News & Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 1, 2012
Contact:  Mac Minard, Executive Director
406 449-3578 (office)
406 439-2059 (cell)
moga@mt.net

MOGA Winter Convention and Banquet
January 13 and 14, 2012
Holiday Inn Grand
Billings, Montana

Montana Outfitters and Guides Association is holding its annual Winter Convention and Big Hearts under the Big Sky Banquet at the Holiday Inn Grand in Billings Montana January 13 and 14.  Outfitters business from around the state and many members of the general public along with agency representatives will be in attendance.  The theme for the Convention is Conservation, Tourism and Service. 

Thursday January 12 Highlights

  • Wolf – Straight Talk with Outfitters (6:30 pm) Arrive early enough for this Exclusive airing of Crying Wolf (documentary hosted by film maker Jeff (JD) King. This award winning documentary exposes some of the little known facts about the reintroduction.  After the viewing attendees will be invited to share testimonials and offer suggestions for moving forward.  Sponsored by Wild Sheep Foundation and Dallas Safari Club

Friday January 13 Highlights

  • MOGA Membership Meeting (8:15 am) MOGA members gather to share the state of the Association and plans for the next two years.  Come meet your directors and share your views.  This is an important kick off meeting for the sessions to come.
  • Gubernatorial Candidate Forum (10:30 am) – Come hear from the candidates for Governor themselves and in person.  Questions from the floor will be posed to each.  Be part of the most important election Montanan’s face.
  • Trudy Phippen, Board of Outfitters (1:15 am) discusses online license renewal and much more.  Here is an opportunity to hear first hand where the Board is headed and why.
  • Evan Tipton U of M (12:00 noon) - provides a lunch-time presentation on The Effects of I-161 on land access, finances and impacts to the Outfitting industry and Montana Sportsmen.
  • Connie Chapman with Wounded Warrior Project (4:00 pm) will provide Outfitters a PTSD in-service training.  In our service through BHUBS or just in the everyday operation of your business, returning veterans make up an increasing component of our clients.  Come learn about the effects of war on the men and women of the military.  You will also learn ways to you can interact with them most effectively.

Tradeshow all day

Vendors from around the west will be available to discuss new products and services.  Come and join us.

  • Outfitter Awards Dinner (6:30 pm)

Outfitters and notable individuals are recognized for their achievements in Conservation and Service. 
Sponsored by Safari Club International

Saturday January 14 Highlights

  • Prayer Breakfast (6:00 am) NEW addition to the program and we invite you to share some fellowship with other MOGA members as we prepare for the day ahead.
  • Hank Worsech FWP Licensing (8:00 am) – Do not miss this discussion on the new preference point system and early drawing dates and how you as an outfitter can manage these changes to your benefit.
  • FWP Staff discuss the proposed FWP tentatives (9:00 am) – This important session will help MOGA members better understand the proposed changes in FWP regulations that affect your business.  MOGA positions will be based on Outfitter Member input.
  • Big Hearts under the Big Sky in-service training (1:15 pm) – Come learn from out partners, Catch-a-Dream Foundation, Hunt of a Lifetime, Casting for Recovery and Wounded Warrior Project, what they need from the Outfitter community to make an outstanding trip under this program.

  Sponsored by Wounded Warrior Project and MOGA Educational Institute

  • Outfitter Work Session (2:45 pm) – this is a closed session that will allow the MOGA Outfitter members to work together on a variety of important issues.
  • Big Hearts under the Big Sky Banquet (5:30 pm) - You do not want to miss this years event.  Come meet several of the veterans and children served under the MOGA flagship program.  Listen to Allyn Hulteng, Marketing & Niche Publications Director for the Billings Gazette; provide her insights into this unique and powerful program. 

To Register

To register simply click REGISTRATION and down load the form, fill it out and fax it in to the office. (FAX 406.449.9769) or visit www.montanaoutfitters.org to register.  Click on Upcoming Events.

Where:
Holiday Inn Grand 
5500 Midland Road – Billings, MT. 59101
(888) 465-4329 or (406) 248-7701

Room Reservations:
Please call the Holiday Inn Grand (406) 248-7701 for reservations.  Be sure to mention the MOGA Winter Convention.

If you prefer to book on line you can Click Here  to proceed directly to the reservation desk for Montana Outfitters & Guides Association.

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