In 2023, Gov. Greg Gianforte appointed Jeff Burrows to the Region 2 seat on the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission. He represents the west-central part of the state.
Burrows grew up in the Bitterroot Valley and graduated from Montana Tech in Butte with a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering. He has been married to his wife Jenica for 23 years, and they have two sons, Tyler and Andrew. Burrows has also been a Ravalli County Commissioner since 2012 and part of the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department since 2015.
What inspired you to become a Montana Fish and Wildlife Commissioner?
We live in Montana for the amazing outdoor recreational opportunities and the abundance of fish and wildlife. It is an honor serving on a commission that helps ensure future generations will also be able to enjoy hunting, fishing, trapping and other opportunities that we all cherish.
Can you share a personal experience with Montana's outdoors that shaped your passion for fish and wildlife conservation?
I have so many amazing experiences outdoors, but the most important ones, which also shaped my passion for conservation, are hunting and fishing with my sons and wanting to see those opportunities continue for the next generation.
What unique skills or perspectives do you bring to the commission?
My experience as a Ravalli County Commissioner gives me a unique perspective and helps me better understand the impacts and dynamics of land use, economy, forest management and state and federal policy on fish and wildlife management and vice versa.
What's your favorite Montana species to fish, hunt or observe, and why?
I do not think there is a more rewarding and challenging species to hunt than elk. I also enjoy observing mule deer, and with declining mule deer in some places, I believe we need to ensure we manage for a healthy mule deer population. Like most Montanans, I enjoy catching a variety of our trout species, but the most amazing fish I have caught in Montana is a paddlefish. Pulling a nearly 100-pound fish out of the murky waters of the Missouri River is an amazing experience!
How can the public best engage with you and the commission?
Montanans are passionate about our fish, wildlife and recreation, and every decision by the commission has a public comment opportunity associated. That information that we get from our public is essential. Email communication is the most efficient method to directly reach me, and my email is commissionerregion2@mtfwp.org. All seven of the commissioners' email and phone numbers can be found on the FWP website: fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/commission/members.