Hunting groups press BLM to protect more backcountry

Conservation and hunting groups are pressing the Bureau of Land Management at the 11th hour to protect more backcountry in the agency's final resource management plan for the Hi-Line District, arguing it fails to strike a balance between wildlife habitat protections and development. The BLM says it does. The final plan is expected to be out by the end of the month. The groups want protections for more undeveloped land in northeastern Montana that support elk, pronghorn, mule deer, sage grouse and with access valued by hunters. "The BLM needs to balance habitat needs for our critters, and we have a wonderful opportunity with this plan for the BLM to do just that," said J.W. Westman of Park City, who hunts on Hi-Line BLM land. "And if they fail to do so, we have missed a wonderful opportunity. I believe in a bold approach. Not a stupid approach, but a real bold approach." Westman participated in a tele-press conference Wednesday where the groups explained their concerns to reporters. Others who participated were officials with the Montana Wildlife Federation, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and Dan Vermillion, the owner of Sweet Water Travel and chairman of the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission...more