Currently seeking members

About the panel

Approximately 12 members will be selected to develop a framework to evaluate the potential for bighorn sheep restoration in areas dominated by private lands. FWP expects the framework to ensure state management authority, define public hunting opportunity and address stakeholder concerns, including those from private landowners. 

FWP will use the framework, in addition to Bighorn Sheep Conservation Strategy, as a template to evaluate potential bighorn sheep restoration projects, including in areas dominated by private lands to determine which projects to pursue and how to build private landowner and other public support.  

• FWP Bighorn Sheep Conservation Strategy (PDF) 

The Conservation Strategy outlines goals and processes for restoration and management across the state, but restoration efforts, particularly in areas dominated by private lands, have remained challenging. Many private lands offer excellent habitat potential for bighorn sheep and represent important opportunities to advance conservation goals, but these opportunities come with complex social considerations, including landowner concerns and public hunting access to this public wildlife resource.​  

Meeting schedule

The panel will meet monthly in person and with a virtual option from August to December, 2026. The meetings are expected to be all or parts of two days. Upon completing a framework, the panel will present it to the FWP director to consider.  

How to apply

Deadline: July 3, 2026

Email the following information to: KProffitt@mt.gov 

1. Your name and contact information  

2. The organization, user group, or interest sector you would represent  

3. A brief statement (300 words or less) describing:  

• Your interest in bighorn sheep restoration and conservation  

• The perspective or constituency you would bring to the advisory panel  

• Your ability to engage with and represent your organization, user group or interest sector throughout the process  

• Your availability to commit to monthly meetings from August through December 2026  

Questions? Contact Region 3 supervisor Kelly Proffitt at KProffitt@mt.gov or 406-930-9537.