Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte picked up an endorsement on Wednesday from the Montana trappers Association.

President of the organization Toby Walrath explained why the group's board of directors made the decision to back the Bozeman businessman who is seeking to unseat the incumbent Democrat Steve Bullock.

"This is the first time that the Montana Trappers Association has ever endorsed a candidate for any position in Montana," Walrath said. "But, given Greg Gianforte's support from day one throughout the year, financially and in person and with very concerned phone calls following up with our issues in the political realm, he has demonstrated without reservation that he supports trappers and trapping, so it's very difficult for our board of directors to acknowledge his support, and so we did provide an endorsement for Greg Gianforte,"

Gianforte responded to the endorsement while campaigning in Billings.

“Trapping is part of our Montana way of life. Susan and I raised all four of our kids here in Montana. My daughter and I spent many days trapping as she grew up in Bozeman. They’re memories I will never forget.  Make no mistake, the effort to stop trapping in Montana is an attack on our heritage. As your next governor, I will defend Montana’s way of life.”

More From 96.3 The Blaze