A recent legal victory has bolstered the foundation of public wildlife management in Montana. The United Property Owners of Montana (UPOM) filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s management of elk herds, contending that the public process was flawed and advocating for a substantial reduction in elk numbers. A coalition of hunting and conservation organizations intervened to uphold the state’s wildlife management practices.

The court ruled in favor of the state and the intervenors, upholding the Public Trust Doctrine, which guarantees that wildlife belongs to the public and must be managed for the benefit of all Montanans. This landmark decision safeguards the state’s authority to manage its wildlife resources in accordance with scientific principles and public input.

UPOM’s Challenge to Public Wildlife Management

UPOM, a group representing private property owners, argued that the state’s elk management plan was unfair and burdensome to landowners. They claimed that elk herds were too large and causing damage to private property. UPOM sought to significantly reduce elk numbers through increased hunting and other means.

Defense of Public Trust and Wildlife Management

A coalition of hunting and conservation groups, including the Montana Wildlife Federation, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, intervened in the lawsuit to defend the state’s wildlife management practices. They argued that UPOM’s claims were unfounded and that the state’s elk management plan was sound and based on scientific data.

Court Victory for Public Wildlife

The court ultimately sided with the state and the intervenors, upholding the Public Trust Doctrine and rejecting UPOM’s challenge. The court recognized the state’s authority to manage wildlife for the benefit of all Montanans and affirmed the importance of public participation in the decision-making process.

Significance of the Decision

This legal victory has significant implications for the future of wildlife management in Montana. It reinforces the Public Trust Doctrine and ensures that the state’s wildlife resources will continue to be managed for the public good. The decision also protects the rights of hunters and anglers to access and enjoy these valuable resources.

Looking Ahead

The court’s decision is a major victory for public wildlife management in Montana. It is a reminder that wildlife belongs to the public and must be managed for the benefit of all. This decision will have a lasting impact on the state’s wildlife resources and the people who enjoy them.

©️ The Rocky Mountain Dispatch LLC. 2024