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Introduction

While the environmental and conservation movement in the United States is extraordinarily diverse, hunters and anglers continue to play a pivotal role as leaders, check-writers, and activists. Whether directly working on a habitat improvement project, writing a congressman, or instructing a young hunter on the importance of good wildlife habitat, sportsmen and women around the country are actively engaged in protecting fish and wildlife resources every day.

The Montana Wildlife Federation (MWF) and the National Wildlife Federation (NWF) have long played a leading role in protecting wildlife habitat and in promoting fish and wildlife conservation.

The MWF was organized in 1936 by hunters and fishermen from around to state to give sportsmen a voice in fish and wildlife policy. Today, the MWF is made up of 24 local rod and gun clubs and has a membership of over 8,000.

In 1936, the MWF and other state wildlife organizations convened in Washington, DC at the call of President Franklin Roosevelt to address the grave problems facing fish and wildlife at the height of the "dustbowl" years. One result of this meeting was the creation of the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), which would address regional and national conservation issues. To this day, a Board of Directors elected by state organizations, including the MWF, governs the NWF. State affiliates also set national policy through resolutions that are voted on at NWF's annual meeting.

Both the MWF and the NWF believe that support for conservation must be built from the grassroots up. We encourage you to take a look at our positions and to become involved in helping to develop them. The continued leadership of hunters and anglers is critical to the future of the conservation movement - so stay informed and get involved.