2019 Montana Hunter Advancement Program Application Now Open

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

2019 Montana Hunter Advancement Program Application Now Open

A Program of One Montana and Common Ground
www.montanamasterhunter.com

The Montana Hunter Advancement Program (MHAP) is now accepting applications for our 2019 courses from qualified hunters. In 2018, the MHAP successfully graduated 25 certified hunters who were able to hunt on 13 ranches this past fall. Building from last year's success, we are offering three courses in 2019 in Billings, Bozeman and Missoula.

The Montana Hunter Advancement Program is a 50-hour course which generally takes place over a six-week period. The program is landowner-driven and is supported by major landowner associations and major conservation nonprofit organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Boone & Crockett Club, Montana Stockgrowers Associaion and Montana Grain Growers Association. This deep partnership with Montana's landowner community is what makes our program unique.This program offers applicants skills mastery combined with agriculture, conservation and stewardship education, and specialized ballistics and marksmanship training. Instructors include ranchers, farmers, landowners, university faculty, professional shooting instructors, private land wildlife managers, wildlife biologists, first aid personnel, as well as backcountry survival and equipment experts. Each curriculum element includes either written, oral or field tests that assess student competence.

The cost of the program is $200 per participant and need-based scholarships are available upon request. Program fees partially off-set facility use fees and other similar costs. Each participant has the opportunity to become a certified “Master Hunter”, receiving a Montana Master Hunter Certificate upon successful completion of the course that is valid for five years. Certificate renewal will be available through additional in-person and online coursework, and testing.

The class schedules are as follows, and more detail is provided on our website:

Missoula: one evening each week on successive weeks beginning in March 2019 and one Saturday to be scheduled during April 2019.

Bozeman: five successive Saturdays beginning the first week of April 2019.

Billings: five successive Saturdays beginning the first week of May 2019.

All classes will attend an end of session two day rendezvous in June where shooting instruction and qualification will occur along with field work with OnX Maps and GPS.

To learn more about this program and for information on how to apply as a hunter or landowner partner, please visit our website:
www.montanamasterhunter.com

PLEASE NOTE: If you have previously applied for this program, you will need to reapply with the our updated application form.

What our 2018 certified hunters are saying:

"Now that hunting season is over, I want to take a moment to thank you for everything. This has been the most rewarding season I've had afield largely because of the MHAP program. Whether it was hunting with other MHAP graduates, getting to know landowners, or trying new tactics learned in class, I had the best season I can remember. You're off to a wonderful start with MHAP and I believe it's the beginning of something truly great. I'm simply honored to be a part of it." Bob Miller

"Last night, I left Jack Creek with a full heart. I wanted to thank and commend One Montana for organizing such a positive experience and wonderful course. Everyone you recruited, from the presenters to the participants, was exceptional. Their commitment to the program speaks volumes to the vision you have created for the state's sportsmen and landowning communities, and to your leadership. I am very proud to have take part and so look forward to helping promote the program in any way I am able!" Gusty Clarke

What our partners are saying:

“The Montana Hunter Advancement Program will develop a network of highly skilled, ethical, safe hunters that will serve as an example to others and help establish positive relationships with private landowners. RMEF is proud to support this innovative program.” Blake Henning, Chief Conservation Officer, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

“Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is proud to support the Montana Hunter Advancement Program. To support Montana sportsmen and women – and address ongoing challenges to hunter access – we need to seek innovative solutions. By building partnerships with private landowners and elevating the importance of responsible, ethical practices afield, we can work to ensure the future of our great Montana outdoor traditions.” John Sullivan, Chairman of the Montana chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers

"This landowner led program provides another tool for farmers and ranchers to use when interacting with hunters. It is an innovative approach to build cooperation between landowners and sportsmen while also providing better wildlife management opportunities." Jay Bodner, Montana Stockgrowers Association

“Hunters would find more opportunity to hunt on private land if landowners knew they would be courteous, competent, effective, and ethical hunters who respected the property and the landowner. Designed from the perspective of landowners, this course presents an opportunity for hunters to learn about agriculture and issues landowners face and to improve their hunting skills.” Scott Hibbard, Sieben Livestock Company & Common Ground member

Dani Clark

Program Coordinator - Montana Hunter Advancement Program

One Montana

danic@onemontana.org

Office 406-522-7654 ext. 505
Cell 406-220-2953

280 W Kagy Blvd Ste D233

Bozeman, MT 59715