You know you're in Montana when...

[Ben Lamb]

Even the state government takes hunting season seriously. Recieved this from a friend who works for the state, thought it was pretty cool:

The 2011 Hunter Fitness Challenge Archery Season Begins July 25th!


Fun, Prizes, Motivation, More Successful Backcountry Sporting! The Hunter’s Challenge is for anyone who participates in hunting, backpacking or other fall sports and wants a jump start. It’s simple, free, and there are prizes to be won…

Please note: You may sign up for one or both challenges! The Rifle season challenge directly follows the Archery season challenge. Archery begins July 25 and the Rifle season challenge begins on September 12.

If you are interested in participating in this FREE program, just e-mail [email protected] your name, e-mail, and telephone number by Friday, July 22. IN THE SUBJECT LINE, PLEASE PUT “HUNTER FITNESS.” The 2011 Hunter's Challenge Archery Season will begin on July 25. All you need to do is keep track of your activity (either minutes or steps) and turn in the entry page at the end of the challenge(s) to be entered for prizes.

The goal of the program is to train your body to excel at the physical demands that hunting and backcountry sports put on it (like hiking long distances and carrying heavy loads), make your activities more enjoyable, and reduce your risk of getting hurt. Every man and woman can benefit from this program!

If you are interested in participating, just e-mail your name, e-mail, and telephone number to [email protected]. We will send you back an e-mail verifying that you are signed up, and additional information.

You can read more about the program and download entry forms (these are the forms you fill out as you go through the program, and then turn in to us at the end) at http://www.benefits.mt.gov/hunterfitness.mcpx.

Any questions, just let us know. Feel free to forward this to anyone else you think may be interested. We hope you all accept the Challenge this year! The Hunter’s Challenge is sponsored by the State of Montana Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program (SOMHELP).

For more information:
Health Care and Benefits
State of Montana Healthy Employee Lifestyle Program (SOMHELP)

 

[Dinkshooter]

Colorado would most likely sponsor a “how to prepare your ATV for the up coming season” event.

 

[wyoming556]

Colorado would most likely sponsor a “how to prepare your ATV for the up coming season” event.

That would also mean in Texas they are having having a "how to write checks to outfitters for the up coming season" seminar.

 

[Nemont]

Ben,

I have been in meetings with the people who came up with this program and there are starting to be more plans around the state that offer the same thing. Of interest of why the Montana State Employee plan felt it necessary to start and fund such a program. They were seeing a spike in heart attacks each fall as state employees who were hunters hit the woods without preparing themselves for the rigors of physical exertion.

They have some great stats showing how the hunter fitness has impacted their claims in the fall.

Nemont

 

[Ben Lamb]

Ben,

I have been in meetings with the people who came up with this program and there are starting to be more plans around the state that offer the same thing. Of interest of why the Montana State Employee plan felt it necessary to start and fund such a program. They were seeing a spike in heart attacks each fall as state employees who were hunters hit the woods without preparing themselves for the rigors of physical exertion.

They have some great stats showing how the hunter fitness has impacted their claims in the fall.

Nemont

I can believe it. I see a lot of people complaining about the "health walks" that state employees take, etc. I keep thinking to myself, I'd rather they exercise during the day, then go to hospital at night. Employee health means lower premiums on health insurance, etc which means bigger savings to the tax payer. I think these programs are fantastic, and I love that the state is encouraging backcountry hunting, and hunting in general!

 

[yellowdog]

Is this for anyone or just state employees?
YD

 

[Ben Lamb]

http://www.benefits.mt.gov/content/docs/wellness/Hunter_Fitness_Challenge_Rules.pdf

State of Montana employees, retirees and/or their dependents are eligible to participate in the Hunter Fitness Challenge.

 

[JCS]

When I worked for the state, I never participated. I did walk on my lunch and always after work. Sometimes I wore my backpack during lunch. Nobody ever said anything to me. I'm sure they thought I was weird