Campaign 2012

Hill says if elected, he will revamp MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Posted: Aug 21, 2012 5:03 AM by Melissa Anderson - MTN News
Updated: Aug 21, 2012 5:03 AM

HELENA - Republican candidate for governor Rick Hill says if elected he plans to revamp the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks department, starting at the top.

During a press conference in Helena on Monday, Hill said that it's time to bring trust back into Montana's wildlife management.

He believes the system is out of balance and that FWP has lost its way.

Hill said, "People are saying to me that Fish, Wildlife & Parks has lost its mission, has lost its sense of purpose. Confrontation has replaced cooperation and whether it's landowners or sportsmen and women or anglers, just about every group is expressing frustration with the administration of Fish, Wildlife & Parks."

We contacted Fish, Wildlife & Parks, and Governor Brian Schweitzer's office, who told us they have no comment at this time.

Hill's opponent in November, Democrat and current MT Attorney General Steve Bullock, was quick to respond to Hill's plan.

Bullock spokesman Kevin O'Brien said that Bullock is the only candidate in the race who is a hunter and fisher and that unlike Hill, Bullock's position is clear: public access, public wildlife and professional management.

O'Brien also said that Bullock is the only candidate who has stood up in court to protect the rights of hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to access public lands and streams.