Join the MBA
If you share our concern for Montana's wildlife and our hunting heritage then you should be a part of the MBA. Join now, and pay by one of the following methods:
Why Join the MBA?
Our members say it best. Following is a Letter to the Editor that first appeared in the MBA's Fall 2006 Montana Bowhunter publication:
Dear Editor,
In the Summer 2006 issue of the Montana Bowhunter, President Gary Carvajal gave his response to an MBA member who asked, among other things, what he was getting for his dues payment.
Based on my eight years (1993-2001) as Chair of the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission I would add the following to Gary’s response:
Because of MBA, you are getting the most generous bowhunting opportunities in the entire world: the longest archery seasons, the best chance to kill trophy bull elk during the rut in an archery-only season, the greatest variety of big game. These opportunities were created by MBA, not by anyone else, and often in the face of opposition from rifle and muzzle-loader hunters.
MBA members are perhaps the most skillful and determined lobbyists to come before the FWP Commission and the Montana Legislature. They conduct themselves professionally, explaining what archery is all about. They sell the merits of ethical hunters using primitive equipment. Your MBA representatives are a class act. And, they get results.
MBA has lobbied against legalization of electronic gear, darts, crossbows and similar technical aids. Why? Because the generous seasons are solely dependent upon maintaining the image that archery is a primitive sport, practiced by ethical hunters.
MBA stresses ethics, teaches ethics, and conducts matches that hone the skills of members. Ethics are the key to continuing our rifle and archery seasons. The non-hunting public says “hunting is okay so long as it’s done in an ethical and humane way.”
MBA is a team-player, cooperating with the FWP Department, other agencies, other organizations. During the 2005 Legislature, when Paul Sihler and I co-chaired the effort for reauthorization of Habitat Montana, MBA was one of the most active supporters. All I had to do was ask and they flooded legislators with e-mails, calls and letters. I remain grateful.
Sadly, most bowhunters are unaware of the above facts, unaware of how their seasons are determined. Fortunately for them, cadres of MBA members do understand and do respond.
Stan Meyer
(An MBA member since retiring from the Commission)
Great Falls
