A bipartisan approach is best for Montana’s wildlife | Greatfallstribune.com | Great Falls Tribune

By M. DAVID ALLEN And TONY A. SCHOONEN

Wildlife and wildlife-related recreation define Montana — the serenity of a flock of ducks in flight, the majesty of herds of elk, the springtime gobbles of wild turkeys are all emblematic of the natural abundance of this state.

Particularly in the fall when the crisp air and shorter days signal the instinctive rituals of migration or breeding season, our unique tie to wildlife and wild places touches the very core of all of us. Seeing these creatures in their natural habitats is something that many of us take for granted, but a century ago it was only through the hard work, determination and financial support of a dedicated group of hunters that we reversed the downward spiral of wildlife populations.

Today, many of Montana’s wild places and the wildlife that depend on them are facing new challenges from development to climate change to loss of relevance as new generations suffer through “nature deficit.”

Hunter conservationists remain the driving force behind most wildlife management and still fund most conservation efforts. Protecting our rich hunting tradition and heritage will ensure continued abundance of wildlife populations, and help sustain the most successful model of wildlife conservation the world has ever known — the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation,  Full Story

M. David Allen is president and CEO of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and a resident of Billings; Tony A. Schoonen is the chief of staff for the Boone and Crockett Club based in Missoula

A bipartisan approach is best for Montana’s wildlife | greatfallstribune.com | Great Falls Tribune.