If you’ve ever found yourself glassing a ridge at sunrise on public land or opening your gates for Montana hunters every fall, listen up—there’s a University of Montana journalism student, Madelynn Pandis, who wants your story.
She’s working on an audio project all about closing the gap between public-land hunters and private landowners. You know, that classic Montana dynamic where elk don’t understand property lines and everyone’s trying to be neighborly while still filling tags.
Who She’s Hoping to Talk To
A public-land diehard:
Someone who relies on public ground to punch tags, loves access like it’s a religion, and maybe even has a favorite trailhead they swear they’ll take to the grave.
Bonus points if you’re in the Missoula or Bitterroot Valley—that’s home base—but she’s totally cool hopping on the phone if that’s easier.
A Region 2 private landowner:
Specifically, someone who’s part of (or used to be part of) FWP’s Block Management Program. Whether you’re happily enrolled, burned out, or somewhere in between, she wants your perspective on what it’s really like opening your property to hunters.
Why This Matters
Montana’s hunting culture depends on the dance between access, respect, wildlife management, and the occasional “Wait, which side of the fence am I on?” moment. This story aims to shine a light on what’s working, what’s not, and how hunters and landowners can create fewer headaches and more handshake moments.
Want to Chat?
If you think you might be a good fit—or if you’re just curious—send Madelynn a message and she’ll get back to you to set up a quick conversation.
