Access: Ask Early Don't Wait

Friday, August 15, 2008
Hunting

This article was Archived on Monday, September 15, 2008

Montana’s some 23,000 landowners own nearly 60 million acres of private land, much of with excellent hunting. The only catch is gaining the landowner’s permission to hunt. It is Montana law that hunters obtain landowner permission to hunt on all private land.

Here are a few things to keep in mind that will greatly improve results when attempting to secure hunting access to private land.

• Show courtesy to the landowner and make hunting arrangements by calling or visiting at times convenient to the landowner.
• Plan ahead and secure permission well in advance of the actual hunting date.
• Provide complete information about yourself and your hunting companions, including vehicle descriptions and license numbers.
• Explain what type of hunting you wish to do, and and be sure to ask any questions which can help clarify the conditions of access.
• Follow the landowners instructions, and bring with you only the companions for whom you obtained landowner permission.
• Be sure to thank the landowner after your hunt.

You might also consider sending a followup note expressing your appreciation for being granted the privilege of hunting on private land, or offer to share the harvest.

For details on access to private and public hunting lands, see the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks web site at fwp.mt.gov and look on the Hunting pages.