HELENA – Restoration projects for bighorn sheep face many challenges, especially in areas dominated by private land. To help identify these challenges and potential solutions Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is creating the Bighorn Sheep Restoration Advisory Panel.
"Many private lands around the state offer excellent habitat potential for bighorn sheep and can provide important restoration opportunities," said Quentin Kujala, FWP's chief of conservation policy. "We're looking for a diverse group of passionate individuals to help us create ways to evaluate private land restoration projects and solve challenges we may encounter."
The panel will serve in a temporary capacity for five months and will be appointed by FWP Director Christy Clark. The panel's objective is to advise FWP on how to address the concerns of private landowners and hunters surrounding bighorn sheep restoration on private land.
Potential panel members should have a strong interest in bighorn sheep restoration and be available to meet monthly from August through December. The panel will identify challenges and solutions related to hunting access, management authority and landowner and public support. The group's recommendations will provide additional guidance for FWP decision-making.
The panel will meet monthly in person and with a virtual option from August to December. The meetings are expected to be all or parts of two days.
To apply for the panel, please submit the following information by July 3:
- Your name and contact information
- The organization, user group or interest sector you would represent
- A brief statement (300 words or less) describing:
- Your interest in bighorn sheep restoration and conservation
- The perspective or constituency you would bring to the advisory panel
- Your ability to engage with and represent your organization, user group or interest sector throughout the process
- Your availability to commit to monthly meetings from August through December 2026
For more information about the panel, visit the Bighorn Sheep Restoration Advisory Panel webpage. Application materials can be emailed to Region 3 supervisor Kelly Proffitt at KProffitt@mt.gov.