Wanted: Thinkers, Hunters, and Landowners to Talk Sheep (The Horned Kind)
Montana’s bighorn sheep are looking to make a comeback, but they’ve hit a bit of a snag: property lines. Turns out, some of the best real estate for these iconic climbers is sitting on private land, which makes restoration a little complicated.
To smooth things over, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is putting together a temporary, five-month Bighorn Sheep Restoration Advisory Panel, and they need people who know their stuff to help guide the way.
According to Quentin Kujala, FWP’s chief of conservation policy, private lands hold massive potential for sheep habitat. The goal now is to bring together a diverse crew to figure out how to balance wildlife goals with the very real concerns of local landowners and hunters.
The Gig Details
If you get picked by FWP Director Christy Clark, here is what your schedule looks like:
- Timeline: A five-month sprint from August through December 2026.
- Commitment: Monthly meetings (expecting one to two days each month). You can join in person or via video call if you can’t make the drive.
- The Mission: Brainstorming solutions for hunting access, management rights, and getting the public on board.
How to Throw Your Hat in the Ring
Think you’ve got the vision to help manage Montana’s wild sheep? You have until July 3 to apply.
Here is what you need to email to Region 3 Supervisor Kelly Proffitt (KProffitt@mt.gov):
- Your name and contact info.
- The organization, user group, or specific sector you are representing.
- A quick statement (under 300 words) explaining why you care about bighorn conservation, the perspective you bring to the table, how you’ll loop back with your community, and a confirmation that you actually have the time to show up.
Want more details? Head over to the official Bighorn Sheep Restoration Advisory Panel webpage to dig into the specifics.
