In light of some elk populations being chronically over objective, new disease concerns, continuing calls for more access, reports of crowded public lands, and more people than ever coming to the state, Montana needs new ways to manage elk, and the people most directly affected must be involved in developing solutions. The advisory group represents a variety of stakeholders who are interested in moving past old debates that have not significantly improved elk circumstances for hunters or landowners, and revisiting old issues with fresh eyes to identify new solutions.
After reviewing 243 applications, FWP selected 12 individuals to serve on a citizens advisory group to address the future of elk management. The 12-member group will help craft a new future for elk management and elk hunting in Montana.
This group represents a broad range of viewpoints and experience and will use that diversity to focus on two broad tasks – developing a set of recommendations to address elk management issues and improving relationships between stakeholders.
The members were selected for the diversity of viewpoints they represent and their expressed eagerness to make progress on the complex challenges facing elk management in Montana. The members were selected irrespective of group affiliation.
The applicants who weren’t selected for the advisory group, will serve as a sounding board. This board will be invited to attend every meeting and will review and provide input on the advisory group’s work throughout the process.
Aaron Iverson - Conrad, MT - aaronriverson@gmail.com
Heath Hansen - Whitehall, MT - heathhansen@hotmail.com
Staci Ketchum - Miles City, MT - ketchum.elk@gmail.com
Race King - Dillon, MT - lacensemontana@gmail.com
Druska Kinkie - Pray, MT - druskakinkie66@gmail.com
Stephanie Prater - Lewistown, MT - mthuntress406@gmail.com
Brent Race D.V.M. - Corvallis, MT - brentrace406@gmail.com
Chuck Rein - Big Timber, MT - anchor@itstriangle.com
Scott Tinklenberg - Highwood, MT - tinklenbergw@gmail.com
Scott Van Dyken - Great Falls, MT - svandyken13@gmail.com
Ian Wargo - Kalispell, MT - IWargo@rpa-kal.com
Matt Wickens - Winifred, MT - wickensranch@gmail.com
If you have questions please contact:
Deb O’Neill, Special Projects Director, doneill@mt.gov, 406-444-3755
Ron Howell, Legislative Liaison, rhowell@mt.gov, 406-444-4040