Applications opening for 2022 Montana Master Hunter Program

From One Montana

One Montana's Master Hunter Program is accepting applications Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 for the 2022 program.

Class locations include Missoula in March, Helena in April, Big Timber in April, and Havre in May. Each class will consist of two three-day consecutive weekends, Friday through Sunday. A two-day weekend rendezvous in June is also required for qualifications, field exercises and the final exam.

The Master Hunter Program is an advanced education program for hunters who want to continue to add to their knowledge and skills. A primary goal of the program is to build trust and relationships between landowners and sportsmen and women. Secondly, the program seeks to help landowners and the state with their wildlife management goals. By creating opportunities for landowners and sportsmen to connect to each other, the program allows for discussion that leads to better understanding and collective solutions. By working with landowners, the Master Hunter Program also helps to change false perceptions about both hunting and agriculture, and ultimately works to increase access opportunities for future generations.

To date, 232 hunters have successfully completed the program. Graduates belong to a network of ethical and effective 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, shooting accuracy and precision, lead-free ammunition, and hunting skills 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, and others.

The program is led by One Montana, a nonprofit working to sustain a vibrant Montana by connecting 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, Mystery Ranch, Sitka Gear, Weyerhaeuser Co. and others.

People can visit http://www.mtmasterhunter.com for information about the application process, class dates and eligibility requirements.