OPI Announces Partnership To Promote Outdoor Recreation
A new partnership between the Montana O e of Public Instruction and onX seeks to encourage students to explore the outdoors and “embrace healthy lifestyles rooted in Montana’s outdoor heritage.”
In an announcement on Wednesday, April 8, OPI described the partnership as encouraging Montana students ages 12-17 to complete a certified hunter safety course, and in doing so, will be eligible to receive a free one-year subscription to onX Hunt Premium.
OnX is a Montana-based mobile mapping software company popular with hunters and outdoor enthusiasts for its maps that show detailed landownership in the state — key for hunters on public lands.
“Montana’s outdoor heritage is one of our greatest traditions, passed down from generation to generation,” Superintendent Susie Hedalen said in a statement. “As an avid outdoorswoman and hunter, myself, I know firsthand how time spent outdoors promotes both physical and mental health. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to raising healthy, confident young Montanans who understand safety, responsibility and stewardship. I want to sincerely thank onX for being such a strong proponent of this eort. Their dedication to conservation and public land access helps us inspire students to get outside, be active, and develop a lifelong love for our great outdoors.”
The press release states that by incentivizing participation in hunter safety courses, OPI and onX are able to work together to promote responsible recreation and healthy outdoor activity among the next generation of outdoorsmen and women.
The partnership highlights the importance of hunter education, which includes firearm safety, responsible outdoor practices, and conservation principles, while also including the importance of understanding private property, block management, and public land access, all of which onX helps support.
“Knowing where you stand isn’t just onX Hunt’s tagline, it’s essential for every hunter,” said Kevin Vine, business development manager at onX. “onX is proud to partner with the Montana O e of Public Instruction to promote ethical and responsible hunting for Montana’s next generation of hunters.”
According to the press release, OPI will continue working to expand access to hunter education opportunities across the state by encouraging more students to enroll in hunters’ education courses and supporting stronger partnerships between schools and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks to oer these programs. OPI aims to ensure that more students gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to participate in Montana’s outdoor traditions safely and responsibly by increasing availability and awareness of these courses.
“These kinds of partnerships give an extra boost to our education program, which is critical for kids to learn how to be safe and ethical hunters, while also understanding the important role private landowners play in Montana’s hunting heritage,” FWP director Christy Clark said.
Students and parents can learn more information and access the student submission link at the Welcome to the Hunter Education Incentive Partnership page.
