MBA Member Alert - The 3rd reading of SB 111 the Crossbow Bill will probably happen tomorrow February 16th on the Senate Floor SB 111 titled Revising laws re conditional hunting permits for disabled persons by Senator Brad Molnar - SD 28 in Laurel passed its 2nd reading on the Senate Floor and will probably get its 3rd reading tomorrow February 16th. There will be no debate, only a vote and we need that vote to be NO. The sponsor contends that Montana is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). That is not true. Montana's hunting regulations were challenged as not meeting the ADA in 2004 because they do not allow crossbow use during our archery season by an individual with a disability. The Department of Interior, Office of the Secretary determined that in fact Montana's regulations restricting crossbow use by those with a disability during our Archery season is NOT in violation of the ADA. See this link. USDOI - USFWS decision MT crossbow use.pdf MBA has donated $15,333.00 for development and application of modifications to archery equipment for those with a disability. That is roughly $950/year. And at this time, we are making modifications for 4 other individuals, one of which is Mr. Seigel who testified during the hearing. He had never contacted MBA before, so we reached out to him and he graciously accepted our offer. MBA has never denied an individual who has requested our assistance. In the Fiscal note for the bill, the FWP estimates that there will be 9364 hunters who will qualify for crossbow use during archery season, which could have a potential impact on the resource both bull elk and antelope populations. Though FWP estimates that only 31.25% of those eligible will use a crossbow that number quite likely underestimates the usage. A crossbow is like a rifle and many how only hunt with a rifle would love to hunt elk during the elk rut with a rifle like weapon and not have to master a bow. Below is a list of Senators that Voted Yes. Please contact these Senators NOW and let them know that Montana's Archery season restrictions are not in violation of the ADA and that MBA has been and continues to be devoted to providing those with a disability a legal means to pursue hunting with a modified bow and arrow during Montana’s treasured Archery-Only season. There is no need for crossbows to be used during archery season. Please be respectful in your communications. Please the names of the senators that voted yes on the below list and email and/or call them ask that they vote Do Not Pass on this bill.
Thanks Your MBA Legislative Committee
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