One Montana’s master hunter program accepting applications

One Montana’s master hunter program is accepting applications through November for 2021 classes.

One of the primary goals of the program is to build trust and working relationships between landowners and sportsmen and women. The program provides hunters the opportunity to learn from landowners about the challenges they face on a daily basis and specifically how wildlife impacts them. Secondly, the program seeks to help landowners and the state with their wildlife management goals. By working with landowners, master hunters also help to change false perceptions about both hunting and agriculture, and ultimately work to increase access opportunities for future generations.

Graduates of the program belong to a network of other ethical and effective hunters who hunt together, keep each other informed, and are knowledgeable voices on issues affecting sportsmen across Montana. Many of our graduates are mentors for youth and new hunters.

The program includes classroom and online instruction, and field work. The course covers wildlife management, history of conservation, hunting culture and ethics, private land stewardship, shooting accuracy and precision, lead-free ammunition, and hunting skills to name a few.

Instructors have a wide diversity of knowledge and perspectives and include ranchers, farmers, university faculty, professional shooting instructors, wildlife managers, wildlife biologists, and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks personnel, among others.

To date, 165 hunters have successfully completed the course.

Classes in 2021 will be offered in Bozeman (February), Great Falls (March), Kalispell (April), and Miles City (May). Each class will consist of three two-Day weekends, except Miles City will have a two three-day weekend format. A weekend rendezvous in June also is required for qualifications, field exercises and the final exam.

Applications will be accepted through Nov. 30, wiith selection being announced by the end of the year. The program cost is $375, due by Feb. 1. A limited number of scholarships are available through a separate application process.

The program is led by One Montana, a nonprofit located in Bozeman that works to sustain a vibrant Montana by connecting our 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, Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Grain Growers Association, Montana’s Outdoor Legacy Foundation, Montana Wild Sheep Foundation, Mystery Ranch, Sitka Gear and others.

Visit www.mtmasterhunter.com for course dates, instructors, sample curriculum and eligibility requirements and policies.