University of Montana

The Boone and Crockett University Program at the University of Montana has sought to broaden its curriculum by incorporating fields beyond traditional wildlife biology, including law, communications, political science, public administration, energy, and agriculture/forestry. This is evident in courses such as “State Conservation Policy, Models of Wildlife Conservation, and Private Lands Management and Policy. The program has also supported students pursuing master’s degrees in public administration.

By the Numbers 15 Fellows 13 peer-reviewed publications	2 popular articles 2 presentations Endowed Professorship - Dr. Joshua Millspaugh

Policy-focused training is a core component of our program. Students conduct research on policy-relevant topics, like evaluating state and federal wildlife management authority or dedicated conservation funding. The program offers specialized policy courses and facilitates training sessions, such as a “policy boot camp, for all University Program students. Additionally, students are encouraged to take elective courses in areas like conflict resolution, natural resources policy, and business administration.

The program’s research, teaching, and service activities are closely aligned with the Boone and Crockett Club’s mission and strategic priorities. Examples include:

Advancing understanding of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation through courses and student research.
Promoting multiple-use and private/public land management through projects studying species’ responses to energy development, sustainable ranch management, and pronghorn migration.
Improving wildlife health, such as research on chronic wasting disease management.
Increasing emphasis on habitat management for big game and other wildlife through projects on elk, pronghorn, and white-tailed deer.
Advancing the role of hunting in society, including a Wild Sustenance course that teaches hunting skills and ethics and research on hunting regulation complexity.

To ensure alignment with the Club’s mission and policies, the program engages its management committee to review funding expenditures and leveraging. In 2024, the program was supported by a variety of sources, including government agencies, foundations, and private companies, totaling $3.2 million in research expenditures. For every Boone and Crockett dollar invested, the program raised an additional $15 in funding.

The program leader, Josh Millspaugh, taught the Wild Sustenance course at both the University of Montana and SUNY. In 2024, the program produced 13 peer-reviewed publications on topics such as foraging ecology of large herbivores, mammal community changes along urban-wild gradients, black bear density and habitat use, and the effects of energy development on mule deer. The program also published two popular articles and participated in various professional activities, including serving on advisory groups.