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Post-presidential debate poll shows a shift in WI; Teamsters won't endorse in presidential race after releasing internal polling showing most members support Trump; IL energy jobs growth is strong but lacks female workers; Pregnant, Black Coloradans twice as likely to die than the overall population.

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The Teamsters choose not to endorse a presidential candidate, county officials in Texas fight back against state moves to limit voter registration efforts, and the FBI investigate suspicious packages sent to elections offices in at least 17 states.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Rocky Mtn. Front Hunting Industry Weathers the Recession

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Wednesday, August 3, 2011   

CHOTEAU, Mont. - The hunting business is holding its own along the Rocky Mountain Front, remaining strong even during the recession.

Hunting always has been considered good business in Montana, whether setting up shop in the industry or successfully bagging big game and birds. New data from Montana's Fish, Wildlife and Parks departments shows that sportsmen hunting the Rocky Mountain Front spent a little more during the middle of the recession.

The industry brings in about $10 million a year.

Randy Newman, host of the television series "On Your Own Adventures," says the numbers should make an important point in light of the tough time conservation bills have had in Congress recently.

"For those who want to try and make the argument that, oh, this is stifling economic development, that is not the case. The data shows it's not the case."

The economic data is being used to support the Rocky Mountain Front Heritage Act, which was written by local stakeholders after three years of meetings and is promoted as keeping the area "as is." Criticism has come from some off-roading groups, who want more trails than now exist.

Joe Perry, a Brady-area farmer, calls the Act an "insurance policy" to keep economic numbers strong by maintaining the way the area is managed now.

"While we may not agree on how much should be wilderness and how much should not, almost all of us agree that we want it to stay just like it is right now."

Stoney Burk, a Choteau businessman and hunter, says the new economic data isn't surprising and sees the Front as a "big game factory."

"You know, I hear these values that people put on there for dollars, like $10 million a year. I see that. My wife owns a restaurant here, and I've lived here, and you think about all of the motels and all the food, and all the clothing, and the fuel - and it's a tremendous value."

State data shows most hunters visit the Front for upland game birds, deer and elk. Some also hunt for antelope, bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goats.

Outdoor recreation statewide contributes about $2.5 billion to Montana's economy and is connected to about 34,000 jobs, according to the Outdoor Industry Foundation.

The data shared by a group of local sportsmen is posted at savethefront.org.


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