Hunting in Montana: 6 Great Public Hunting Lands

Montana encompasses 147,040 square miles of terrain, including mountains, canyons, grassy lands, riverlands, and forests that create prime areas for wildlife to live and thrive. The Montana population in July 2022 was 1,122,867. Therefore, the animal populations in Montana are more numerous than the number of people. In some areas, there are three to four animals for every person.

This state is a paradise for hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. 20 out of every 100 people in the state are registered hunters. Because of these numbers, Montana is one of the top three states for hunting. Moreover, there is a wide variety of animal species hunted in Montana, including:

• bears, both black and grizzly
• deer, both mule deer and white-tail
• pronghorn antelope
• elk
• moose
• mountain goats
• mountain lions
• bighorn sheep
• turkeys and game birds
• wolves
• bison
• rabbits
• waterfowl
• squirrels

Residents of Montana can hunt on private lands, on hunting leases, and on different public access lands. In some instances, non-residents can also hunt on the public hunting lands.

Benefits of Public Hunting Lands

Public hunting lands in Montana provide land that everyone, regardless of their income, can hunt and enjoy the great outdoors. Moreover, hunting is more than just the killing of animals. Hunters learn to appreciate animals and respect the animals that they hunt for. The children who grow up learning about hunting and fishing are aware of the world around them and grow up respecting animals, nature, and their own abilities to survive.

The benefits most recognized as a result of public hunting lands are:

• There is no charge to hunt on public lands.
• Hunting helps maintain population control of the animal species.
• Parents can teach their children to love nature while doing outdoor activities.
• The state makes more money from selling hunting and fishing licenses.

1. FWP Land

The pronghorn antelope is one of the large game animals hunted on Montana public lands. Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks maintains public hunting lands in Montana that offer all residents the opportunity to hunt the variety of wildlife in the state. Also, some of the FWP lands have camping areas established on them.

Restrictions and Requirements for Hunting on FWP Lands

• Hunters must be licensed to hunt in the state; when the hunter is a nonresident, they must have a Montan hunting license valid for the days they are hunting.
• Motorized vehicle use is permitted in select areas.
• When hunting, you must observe legal hunting seasons.

The FWP public hunting lands in Montana are divided into seven regions.

• Region One is in northwest Montana. There are 15 state parks located in this region.
• Region Two is in west-central Montana. There are 11 state parks located in this region.
• Region Three is in southwest Montana. Eight state parks are located in this region.
• Region Four is in north-central Montana. Ten state parks are located in this region.
• Region Five is in south-central Montana. Five state parks are located in this region.
• Region Six is in northeast Montana. Six state parks share locations in regions six and seven.
• Region Seven is in southeast Montana.

2. State Trust Lands

State Trust Lands are great public hunting lands in Montana managed by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), covering 5.5 million acres. The money raised through hunting on state lands supports the Montana public school system.

Large game animals like elk, moose, and mountain goats live on the State Trust Lands. The sheep population in this area is three times greater than the population of humans.

Also, the Department of Corrections at Warm Springs provides special hunting permits for the Montana State Prison Ranch. The Department of Corrections manages access, regulations, and requirements for prison ranch hunting.

Restrictions and Requirements for Hunting on State Trust Lands

• All hunters must have a valid State Recreational Use License.
• According to Montana Fish and Wildlife, hunting is limited to the animals in season.
• Open to residents and non-residents.

3. National Forest Lands

There are 16 million acres of national forest in the state of Montana. The majority of the national forest lands have easy access from public roads. Hunters must follow all safety protocols established by Montana Fish and Game. Hunters under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or a licensed adult carrying a written note of permission from the minor’s parent or guardian.

Restrictions and Requirements for Hunting on National Forest Lands

• All hunters must have a valid State Recreational Use License.
• According to Montana Fish and Wildlife, hunting is limited to the animals in season.
• Open to residents and non-residents.
• Hunters crossing private property must get permission from the property owner in writing.

4. BLM Lands

Restrictions and Requirements for Hunting on Bureau of Land Management Lands

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees 8 million acres of great public hunting land in Montana. Hunters find black bears and grizzly bears on these lands. These lands are accessible via public roads and waterways. Off-road vehicles are restricted on BLM lands.

• All hunters must have a valid State Recreational Use License.
• Meet the age limitations for hunting in Montana and possess proof of completing a hunting safety course unless otherwise exempt.
• According to Montana Fish and Wildlife, hunting is limited to when the animals are in season.
• Open to residents and non-residents.
• Hunters crossing private property must get permission from the property owner in writing.

5. US Bureau of Reclamation Lands

The US Bureau of Reclamation in Montana oversees 200,000 acres of public hunting land in Montana. Many elk live on these lands. Residents and non-residents of the state can legally hunt on these 200,000 acres. However, strict rules apply, and all hunters must prove their identity when a state game warden approaches them.

Restrictions and Requirements for Hunting on US Bureau Of Reclamation Lands

• Hunters must access the land via legal public access roads. Also, motor vehicle operation is restricted to established roads in the area.
• Equally important, hunters must have a valid hunting license and a secondary source of identification with their picture and signature.

6. National Refuges and Waterfowl Production Areas

Ten natural wildlife refuges in the state offer great public hunting lands in Montana. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) controls these areas of the state. Therefore, hunting on these lands is by permit only, and some lands have restrictions banning hunting.

Before hunting on these lands, contact the Wildlife Refuge Service and discuss the restrictions and requirements. Also, prospective hunters will need valid hunting licenses for Montana.

Summary of 6 Great Public Hunting Lands in Montana