OPPOSE SB 225

The Montana Sportsmen Alliance stands with MBA on the issue of codifying lighted nocks or anything else that falls under the FWP Commission authority.  Please contact Sen. Kary and politely ask him to pull this bill.  Then, please also contact Senate F&G members to OPPOSE SB 225!


February 11, 2017
MBA ALERT - SB 225 Lighted Nocks

Members –

Many if not all of you have probably read in today’s paper that Lighted Nocks have now been approved by the FWP Commission for use during the Archery-Only season.

Whether or not if you agree with that decision I think we can all agree that the adoption of this equipment went through a rigorous vetting process with the Commission.   The Commission tentatives process affords the most thorough consideration of equipment regulations as it allows for robust vetting of proposals by the Department and Commission as well as generous public comment opportunities.

Now Senator Kary from SD 22 in Billings is proposing a bill to codify Lighted Nocks, SB 225.  There is no reason to codify hunting equipment; the Legislature gave that responsibility to the FWP Commission and the Commission has taken that responsibility seriously.

SB 225 sets a dangerous precedent.  It has the potential to result in the beginning of codifying all our hunting regulations.  So instead of hunting regulations being set by a Commission made up of hunters and fishers like you and I where there is ample opportunity for public comment, regulations could be set by our Legislature.

I don’t think there are many if any of us that want that.

Please contact Senator Kary and politely ask that he table this bill, and also contact members of the Senate Fish and Game Committee and let them know you think this bill is unnecessary.  See contact information below.  Please be polite.

SB 225 Lighted Nocks is scheduled for hearing before the Senate Fish and Game Committee on Thursday, February 23rd.

Thank You
MBA Board of Directors


Contact:    Sen.Doug.Kary@mt.gov

Senate F&G:
Jill Cohenour <Sen.Jill.Cohenour@mt.gov>, Mike Phillips <mikephillips@montana.net>, Tom Facey <TFacey@mt.gov>, Jeff Welborn <jeffwelborn@hotmail.com>, Edie McClafferty <edie.mcclafferty@gmail.com>, Sen.Steve.Hinebauch@mt.gov, sendavidhoward@gmail.com, "Hinkle, Jedediah" <Sen.Jedediah.Hinkle@mt.gov>, Sen.Cary.Smith@mt.gov, "Sen. Chas Vincent" <cvvincent@hotmail.com>, Sen.Jennifer.Fielder@mt.gov