative session, Montana’s Outfitters and Guides Association (MOGA) fought more than a dozen bills intended to limit the ability of non-residents to hunt and fish in the state.
Montana Outfitters and Guides advocacy program, the Hunter Angler Defense Fund, is the only organization representing the interests of the Montana outfitting industry and preserving the opportunity to hunt and fish for the clients they serve.
From drastically limiting non-resident bird hunters to a permanent 90/10 split between residents and non-residents for all waterfowl, upland, lions, bears, wolves, and turkeys, the increase in anti-out-of-state rhetoric is rising and the outdoor recreation industry is facing more restrictions, making it more challenging to serve non-resident clients.
A small sampling of bill Titles from 2023 Legislative Session:
- Revise laws related to nonresident hunting and fishing
- Revise nonresident license laws related to harvesting mountain lions
- Revise nonresident bird hunting
The fight to preserve access will continue through the FWP Commission Season Setting Process this winter. MOGA is advancing several commonsense proposals that will:
Address conservation issues for mule deer
Expand resident and non-resident big game hunting opportunity
Distribute hunters across the landscape to reduce crowding
Ensure that non-resident hunting tourism industry remains viable
Thanks to your unwavering support, HADF enabled MOGA to take decisive action on key issues, ensuring real results that directly benefit contributors and the outfitting community:
- Legal Support:Â Provided critical funding for attorney fees to protect outfitter rights and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Strategic Communications:Â Delivered impactful messaging through articles, media outreach, newsletters, and the Voter Voice platform, amplifying your voice across Montana.
- Legislative Advocacy and Lobbying:Â Prepared for the pivotal 2025 legislative session, ensuring your interests are prioritized in Helena.
- FWP Commission Advocacy:Â Represented your voice at six Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) Commission meetings, influencing over 20 key regulations on fishing and wildlife management.
- Board of Outfitters Leadership:Â Advocated for ARM and MCA changes at four Board of Outfitters meetings, protecting your business interests.
- Federal Engagements:Â Conducted over 20 meetings with the U.S. Forest Service and BLM, addressing permit reauthorizations, access, and outfitter-specific issues.
- Congressional Advocacy: Engaged with Senate and Congressional leaders on issues like Executive Order 14026 and provided critical letters of support to advance our industry’s needs.
- State Leadership Outreach: Maintained regular communication with Montana’s Governor, Attorney General, and congressional leadership, ensuring outfitter priorities remain top of mind.
- Tourism Industry Collaboration:Â Strengthened partnerships with the Montana Tourism Association, Department of Commerce, and Montana Chamber of Commerce to boost visibility and economic impact for outfitters.
- Affiliate Partnerships: Collaborated with the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, America Outdoors Association, SCI, and numerous conservation nonprofits and NGOs to amplify collective efforts.
- Professional Development:Â Participated in the Professional Outfitters and Guides of America workshop and the American Wildlife Conservation Partners workshop to represent Montana on a national stage.
Through these efforts, the Hunter and Angler Defense Fund ensured that your interests were protected and advanced at every level—from local regulations to federal policies. Your contributions directly supported the policies, resources, and opportunities that allow your business to thrive and Montana’s outfitter heritage to flourish.
As we prepare for one of the most significant legislative sessions to date, every dollar you contribute ensures our voices are heard loud and clear in Helena, Washington, and beyond. Together, we can continue to protect Montana’s outfitter way of life.
