The United Property Owners of Montana (UPOM) - a group representing wealthy, out-of-state interests and some resident landowners - filed suit in May 2022 against the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Fish and Wildlife Commission to try to dismantle public elk hunting opportunities throughout the Big Sky State.

UPOM has tried time and again to advance its radical ideas, which include handing over coveted bull elk tags to private landowners and reducing elk hunting opportunities on public lands.

After failing to impose these changes on Montanans both during the 2021 Montana legislature and as part of the biennial season-setting process in front of the Fish and Wildlife Commission, UPOM is trying to use the courts to overturn hunting regulations that were developed through the public process. This time, they’re also pushing for an immediate, large-scale reduction in elk populations.

Simply put, UPOM is hell bent on privatizing elk hunting in Montana...and they won't stop until they get unlimited bull tags for themselves and their clients.

Montana’s hunters cannot stand idly by and ignore these direct attacks on public elk hunting. Helena Hunters and Anglers, Hellgate Hunters and Anglers, Montana Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Montana Bowhunters Association, Montana Wildlife Federation, Public Land Water Access Association and Skyline Sportsmen's Association have formally intervened in the lawsuit. These groups reject UPOM’s agenda and are committed to defending our elk hunting heritage and traditions for Montana hunters and future generations to enjoy.