The future of hunting in Montana was the focus of a lively panel discussion Saturday at the Montana Wildlife Federation’s annual meeting in Helena.
Ron Moody, one of five members of the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission, said the state is poised at its tipping point in its role of being one of the last places where the North American model for hunting and fishing is still valid. He fears that Montana will fall into more of a European, or “Texas” model where people have to pay to hunt on private ground if people who enjoy those outdoor activities don’t step forward to protect their heritage.