Subscribe
  • News
    • Local
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Menu
  • News
    • Local
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events

Sportsmen’s Act in final stretch

in Opinion
Megan Paulsonby Megan Paulson
November 15, 2012

By Deborah Courson Smith Big Sky Connection

HELENA – The U.S. Senate is back to work and moving quickly on several pieces of legislation, including Sen. Jon Tester’s Sportsmen’s Act.

The act, expected to face a final vote today, is a package of about 20 measures focused on boosting access to hunting and fishing on public lands, along with conservation provisions. Tester, D-Mont., says the act has strong bipartisan support because hunting and fishing aren’t partisan issues.

Article Inline Ad Article Inline Ad Article Inline Ad
ADVERTISEMENT

“This is a bill that I think, once we get it passed, once we get it to the president’s desk, sportsmen will start seeing the advantage of it almost immediately.”

K.C. Walsh, president of Simms Fishing Products in Bozeman, calls it landmark legislation for the outdoor-recreation industry.

“This is the most significant legislation to support hunting and fishing interests in decades. This is a big deal – important not just for Montanans, but for all folks who value hunting and angling and proper management of our wildlife.”

Land Tawney, president of Hellgate Hunters and Anglers, says the Land and Water Conservation Fund component may be what Montanans notice first – after the bill is signed.

“This is where people get access to public lands, or access to rivers, and it also provides the conservation values which makes hunting and fishing continue.”

The legislation creates set-aside funding in the Land and Water Conservation Fund to purchase parcels or easements to open public access to public lands surrounded by private property.

ADVERTISEMENT

Even with bipartisan support, vocal opponents are concerned about timber harvests in the legislation, as well as animal rights.

The House passed its version of the bill earlier this year.

Outlaw Realty Outlaw Realty
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Listen

Hoary Marmot Podcast

Joe Borden & Michele Veale Borden

Lastest Episode
See More Episodes
outlaw realty montana outlaw realty montana
ADVERTISEMENT
Outlaw Realty Big Sky Bozeman
ADVERTISEMENT

Upcoming Events

Jul 19
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

June Show at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery

Jul 19
11:00 am - 7:00 pm

Big Sky Artisan Festival

Jul 20
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

June Show at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery

Jul 21
9:00 am - 12:00 pm Event Series

Community Hike Big Sky

Jul 21
11:00 am - 5:00 pm Event Series

June Show at the Big Sky Artists’ Studio & Gallery

View Calendar
Event Calendar

Related Posts

Dispatches from the Wild: Preserving Montana and hope for the world 
Environment

Dispatches from the Wild: Preserving Montana and hope for the world 

July 17, 2025
Wildfire Wire: Everbridge and how evacuation ‘depends’ 
Opinion

Wildfire Wire: Everbridge and how evacuation ‘depends’ 

July 16, 2025
Thriving Landscapes: Choosing native plants for your landscape
Environment

Thriving Landscapes: Choosing native plants for your landscape

July 15, 2025
Live Better: Optimize your form, prevent overuse injuries and maximize your performance 
Health

Live Better: Optimize your form, prevent overuse injuries and maximize your performance 

July 15, 2025

An Outlaw Partners Publication

Facebook-f Instagram X-twitter Youtube

Explore Big Sky

  • About/Contact
  • Advertise
  • Publications
  • Subscriptions
  • Podcast
  • Submissions

Outlaw Brands

  • Mountain Outlaw
  • Plan Yellowstone
  • Big Sky PBR
  • Wildlands Music
  • Outlaw Partners
  • Outlaw Realty
  • Hey Bear

Copyright © 2025 Explore Big Sky | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Your Privacy Choices

No Result
View All Result
  • News
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Yellowstone
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Opinion
  • Real Estate
  • Events

©2024 Outlaw Partners, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Explore Big Sky Logo
  • News
    • Local
    • Regional
    • Business
    • Real Estate
    • Outlaw Partners
  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Yellowstone
  • Events
Subscribe
Facebook X-twitter Instagram Youtube