MBA 2010 Convention
March 5-7, 2010 in Billings, Mont.
Mark your calendars now so you don't miss out – March 5-7, 2010 the MBA Convention will be held in Billings.
Ernie McKenzie is in charge of getting this convention organized. If anyone in the Billings area would like to volunteer, we certainly would appreciate any help. Please contact Ernie by phone at 406-656-2244 or e-mail him, and he can let you know what needs to be taken care of to help make this year's convention a success.
Pre-register before Feb. 15, 2010, and save!
MBA Positions on 2010 Tentatives
January 14, 2010
The 2010 FWP Tentatives being considered by the FWP Commissioners are out for review and public comment. This public comment period ends January 22, 2010. Most of the decisions on these Tentatives will be made by the Commissioners at their February Commissioners meeting. To see a full list of the proposed Tentatives you can go to the FWP Web site or click on this link: http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/oppForPubCommentDefault.html.
We've compiled a list of the Tentatives the MBA is following and our position on each based on input from members and the MBA Board of Directors. If you would like more detailed information on the MBA’s positions than those that are given, contact your local MBA Regional Representative or Director At Large, a member of the MBA Tentatives Committee, or Steve Kamps.
Read MBA Position Statements and More here ...
Latest News
- February and March Shoots JUST POSTED
More details ... - Report to the Members on the Proposed 2010 FWP Tentatives (Dec. 30, 2009)
More details ... - Officer's Reports just posted (Members Only)
More details ...
Bowhunters, Avoid Becoming the Hunted
With Montana’s upland game bird and bow hunting seasons underway beginning Sept. 6, it is a good time to review the basics of hunting safely in bear country. Bow hunters need to be aware that the act of hunting increases the risk of encountering grizzly bears. Hunters who are carefully and quietly walking through brush and willows, trying elk bugling or use game calls, and covering themselves with “natural” and “no-scent” products may attract bears, or startle them.
Consider a bowhunter wearing “no-scent” and walking stealthily through the forest camouflaged to look like a bush. While that’s what it takes to get close enough for a good shot with a bow, that hunter is making it hard for a bear to notice him or her.
Grizzly bears are found throughout western Montana, not just the Rocky Mountain Front, Bob Marshall Wilderness complex and the Yellowstone ecosystem, and black bears range widely across the state.
If, in spite of these precautions, a bear is found at the site eating the carcass, or a bear has covered the carcass with debris and it is not salvageable, hunters should immediately report the incident to FWP.
For more on hunting safely in bear country, visit the FWP Web site. Hunters can also pick up a copy of “How to Hunt Safely in Grizzly Country” brochure at any FWP office.
Here are some guidelines for bird and bow hunters hunting in bear country:
- Be prepared to see a bear. Mentally rehearse handling different scenarios with bears so you are better prepared.
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it.
- Hunt with a partner. If you hunt alone, let someone know your detailed plans and have a way to periodically check in.
- Bow hunters who harvest a deer or elk need to plan to quickly get the carcass out of the woods.
- Carcasses left in the woods require special precautions. Carry a colored, lightweight tarp or space blanket. Put the entrails on the tarp and drag them as far away from the carcass as possible. Then use the tarp to cover the carcass. This will reduce the scent trail.
- When you return, study the site from a safe distance for any movement or changes. When you finally approach, yell and make noises.
- Do not attempt to frighten or haze a bear away from a carcass.
MBA Mission
The MBA salutes the men and women of
the U.S.
armed forces, fighting to protect our freedoms!
To have a complimentary copy of the
Montana
Bowhunter sent to any active duty
member of the
U. S. Armed Forces,
e-mail us the member’s name and address.
Established in 1973, the Montana Bowhunter's Association was established as a nonprofit organization by and for Montana's bowhunters. It's sole purpose remains the same today as it was then: To unite the state's bowhunting sportsmen to work towards a common goal of preserving and promoting the sport of bowhunting in Montana.
In addition to preserving and promoting bowhunting, some of the MBA's major goals are:
- promoting ethical bowhunting through education;
- improving landowner - bowhunter relationships; and
- providing a voice in management of Montana's big game and an opportunity to assist in the preservation of wildlife habitat.
MBA Supporters and Members
Please take a look at our updated Supporters page! If you or your organization are listed (or should be listed) and you'd like to update information or add a Web site URL or e-mail please let us know.
The MBA appreciates the support received from Montana businesses, archery clubs and annual convention donors. Please support these generous organizations!
Members Only Area
More benefits for MBA members, better communication about the issues that affect bowhunting in Montana, easier communication between Board Members, and maybe just a little bit of entertainment ... that's what the MBA Web Site Committee e is trying to accomplish with yet another round of enhancements to the MBA Web site.
New re-registration instructions were e-mailed to members recently. Log on now ...
