Where to Start
Whether hunting public or private land the successful hunter will spend time scouting an area and talking with locals to identify good hunting opportunities and establish personal relationships.
The first thing you will need is a good set of maps. FWP publishes the Directory of Montana
Maps (
466 KB) which provides a listing of all agency and local government contacts where you can
find land ownership information. Also, contact the Bureau of Land
Management 
, U.S. Forest
Service , the US Geological
Survey , or a local sporting goods store for a map of the area you intend to hunt. Land
ownership changes over time. It's a good idea to verify public ownership with your local land
management agency. You can also verify public and private land ownership on the web through the Montana Department
of Administration Cadastral Mapping Project .
Montana Hunter Access Laws
All hunters should have a good understanding of Montana's access laws. The law requires every hunter to have permission from the landowner, lessee or agent before hunting on private property regardless of whether the land is posted or not. It is every hunter's responsibility to know the land ownership of the area he intends to hunt and any land use restrictions that may apply there.
Marias River State Park and WMA Hunting Access
The FWP Commission recently approved a random drawing for deer-hunter access to Montana's new Marias River State Park and Wildlife Management Area. [Learn more]
