Missoula, MT – The U.S. Department of Education interpreted Section 13401 of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act to prevent schools from utilizing federal education funding to support archery and firearm training courses, including for hunter education.
Following blowback, the Biden administration on Monday defended its interpretation of the law.
According to the state officials, Governor Greg Gianforte released the following statement.
“Hunting and shooting sports are deeply rooted traditions in Montana, and training is an important component of developing safe, responsible, and ethical hunters, shooters, and bowhunters.
This week, the Department defended its interpretation of the law jeopardizing these training programs, offering to “provide technical assistance on legislative language to address this issue.” This is a wholly insufficient, bureaucratic response.
I urge the Department to act without delay to reverse its decision and issue new guidance to protect archery and hunter education programs in Montana schools.”
