February 5, 2009. Glenn Hockett of Gallatin Wildlife Association reports that HB 253 has failed in committee. This is very unfortunate and evidence again that Montana government does not support wild bison. Thanks to all the Montanans who do; supporters of HB 253 outnumbered detractors by 4 to 1 during the recent committee hearing.

Help restore buffalo as valued native wildlife in Montana

The Greater Yellowstone Region is home to America's largest genetically pure and truly wild buffalo herd. Buffalo symbolize the natural and cultural heritage of Yellowstone and the West. It is time to manage wild buffalo as valued, native wildlife in Montana. Join us in making a commitment to restoring and conserving wild buffalo populations in Montana.

Montana Buffalo: In 2009, Montana citizens have an opportunity to lead the way, putting years of wasteful and divisive wild buffalo management behind us. The Montana Wild Buffalo Recovery and Conservation Act of 2009 is a bi-partisan first step toward returning bison management to wildlife professionals, while respecting and protecting property rights. The Act establishes a foundation upon which creative solutions and a new commitment to wild buffalo in Montana can be built. It will:

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1. Restore buffalo as "valued, native wildlife in the state of Montana."

2. Restore Montana, Fish, Wildlife and Parks' authority for management of wild bison including fair chase, public hunting.

3. Ensure private property rights and livestock are protected, by maintaining cooperation with the Department of Livestock at MCA 81-2-121.

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Here is how you can help: Please let your local legislator know about your support for the Montana Wild Buffalo Recovery and Conservation Act of 2009 by calling 444-4800. Montana hunters, landowners, outfitters, local communities, wildlife advocates and other concerned citizens are joining together to ensure their elected officials know we value wild buffalo as treasured native wildlife.

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Public Meetings: Two public meetings thus far have been scheduled to discuss HB 253 sponsored by the Gallatin Wildlife Association and the Natural Resources Defense Council. They are:

Wednesday, January 21, 6:30 - 8:00 PM - Bozeman - at Bozeman Public Library Community Room

Thursday, January 22, 4:30 - 6:00 PM - West Yellowstone - at the West Yellowstone Library Community Room

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For More Information Contact::
Glenn Hockett, Gallatin Wildlife Association, Bozeman, MT - glhockett@bresnan.net or 586-1729

Karrie Taggart, Horse Butte Neighbor of Buffalo, West Yellowstone, MT - karrietaggart@yahoo.com or 646-5140

Jim "JB" Klyap, Dome Mountain Ranch, Emigrant, MT - jim@domemountainranch.com or 333-4361

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We in Buffalo Allies of Bozeman want to thank our friends in the Gallatin Wildlife Association for pushing and supporting this measure and to Rep. Mike Phillips for the courage to draft and sponsor the legislation.

Buffalo Allies of Bozeman has also issued a press release in support of HB 253, as has Buffalo Field Campaign. Bill Schneider of New West has also written in support of the bill. We believe that a bill like this is a good step toward establishing year round habitat for buffalo in Montana, a necessary consequence of valuing bison as native wildlife in Montana.