Monday, February 20, 2017
SB 264 Distruction of Transparency
SB 264 Swandal Reducing the board of outfitters (Boo) to just licensing. OPPOSE
Senate Bill 264 totally dismantles the system for the oversight and accounting of outfitters activities in Montana. It effectively reduces the function of the Board of Outfitters to that of simply issuing licenses. It is absolutely critical that those who wish to act as outfitters and are issued licenses to operate in Montana be part of a system that closely examines their qualifications, operations and ultimately, holds them legally accountable for the manner in which they provide their services to the public. Outfitters base their businesses on and profit from the utilization of fish and wildlife that are public resources. As such, the citizens of Montana rightfully demand that outfitting be carried out legally, and overseen with the necessary consideration for the public’s health, safety and welfare. SB 264 strips away that authority and is totally counter to the best interests of the public and ultimately, Montana’s invaluable wild resources.
This bill is up in Senate Business and Labor Tuesday 2/21 at 8AM:
"Sen. Ed Buttrey" <ebuttrey@senate13.com>, Sen.Dee.Brown@mt.gov, clairena@hughes.net, Patrick Connell <pconnell1@yahoo.com>, Tom Facey <TFacey@mt.gov>, Sen.Steve.Fitzpatrick@mt.gov, "Rep. Daniel Salomon" <dansalomon12@gmail.com>, Sen.Jason.Small@mt.gov, vancesd34@gmail.com, Gene Vuckovich <sen.gene.vuckovich@mt.gov>
Call: 444-4800
Sunday, February 19, 2017
MSA OPPOSES HB 324
The Montana Sportsmen Alliance: HOUSE BILL 324 OPPOSE
Up for 2nd reading on house floor Monday 2/20.
HB 324 is a bill to remove Parks from FWP and let their commission hire their own director.
The Montana Sportsmen Alliance appreciates the many and unique recreational
and historical opportunities State Parks provide to both Montanans and
visitors to the state. We believe State Parks are valuable assets as a part
of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. As such, we oppose HB 324. The
continued attempts to remove Parks organization and operation from the state
wildlife agency have been and will continue to be a detriment to the state
as a whole. We believe that legislative intervention to change the means of
selecting the Parks Administrator is a further attempt at this and is
misguided, ill-advised and inappropriate.
. The bill is a result of the recent removal of the Parks
Administrator. This was an appropriate and necessary action by FWP.
Legislative action to intervene and modify the selection process for a
replacement by taking it away from FWP is short-sighted and unnecessary
intrusion in the filling agency staff positions.
. In years past, there have been efforts for other commissions or
boards to act as hiring authorities for agency directors or program
managers. It has been proven time and time again that this method is
counter-productive, does not guarantee quality leadership and serves to
further politicize selections.
. Although Parks' primary focus is general recreation, 29 of the 54
State Parks in Montana are water-based with fishing and, to a lesser extent,
hunting being important side activities of those sites. 22 of those 54 are
on lakes and 7 are on major waterways. As such, hunters and anglers have a
definite interest and stake in State Parks. Any attempt to move Parks or its
operations away from FWP, by either procedure or physical removal will be a
detriment to sportsmen and women as well as the recreating public. We
unequivocally oppose any attempts at lessening the involvement of sportsmen
and women in the operation of State Parks or its removal from the agency.
. The FWP Director must remain the final authority to coordinate both
work and budget priorities of division work and funding. Not only is it a
much more effective business model, it also ensures good decision-making and
aids in forestalling potential issues of funding diversion and
non-compliance with state policy and funding sources requirements.
. This legislation does not address the fundamental and largest, most
critical issue for State Parks-funding. In fact, it serves to only further
divert attention from that basic issue. Time would far better be spent
working to help develop a reliable, sustainable and long-term means of
funding for our State Parks.
Please OPPOSE
2017 MONTANA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES E-MAIL:
Rep.Kim.Abbott@mt.gov, nancyballance@aol.com, Danbartel2@gmail.com, becky4hd80@blackfoot.net,
bennettforhouse@gmail.com, Rep.Seth.Berglee@mt.gov, Rep.Laurie.Bishop@mt.gov, randybrodehl57@gmail.com, Rep.Bob.Brown@mt.gov, brownformontana@gmail.com, Rep.Tom.Burnett@mt.gov, Rep.Rob.Cook@mt.gov, vcourtforlegislature@yahoo.com, Rep.Mike.Cuffe@mt.gov, Rep.Willis.Curdy@mt.gov, Amanda@amandaformontana.com, Rep.Geraldine.Custer@mt.gov, alandoane@midrivers.com, kimberly.dudik@gmail.com, Rep.MaryAnn.Dunwell@mt.gov, Rep.Jenny.Eck@mt.gov, Rep.Ron.Ehli@mt.gov, Rep.Janet.Ellis@mt.gov, jessmann@mt.gov, Rep.Dave.Fern@mt.gov, Rep.Ross.Fitzgerald@mt.gov, JohnFlemingStIgnatius@gmail.com, Rep.Kelly.Flynn@mt.gov, Rep.Moffie.Funk@mt.gov, wyliegaltformt@gmail.com, frankgarnerhd7@gmail.com, Rep.Carl.Glimm@mt.gov, edgreef@hotmail.com, rep.bruce.grubbs@mt.gov, Rep.Steve.Gunderson@mt.gov, Rep.Jim.Hamilton@mt.gov, Rep.Bradley.Hamlett@mt.gov, Rep.Bill.Harris@mt.gov, Rep.Denise.Hayman@mt.gov, Rep.Adam.Hertz@mt.gov, greghertz11@gmail.com, elliehillhd94@gmail.com, Rep.Ken.Holmlund@mt.gov, Mikeformontana@gmail.com, Rep.Tom.Jacobson@mt.gov, donjonesmt2@gmail.com, Rep.Jessica.Karjala@mt.gov, Rep.Kathy.Kelker@mt.gov, Rep.George.Kipp@mt.gov, Rep.Jon.Knokey@mt.gov, austinforhouse@yahoo.com, Rep.Casey.Knudsen@mt.gov, Rep.Steve.Lavin@mt.gov, Rep.Dennis.Lenz@mt.gov, Denleylogehd14@gmail.com, Rep.Ryan.Lynch@mt.gov, Rep.Forrest.Mandeville@mt.gov, Rep.Theresa.Manzella@mt.gov, kelly@bigskytech.net, Rep.Nate.McConnell@mt.gov, Rep.Wendy.McKamey@mt.gov, Rep.Shane.Morigeau@mt.gov, Rep.Dale.Mortensen@mt.gov, marknolandhd10@gmail.com, Rep.james.ohara@mt.gov, Rep.Andrea.Olsen@mt.gov, Rep.Jimmy.Patelis@mt.gov, Rep.Rae.Peppers@mt.gov, Rep.Zac.Perry@mt.gov, Rep.Gordon.Pierson@mt.gov, jeanbigskybigwin@gmail.com, Rep.Alan.Redfield@mt.gov, Rep.Matt.Regier@mt.gov, Rep.Vince.Ricci@mt.gov, Atomicrosie@gmail.com, Rep.Marilyn.Ryan@mt.gov, Rep.Walt.Sales@mt.gov, Rep.Casey.Schreiner@mt.gov, Rep.Ray.Shaw@mt.gov, Rep.Lola.Sheldon-Galloway@mt.gov, Rep.Derek.Skees@mt.gov, repbsmith@gmail.com, scottstaffanson@gmail.com, Rep.Sharon.Peregoy@mt.gov, Rep.Kathy.Swanson@mt.gov, Rep.Jeremy.Trebas@mt.gov, Rep.Brad.Tschida@mt.gov, Rep.Barry.Usher@mt.gov, Rep.Sue.Vinton@mt.gov, Rep.Kirk.Wagoner@mt.gov, Webb4house@gmail.com, Rep.Susan.Webber@mt.gov, Twelch1213@gmail.com, winwithwhite@gmail.com, tomwoods4mt@gmail.com, Rep.Daniel.Zolnikov@mt.gov,
Up for 2nd reading on house floor Monday 2/20.
HB 324 is a bill to remove Parks from FWP and let their commission hire their own director.
The Montana Sportsmen Alliance appreciates the many and unique recreational
and historical opportunities State Parks provide to both Montanans and
visitors to the state. We believe State Parks are valuable assets as a part
of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. As such, we oppose HB 324. The
continued attempts to remove Parks organization and operation from the state
wildlife agency have been and will continue to be a detriment to the state
as a whole. We believe that legislative intervention to change the means of
selecting the Parks Administrator is a further attempt at this and is
misguided, ill-advised and inappropriate.
. The bill is a result of the recent removal of the Parks
Administrator. This was an appropriate and necessary action by FWP.
Legislative action to intervene and modify the selection process for a
replacement by taking it away from FWP is short-sighted and unnecessary
intrusion in the filling agency staff positions.
. In years past, there have been efforts for other commissions or
boards to act as hiring authorities for agency directors or program
managers. It has been proven time and time again that this method is
counter-productive, does not guarantee quality leadership and serves to
further politicize selections.
. Although Parks' primary focus is general recreation, 29 of the 54
State Parks in Montana are water-based with fishing and, to a lesser extent,
hunting being important side activities of those sites. 22 of those 54 are
on lakes and 7 are on major waterways. As such, hunters and anglers have a
definite interest and stake in State Parks. Any attempt to move Parks or its
operations away from FWP, by either procedure or physical removal will be a
detriment to sportsmen and women as well as the recreating public. We
unequivocally oppose any attempts at lessening the involvement of sportsmen
and women in the operation of State Parks or its removal from the agency.
. The FWP Director must remain the final authority to coordinate both
work and budget priorities of division work and funding. Not only is it a
much more effective business model, it also ensures good decision-making and
aids in forestalling potential issues of funding diversion and
non-compliance with state policy and funding sources requirements.
. This legislation does not address the fundamental and largest, most
critical issue for State Parks-funding. In fact, it serves to only further
divert attention from that basic issue. Time would far better be spent
working to help develop a reliable, sustainable and long-term means of
funding for our State Parks.
Please OPPOSE
2017 MONTANA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES E-MAIL:
Rep.Kim.Abbott@mt.gov, nancyballance@aol.com, Danbartel2@gmail.com, becky4hd80@blackfoot.net,
bennettforhouse@gmail.com, Rep.Seth.Berglee@mt.gov, Rep.Laurie.Bishop@mt.gov, randybrodehl57@gmail.com, Rep.Bob.Brown@mt.gov, brownformontana@gmail.com, Rep.Tom.Burnett@mt.gov, Rep.Rob.Cook@mt.gov, vcourtforlegislature@yahoo.com, Rep.Mike.Cuffe@mt.gov, Rep.Willis.Curdy@mt.gov, Amanda@amandaformontana.com, Rep.Geraldine.Custer@mt.gov, alandoane@midrivers.com, kimberly.dudik@gmail.com, Rep.MaryAnn.Dunwell@mt.gov, Rep.Jenny.Eck@mt.gov, Rep.Ron.Ehli@mt.gov, Rep.Janet.Ellis@mt.gov, jessmann@mt.gov, Rep.Dave.Fern@mt.gov, Rep.Ross.Fitzgerald@mt.gov, JohnFlemingStIgnatius@gmail.com, Rep.Kelly.Flynn@mt.gov, Rep.Moffie.Funk@mt.gov, wyliegaltformt@gmail.com, frankgarnerhd7@gmail.com, Rep.Carl.Glimm@mt.gov, edgreef@hotmail.com, rep.bruce.grubbs@mt.gov, Rep.Steve.Gunderson@mt.gov, Rep.Jim.Hamilton@mt.gov, Rep.Bradley.Hamlett@mt.gov, Rep.Bill.Harris@mt.gov, Rep.Denise.Hayman@mt.gov, Rep.Adam.Hertz@mt.gov, greghertz11@gmail.com, elliehillhd94@gmail.com, Rep.Ken.Holmlund@mt.gov, Mikeformontana@gmail.com, Rep.Tom.Jacobson@mt.gov, donjonesmt2@gmail.com, Rep.Jessica.Karjala@mt.gov, Rep.Kathy.Kelker@mt.gov, Rep.George.Kipp@mt.gov, Rep.Jon.Knokey@mt.gov, austinforhouse@yahoo.com, Rep.Casey.Knudsen@mt.gov, Rep.Steve.Lavin@mt.gov, Rep.Dennis.Lenz@mt.gov, Denleylogehd14@gmail.com, Rep.Ryan.Lynch@mt.gov, Rep.Forrest.Mandeville@mt.gov, Rep.Theresa.Manzella@mt.gov, kelly@bigskytech.net, Rep.Nate.McConnell@mt.gov, Rep.Wendy.McKamey@mt.gov, Rep.Shane.Morigeau@mt.gov, Rep.Dale.Mortensen@mt.gov, marknolandhd10@gmail.com, Rep.james.ohara@mt.gov, Rep.Andrea.Olsen@mt.gov, Rep.Jimmy.Patelis@mt.gov, Rep.Rae.Peppers@mt.gov, Rep.Zac.Perry@mt.gov, Rep.Gordon.Pierson@mt.gov, jeanbigskybigwin@gmail.com, Rep.Alan.Redfield@mt.gov, Rep.Matt.Regier@mt.gov, Rep.Vince.Ricci@mt.gov, Atomicrosie@gmail.com, Rep.Marilyn.Ryan@mt.gov, Rep.Walt.Sales@mt.gov, Rep.Casey.Schreiner@mt.gov, Rep.Ray.Shaw@mt.gov, Rep.Lola.Sheldon-Galloway@mt.gov, Rep.Derek.Skees@mt.gov, repbsmith@gmail.com, scottstaffanson@gmail.com, Rep.Sharon.Peregoy@mt.gov, Rep.Kathy.Swanson@mt.gov, Rep.Jeremy.Trebas@mt.gov, Rep.Brad.Tschida@mt.gov, Rep.Barry.Usher@mt.gov, Rep.Sue.Vinton@mt.gov, Rep.Kirk.Wagoner@mt.gov, Webb4house@gmail.com, Rep.Susan.Webber@mt.gov, Twelch1213@gmail.com, winwithwhite@gmail.com, tomwoods4mt@gmail.com, Rep.Daniel.Zolnikov@mt.gov,
Oppose SB 225
MSA stands by our Conservation Partners MBA Already done by FWP Commission!
OPPOSE SB 225
Up Thursday, 2/23/17 In Senate F&G
February 11, 2017
OPPOSE SB 225
Up Thursday, 2/23/17 In Senate F&G
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.
Sen. 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
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.
Sen. 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
Thursday, February 16, 2017
MSA ALERT: OPPOSE SB236...Up today at 3PM
NEEDS DONE RIGHT NOW. It was so difficult to get legal analysis that we are late…our apologies.
Montana Sportsmen Alliance
OPPOSE SB 236
Montana Sportsmen Alliance represents avid resident hunters, anglers and trappers and works hard to support and maintain the heritage and tradition of these activities on the Montana landscape. We appreciate Senator Fielder’s interest in attempting to further codify that support. However, we do not treat lightly any attempt to amend the Montana Constitution without a rigorous vetting process and involvement of major stakeholders in development of such a proposal. That has not occurred with SB 236. We believe there are a number of issues with the existing language that create potentially significant unintended consequences. We cannot see those being resolved within the short timeframe that is this legislative process. Therefore, we stand in opposition to the bill and urge a do not pass vote from you.
We do recommend that efforts begin immediately to bring stakeholders together in a more collaborative fashion to thoughtfully construct a Constitutional Amendment that will generate widespread support from the hunting, angling, trapping and conservation community.
Thank you.
MSA Leadership
John Borgreen, Great Falls
Sam Milodragovich, Butte
Joe Perry, Conrad
JW Westman, Laurel
Robert Wood, Hamilton
Steve Schindler, Glasgow
Jeff Herbert, Helena
http://leg.mt.gov/css/Sessions/65th/legwebmessage.asp
Contact members of the Senate Fish Wildlife and Parks Committee and tell them to OPPOSE SB 236
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
Desk 444-4800
The Montana Sportsmen Alliance
Leadership
John Borgreen, Great Falls
Sam Milodragovich, Butte
Steve Schindler, Glasgow
Joe Perry, Conrad
Jeff Herbert, Helena
JW Westman, Park City
Robert Wood, Hamilton
Montana Sportsmen Alliance
OPPOSE SB 236
Montana Sportsmen Alliance represents avid resident hunters, anglers and trappers and works hard to support and maintain the heritage and tradition of these activities on the Montana landscape. We appreciate Senator Fielder’s interest in attempting to further codify that support. However, we do not treat lightly any attempt to amend the Montana Constitution without a rigorous vetting process and involvement of major stakeholders in development of such a proposal. That has not occurred with SB 236. We believe there are a number of issues with the existing language that create potentially significant unintended consequences. We cannot see those being resolved within the short timeframe that is this legislative process. Therefore, we stand in opposition to the bill and urge a do not pass vote from you.
We do recommend that efforts begin immediately to bring stakeholders together in a more collaborative fashion to thoughtfully construct a Constitutional Amendment that will generate widespread support from the hunting, angling, trapping and conservation community.
Thank you.
MSA Leadership
John Borgreen, Great Falls
Sam Milodragovich, Butte
Joe Perry, Conrad
JW Westman, Laurel
Robert Wood, Hamilton
Steve Schindler, Glasgow
Jeff Herbert, Helena
http://leg.mt.gov/css/Sessions/65th/legwebmessage.asp
Contact members of the Senate Fish Wildlife and Parks Committee and tell them to OPPOSE SB 236
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
Desk 444-4800
The Montana Sportsmen Alliance
Leadership
John Borgreen, Great Falls
Sam Milodragovich, Butte
Steve Schindler, Glasgow
Joe Perry, Conrad
Jeff Herbert, Helena
JW Westman, Park City
Robert Wood, Hamilton
ALERT: OPPOSE HB 437
OPPOSE HB 437 Proposing a 4 Day Youth Hunt
Members-
HB 437 proposes a 4 day youth hunt. The FWP Commission has already set regulations to allow a two day youth hunt. To our knowledge there has not been a tentative proposed during Commission meetings to extend that hunt to 4 days. Instead the sponsor is attempting to get the season through the legislative process.
Therefore it appears that HB 437 is a disguised bill with its true intent of removing the season setting authority from the FWP Commission and in its place create a legislative season setting process. The FWP Commission now has the authority to set seasons based on biological and social conditions
It also appears that this season could impact archery seasons, depending on the calendar and where the days fall. At present the archery seasons are affected depending on the calendar year and this would increase that impact from 2 days to 4 days.
The FWP commission is the proper authority when it comes to setting seasons. If the sponsor and proponents desire to increase the 2 day youth season to a 4 day youth season they should work with the FWP Commission rather than try to get specialty seasons set in statute.
This bill has a hearing scheduled before the House FWP Committee for 3pm tomorrow 2/16/17.
Contact members of the House Fish Wildlife and Parks Committee and tell them to OPPOSE HB 437
http://leg.mt.gov/css/Sessions/65th/legwebmessage.asp
House Fish, Wildlife & Parks Committee Email Link
Desk 444-4800
The Montana Sportsmen Alliance
Leadership
John Borgreen, Great Falls
Sam Milodragovich, Butte
Steve Schindler, Glasgow
Joe Perry, Conrad
Jeff Herbert, Helena
JW Westman, Park City
Robert Wood, Hamilton
Monday, February 13, 2017
OPPOSE HB 151
HB 151 Ballance: Appropriation for shooting range development program OPPOSE
The Montana Sportsmen Alliance recognizes the value of the shooting range development program. It has helped many Montana communities develop great programs and facilities.
We are opposing this bill because of fund diversion issues. Rep. Ballance was not receptive to correcting this problem last session and looks the same this time.
This bill is up Tuesday 2/14/17 at 3pm in House F&G. Please contact House F&G: OPPOSE
House Fish, Wildlife & Parks Committee Email Link
Montana Sportsmen Alliance
The Montana Sportsmen Alliance recognizes the value of the shooting range development program. It has helped many Montana communities develop great programs and facilities.
We are opposing this bill because of fund diversion issues. Rep. Ballance was not receptive to correcting this problem last session and looks the same this time.
This bill is up Tuesday 2/14/17 at 3pm in House F&G. Please contact House F&G: OPPOSE
House Fish, Wildlife & Parks Committee Email Link
Montana Sportsmen Alliance
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)