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FWP’s private land access programs help both hunter, landowners
Author: Fish

HELENA -- In Montana, a good day in the field requires access. Often that access is to private lands.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has several access programs that help both hunters and landowners navigate hunting season. Understanding these programs and how to utilize them can turn a frustrating hunting season into a successful one for hunters.

Block Management is Montana’s cornerstone private land access program. This program partners with nearly 1,400 landowners around Montana to provide access to nearly 7 million acres of private land.

Accessing this program is relatively simple. Hunters can simply go online and find the Block Management Area (BMA) they wish to hunt, get the map and rules and then simply follow the rules for gaining access.

For many hunters, figuring out where to hunt is all part of the planning process and that can include finding some BMAs to explore, or it can mean looking into other FWP access opportunities.

For hunters looking to plan their hunts, the FWP Hunt Planner is an exceptional tool. This interactive mapping tool allows hunters to explore all of FWP’s access opportunities, including Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program property, conservation easements, habitat leases, public land access agreements and much more.

A key point to remember is that all these programs and the private lands enrolled in them have specific access rules. It’s the hunter’s responsibility to know the rules of the land they are accessing. Breaking these rules is the same as breaking the law.

Getting the maps and rules for private lands enrolled in FWP access programs can be done either in person at a regional office, or conveniently through the FWP Hunt Planner at

https://fwp.mt.gov/gis/maps/huntPlanner/

Remember, plan ahead for access, be respectful and ethical in the field, and don’t forget to say thank you to landowners who allow access. It’s up to us. Respect access. Protect the hunt.

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