Issues & Research

Across the west, Mule Deer are hurting. From habitat changes from noxious weeds, loss of traditional habitat and overuse of the resource, Mule Deer need some help. MCS is working with a group of DIY Public Land Hunters, Outfitters and Landowners to identify key areas that could be addressed relative to how we hunt mule deer, what legislative changes should be made, and how we can work better together as Montanans to find a new model of management to ensure both abundance and opportunity for all to enjoy the resource.  

Montana’s public lands and private lands are under threat from invasive species, noxious weeds, over development and even the weather seems to conspire against the forage necessary for iconic wildlife species. MCS firmly believes that managing lands for resiliency whether it’s public or private ground is a key component to ensuring a future for wildlife across the shared landscapes of Montana. 

 Montana is blessed with the full suite of large carnivores, and most of the smaller ones as well, that existed during the time of Lewis & Clark. That is a testament not only to the conservation ethic of the state, but the willingness of agricultural producers to put up with significant headaches in order to keep grizzly bears from going extinct. Those are success stories, just as the restoration of black bears, mountain lions and the wolf. But those successes cause problems with landowners as much as they can be problematic under certain circumstances with species like elk and deer. MCS firmly believes that there is a place for increased harvest of carnivores to help bolster and increase ungulate numbers in areas that have sufficient habitat to sustain such growth in ungulate numbers. The managed take of wolves, black bears and mountain lions through the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Fish & Wildlife Commission have stood the test of time, and the stringent review of our partners in wildlife at the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  

Montana’s elk herd has grown to new heights. That is a good thing, but it does come with problems. MCS is committed to working directly with landowners and hunters to find programs and situations where these two groups can continue to work together to find better paths for landowners who suffer due to large herds of elk, and to help hunters be more efficient in managing wildlife on private land. 

Montana boasts over 6 million acres of private land opened for access under FWP’s Block management Program. Similarly, the Public Access to Lands Act has opened another almost ½ million acres of landlocked public land for public use. These voluntary, incentive based programs have yielded significant results for wildlife managers, hunters and the landowners who participate. Furthermore, many landowners have their own access programs that they participate in, whether that’s leasing to hunt clubs, outfitters or just allowing friends and family to hunt. Each ranch and farm is different, and no one solution fits all. MCS’s approach to access to private land is always incentive-based, and strongly believes that the best outcomes for wildlife, private landowners and the hunting public come from collaboration, not conflict.  

Montana is known for it’s fishing, both cold water and warm. Our coldwater fisheries are in trouble, however. Due to low snowpack, disease outbreaks and other issues, the famed trout streams of Montana are under greater stress than ever before. MCS is dedicated to working with coldwater conservation organizations and the state agencies that oversee both fish populations and water quality to ensure that our iconic trout streams stay cold, wild and free. 

Warm water fishing also is an important part of Montana’s economy and our way of life. Walleye, bass, pike and perch all are regionally important species that count for thousands of fun days out on the water - both hard and soft!

MCS will work to ensure that state agencies have the resources they need to protect, conserve and improve our cold water fisheries.  

CWD is a growing concern among many state wildlife managers, ranchers, outfitters and hunters. MCS staff continues to monitor the latest wildlife research, work with local, state and national organizations to educate people on the issue, and work to enact policies that not only help manage the disease, but also ensure that these policies do not go too far in terms of depopulation and reduction of buck/doe ratios.  

MCS will work to ensure that state agencies have the resources they need to protect, conserve and improve our cold water fisheries.  

With over 70% of Montana private land, trespass continues to be a hot-button topic. The emergence of handheld GPS units and apps for our smartphones have both helped ensure people do not trespass, but it can also be used to skirt the law. Similarly, large concentrations of wild animals during the hunting season can sometimes be too much for people to bear, and issues arise again. MCS’ position is that private property rights are sacrosanct, and public land accessibility is a prime area for more work between landowners and hunters. Much like hunting access, MCS’ approach will trend towards solutions that benefit all involved, rather than trying to pick winners or losers. Wildlife is owned by noone, held in trust for all citizens of Montana. That means all of us, regardless of where you live or what you pursue (or don’t). That charge of the public trust comes with significant hurdles associated with the needs and desires of the public. It also means that the harassment of hunters who have legally accessed public land must not continue either. MCS will continue to explore ways to increase accountability on bad actors who intentionally trespass, as well as those who intentionally keep the public from utilizing their public lands.  

When westward expansion occurred in the 1800’s, the federal government set up a system to allocate land based on 640 acre squares - now called a section. As railroads and settlers claimed land, a situation where checkerboarded landownership became more and more common. For landowners, this can mean multiple management schemes for a ranch or farm, based on the conditions placed by various state and federal agencies, and the laws surrounding them. Hunters become dissatisfied with not being able to access these landlocked public parcels, and seek remedy to access what they legally have a right to access. One way to help eliminate the checkerboarded lands is to look to land swaps. These swaps can be very contentious, due to the nature of public land advocacy and the need to ensure that the public is not on the worse end of any deal made. MCS is a firm believer that land swaps can  and do bring long-lasting solutions for land management agencies, landowners and it creates better hunting access for hunters, while improving access for other recreational pursuits. 

Each swap must be weighed on it’s own merits, and each instance will be materially different than others due to the complex nature of parceling out lands for the trades. However, even though this is a difficult and arduous journey, it can be ultimately rewarding for all parties involved, especially for the wildlife.