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About FWP > Boards, Councils & Committeees Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program Advisory Council

The Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program serves Montana’s residents and visitors by working with landowners to enhance upland game bird habitats and public hunting opportunities.

 

FWP appointed a 12-member advisory council to lead an effort to advise FWP on a long-term strategic plan for the Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program (UGBEP); monitor program activities annually; and recommend appropriate rules for FWP to consider. Council membership includes upland game bird hunters, a chamber of commerce representative, conservationists, an upland game bird biologist, landowners, one of whom is enrolled in the Block Management program, and 2 state legislators. The Council will participate in the effort to identify, define, and make recommendations for the implementation of a long-term strategic plan.


Upcoming Meeting

  • Meeting Date(s): Sept. 9-10

  • Location: Ninepipes Lodge
    69286 US-93 South, Charlo, MT

 

Applications sought for Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program Council

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking to fill one vacancy on the UGBEP Citizens Advisory Council. Since 2009, the Council provides ongoing monitoring of the program’s activities. Council members represent all FWP administrative regions and include Legislators, upland game bird hunters, chamber of commerce members, landowners, upland game bird biologists and others who have conservation interests.

For the appointment, the council member must be a landowner residing in Region 4 or Region 6.

The Council member will be appointed by FWP Director Dustin Temple to participate in two meetings a year. Members will be asked to contribute to additional discussions throughout the four-year term. 

To apply, download the application below. Applications must be submitted by July 26, 2024. The next council meeting will be held in Charlo on September 9 and 10.

For more information, call Debbie Hohler at 406-444-5647, or email to dhohler@mt.gov.

2024 Meeting Agendas & Minutes

2023 Meeting Agendas & Minutes

Meeting Agendas & Minutes from Past Meetings

Council Members

The following people graciously volunteer their time to make recommendations and provide continued evaluation of program objectives, goals, and performance measurements.

FWP thanks the council for their time and commitment to the UGBEP.

 

Doug Bonsell, Ekalaka

Email: bonsells11@gmail.com

Term ends: Fall 2026

 

Tom Condon, Glendive

Email: sharptailmontana@aol.com

Term ends:  Fall 2025

 

Rep. Tom France, Missoula

Email: tom.france@mtleg.gov

Term ends: Spring 2025

 

Kerry O'Connell, Manhattan

Email: kerryo0899@gmail.com

Term ends: Spring 2028

 

Jay Hanson, Lewistown 

Email: jayhansonoutdoors@gmail.com

Term ends: Fall 2025

 

Tom Keegan, St. Ignatius

Email: Keegan@montana.com

Term ends: Fall 2025

 

Trent Kleppen, Plentywood, Chairman

Email: trentkleppen@gmail.com

Term ends: Fall 2026

 

Art Soukkala, Charlo

Email: art.soukkala@cskt.org

Term ends: Fall 2026

 

Sen. Steve Hinebauch, SD 18, Wibaux

Email: Steve.Hinebauch@legmt.gov

Term Ends: Spring 2025

 

Brandon Moss, Billings

Email: upland406mt@gmail.com

Term ends: Fall 2027

 

Scott Kanning, Billings

Email: sjkanning@gmail.com

Term ends: Fall 2027