Below is a news release from the Montana Master Hunter Program, an innovative approach to develop a network of highly skilled, ethical, safe hunters, and supported by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.
One Montana’s Master Hunter Program is accepting applications October 1, 2022 – November 30, 2022, for the 2023 program. Classes will be held in Billings (March), Bozeman (April) and Missoula (May). Each class will consist of two 3-Day consecutive weekends (Friday – Sunday). A two-day weekend rendezvous in June is also required for qualifications, field exercises, and the final exam.
The Master Hunter Program (MHP) is an advanced education program for hunters who want to improve and hone their knowledge and skills, build relationships with landowners to aid their wildlife management goals, and be advocates for conservation and wildlife. By creating opportunities for landowners and sportsmen to connect to each other, the MHP helps to deepen knowledge and understanding about ranching and agriculture, and ultimately works to increase access opportunities for future generations.
To date, 291 hunters have successfully completed the program. Graduates belong to a community of likeminded hunters stretching from Whitefish to Miles City who hunt together, keep each other informed, and are knowledgeable voices on issues affecting sportsmen across Montana.
In the words of one graduate, “……this class and all the information I gained has already changed my life! I can’t wait to see what great work we can do together with this excellent group of individuals”.
The program covers wildlife management, history of conservation, hunting culture and ethics, private land stewardship, and shooting accuracy and precision among other topics. The instructors have a wide diversity of knowledge and perspectives and include ranchers, farmers, university faculty, professional shooting instructors, wildlife managers, wildlife biologists, and MT Fish Wildlife and Parks personnel.
The program is led by One Montana (1MT), a nonprofit working to sustain a vibrant Montana by connecting our urban and rural communities. The program is supported financially by private foundations, nonprofit organizations, trade associations and industry partners such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Bass Pro Shop’s and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund, Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Grain Growers Association, Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation, onX Maps, Mystery Ranch, Sitka Gear and others.
Please visit www.mtmasterhunter.com for information about the application process, class dates, and eligibility requirements.
(Photo credit: Montana Master Hunter Program)