With hunting season just getting started, our friends at Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) reminds hunters and all outdoor enthusiasts to be good stewards of the land, and to respect both private and public property. Although most hunters respect the land, property, and wildlife they are hunting, many others do not. Every hunting season, there are reports of vandalizing of Block Management Area (BMA) boxes, hunters driving off road, illegal trespassing, hunters being shot over, littering, and livestock being shot. Below are just a few things hunters and all outdoor enthusiasts should be aware of when enjoying our state’s many resources:
– Littering: not only is it careless and unsightly, it’s against the law. This includes toilet paper and proper management of human waste. – Be aware of fire danger at all times and use precautions. – Stay weed free: Check clothes, dogs, ATVs, and vehicles for weeds and weed seeds to help prevent the spread to other private and public lands. – Leave gates as you find them: If a gate is closed, close it behind you. If it’s obviously open, leave it open. If you’re unsure, contact the landowner or public land agency.
– Camping: overnights are allowed on most public lands (see agency regulations), but permission is needed to camp on private property and BMAs. – Know your target and beyond: Hunters must be sure of what they’re shooting at (species, sex, etc.) and know what lies beyond their target (houses, outbuildings, livestock, vehicles, other hunters). – Ask for permission to hunt: Montana law requires permission for all hunting on private land. Even if the land is not posted, hunters must have permission from the landowner, lessee, or their agent before hunting on private property.
– Fill out BMA slips completely: If a hunter doesn’t correctly fill out a block management slip, they are hunting without permission. – Accessing public lands: Access to public lands (on a private road) through private land requires permission of the private landowner, lessee, or their agent.
– Know where you are located: Whether you’re hunting public or private land, as well as land enrolled in an access program such as block management, it is every hunter’s responsibility to know where they are to avoid trespassing. Maps are always available, as are GPS chips and cell phone apps to aid in orientation. – Driving off road: While hunting on private property, a person may not drive off established roads or trails without landowner permission. Off-road travel on public land, including game retrieval, is prohibited unless designated as open. Consult appropriate land agency or land maps for specifics. – Avoid driving on muddy roads: Unless it’s a well-graveled road, walk. – Avoid ridge driving and driving to overlooks: Not only is this a poor strategy while hunting, it’s considered as driving off road if it’s not already an established trail.
– Know the rules: Consult BMA maps for specific rules on block management property, including driving on roads, parking areas, no shooting zones, walk-in only areas, camping, number of hunters allowed, game retrieval, etc. Rules for most land agencies can be found on maps and/or on brochures. Go to the appropriate agency website or local office for information.
– Report violations: report any hunting and fishing, trespassing, vandalism, or other criminal activity you see to 1-800-TIPMONT (1-800-847-6668). Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 for providing information that leads to a conviction.
Also remember that the fall is a very busy time for landowners. Cattle and other livestock are being moved from their summer and/or fall pastures and are often brought near the home site for winter feeding and care. Please use common sense and respect when around these activities. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, through its employees and citizen commission, provides for the stewardship of the fish, wildlife, parks, and recreational resources of Montana, while contributing to the quality of life for present and future generations. Learn more at fwp.mt.gov. •
