Elk NetworkMontana Seeks Applications from Landowners to Expand Public Access

General | March 9, 2021

Below is a news release from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting applications from landowners who are interested in participating in the 2021 Block Management Program. Block Management is a cooperative effort between landowners and FWP to help manage wildlife and public hunting activities on enrolled lands.

Through the Block Management Program, landowners and FWP enter into voluntary agreements that determine how hunting will be conducted on the landowner’s property. Details such as permission requirements, times when permission will be granted, hunting opportunities provided, and vehicle use are a few examples of what is covered in an agreement.

Block Management offers various benefits to landowners enrolled in the program. These benefits include assistance of FWP staff to help monitor hunting activities, compensation to help offset impacts associated with allowing public hunting, wildlife management, a free subscription to “Montana Outdoors” and a complimentary, non-transferable sportsman or big game combination (non-resident) license. Landowners do not relinquish any rights by enrolling and are covered by Montana’s recreational liability statute as well as livestock loss reimbursement, both of which are extended to landowners who allow access at no charge.

Yearly budgets are limited, so lands offered for enrollment are prioritized on a region-wide basis. Habitat quality, regional access needs, and hunter opportunity are considered while prioritizing properties.

For more information, or to receive an application packet, interested landowners can contact their local biologist, warden or FWP hunting access coordinator. Here is a list of hunting access coordinators by FWP region:

Regions 1 and 2: Kendra McKlosky, 406-529-2008

Region 3: Coleen O’Rourke, 406-577-7867

Region 4: Derrick Miller, 406-454-5871

Region 5: Dale Nixdorf, 406-247-2959

Region 6: Tim Potter, 406-228-3708

Region 7: Travis Muscha, 406-234-0929

(Photo source:  Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks)