Federation News

Greetings MWF Members and Affiliate Club Leaders:

Seeking Past MWF and Statewide Conservation Leaders To Celebrate 75 Years of Conservation Action!!!

May 15, 1936, Placer Hotel, Helena – With representatives from 42 Montana counties, hunters, anglers, landowners, business owners, local rod and gun club members, and legislators gathered to organize Montana’s first statewide organization of hunters and anglers for conservation. The meeting was monumental in the scope of Montana’s wildlife conservation history, people coming together to collectively work for wildlife restoration and management.

It was the birth of Montana Wildlife Federation.

On April 17, 2010, MWF will conduct its 75th meeting since that first gathering. Organizing the event, MWF is hoping that it can find and attract as many of the conservation and wildlife leaders that have contributed so much to Montana and MWF during the past 75 years. These people have been instrumental in establishing and shaping management strategies, influencing Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Commission directions, and a lengthy list of state policies related to our wildlife and habitat legacy and our hunting and angling heritage.  During its 75 year history, MWF members have passionately volunteered tens of thousands of hours to ensure Montana’s fish, wildlife, and hunting and fishing future.  

 Internet searches, going through phone books, and communications with local rod and gun clubs and wildlife groups has provided MWF with some contact information but we are asking for your help.  MWF is enthusiastically inviting past leaders and their families, especially members of local clubs that have contribute so much through the years, to its 75th meeting. 

 The gathering will not only be a tribute to the accomplishments of past conservation leaders but includes an afternoon open to the public forum with presentations and a panel exploring the future of hunting, fishing and conservation in Montana.  Organizing the event, MWF is hoping that it can find and attract as many of the conservation and wildlife leaders that have contributed so much to Montana and MWF during the past 75 years.

 The evening program is wrapped around a traditional Banquet and Fundraising event where current and past conservation leaders can socialize, share stories and renew acquaintances’ while supporting MWF’s work into the future.

MWF leaders, club members and club leaders, and local individuals have had significant influence on wildlife restoration, sustainability, and Montana laws and policies. These people have been instrumental in establishing and shaping wildlife management strategies, influencing Fish, Wildlife, and Parks directions, and a lengthy list of state laws and policies related to our wildlife and habitat legacy and our hunting and angling heritage. 

MWF is enthusiastically inviting leaders and their families and members of local clubs that have contribute so much through the years to its 75th meeting but we are having difficulties in locating some of these people.  Internet searches, going through phone books, and our records has provided MWF with some contact information for the many people that have been influential but we can use your help

We are hoping that you can help us in two ways:

Supply the name and contact information for club members or individuals that have been instrumental in Montana’s wildlife conservation or hunting or angling history.

Supply any historic photos of people and club activities engaged in related efforts (photos will be returned after scanning). 

Please list the person (s) below and any contact information or most recent information that you may have (Including any family contact information – Please feel free to copy this page):

NAME                ADDRESS OR LAST CITY/TOWN (ANY OTHER INFORMATION THAT MAY BE HELPFUL)

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Please mail or email PHOTOS and/or CONTACT INFORMATION at your earliest convenience keeping in mind that it will take us some time to complete our search and to scan the photos  - the earlier the better.

Thank you for considering our request and for helping us to make MWF’s 75th  - a special celebration.

Respectfully,

Craig Sharpe(csharpe@mtwf.org)
Executive Director Montana Wildlife Federation