Montana Forms Panel To Tackle Bighorn Sheep Restoration Challenges

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is forming a temporary advisory panel to help address challenges tied to bighorn sheep restoration on private lands, where much of the state’s suitable habitat exists.

The Bighorn Sheep Restoration Advisory Panel will focus on identifying obstacles and potential solutions related to restoring populations in areas dominated by private ownership, according to the agency.

“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 develop ways to evaluate private land restoration projects and solve challenges we may encounter.”

The panel will serve for five months, from August through December 2026, and will be appointed by FWP Director Christy Clark. Members will meet monthly, either in person or virtually, with meetings expected to last up to two days.

The group will advise FWP on concerns from private landowners and hunters, including issues related to hunting access, management authority, and building landowner and public support. Recommendations from the panel will help guide agency decisions.

FWP is seeking applicants with a strong interest in bighorn sheep conservation who can represent an organization, user group or interest sector. Applicants must be available for monthly meetings during the panel’s term.

To apply, individuals must submit their name, contact information, affiliation and a statement of 300 words or less outlining their interest, perspective, ability to represent their group and availability. Applications are due by July 3.