The Case Against

Montana

Draw-Lock devices are legal in Montana under their Permit To Modify Archery Equipment system. We're still checking on Mouth-Tabs and Body Braces.

Our members should request, in Montana, the use of crossbow when they write their letter. 

Montana does not have an adequate crossbow application -- thus, we must mail them a request for accommodation packet, which includes:

1) An accommodation request letter, asking the state to allow you to use a crossbow. Each member should write their own personalized letter. A sample accommodation request letter for Montana can be seen in the next section below    >>more>>>

2) The Coalition Universal Medical Form, proving that you are deserving of this accommodation. Each member should fill out their own Universal Medical Form (UMF), and have their doctor sign it. We will be using the same UMF for all states (so you only have to make one visit to the doctor). The UMF can be downloaded here.     >>more>>

3) Any other documents you wish to attach which will help prove your disability, or your discrimination accusations.

The 3 items above should be mailed to:

M. Jeff Hagener, Director
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
1420 East Sixth Avenue
P.O. BOX 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701

* Your accommodation letter should have the following information:

(b) The full name and mailing address of the state you are sending the letter to (available on the website).

(c) What you are requesting -- In this case, you are asking for an accommodation to use a crossbow during the archery season.

(d) What is your disability? Be descriptive.

(e) Why do require the use of a crossbow during the archery season?

(f) Make note of any documents you have attached to this letter. Attachments can include the Universal Medical Form, a disability application from another source, a crossbow permit from another state, and anything else which you believe will strengthen your case. The UMF can be downloaded here.     >>more>>

(g) Finish your letter by thanking them for their consideration and stating you await their immediate response.

Important: This is a request, not a threat -- threats make us look weak. Remember to always act professional.
 

                                                            May 1, 2003

John Doe
123 South Street
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
(762) 146-7123

M. Jeff Hagener, Director
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
1420 East Sixth Avenue
P.O. BOX 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701

Dear Mr. Hagener:

The following letter is a formal request to the State of Montana asking you to grant authorization for me, John Doe, to hunt with a crossbow during the Montana archery season. This accommodation is required to overcome my disability and allow me to hunt as an equal to able-bodied hunters.

In 1989, I suffered a cervical injury that currently prevents me from safely operating a traditional bow. I have attached a form signed by my doctor which details the extent of my injury. Because of this injury, I have received lifetime disabled crossbow permits in Maryland and Virginia (also attached). I need to use a crossbow because I require the assistance of a cocking device to load my bow.

Since Montana does not currently distribute an application to receive a crossbow accommodation, please consider this letter as my application to you. I anticipate your immediate positive response to my request and thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

John Doe

Enclosed:      Medical form signed by Doctor Smith
                    MD, VA Crossbow Archer Permits

Now that Montana is sending us letters rejecting our formal requests for accommodation we will move to stage #2, filing the actual ADA Discrimination Complaint. Filing this complaint is as easy as downloading the ADA (Title II) complaint form below and emailing it to the DOI. You should also download the "Supporting Argument" report, but do not email this to the DOI. You will postal mail this report once a case number and investigator have been assigned to you. Follow the instructions given and email Tom with any questions you have.

The state will be given an opportunity to answer this complaint back to the Department of the Interior and, as it states on the complaint form, we reserve the right to respond to their answer. We will do this as a group.

(Those of you that have not received your letter yet should not panic. It will be good to have these complaints showing up gradually to the Federal government.)

The ADA Complaint Form below has been designed to be filled out on your computer. Please right-click the filenames, and go to Save As.

       ADA Complaint Form & Instructions   MT_ADA.rtf    

              Remember to email this ADA Complaint to the DOI: mike_trujillo@ios.doi.gov

       Supporting Argument     MT_Report.rtf     

              Download this supporting attachment, but do not email it to the DOI. You will postal
              mail this attachment once a case number and investigator have been assigned to you.