A Montana Partnership

A cooperative program between private landowners and FWP, Block Management helps landowners manage hunting activities and provides the public with free hunting access to private land, and sometimes to adjacent or isolated public lands. Block Management addresses fall hunting only-spring bear and turkey hunting access are typically not included in the program.

Block Management Basics (155 KB)

There is no charge to hunt on block management lands (referred to as Block Management Areas or BMAs). Program funding comes from the sale of various licenses, including the resident and nonresident hunting access enhancement fee, nonresident upland gamebird licenses, nonresident combination deer/elk licenses, and chances sold in the Supertag license lottery.

Landowner participation in block management is voluntary. Contracts are negotiated annually in the spring and summer. After enrollment is complete, each FWP administrative region publishes a Hunter Access Guide, which lists the block management opportunities available to you for the current season. These regional guides are made available August 15, annually.

Formally started in 1985 and expanded significantly in 1996, Block Management has provided free public hunting experiences across the state since its inception. Positive working relationships have been formed between landowners, hunters, and resource managers. The future looks promising, but is dependent on you. By following the rules for the BMA, as well as demonstrating courteous, legal and ethical behavior, sportsmen and women can do their part to assure future access to private lands in Montana.

Block Management Opportunities Abound

For the 2013 hunting season, approximately 1,240 landowners have enrolled about 7.8 million acres of land in the Block Management Program. By researching your options, you can probably find a block management hunting opportunity that fits with your needs. (2014 information will be available August 15, 2014)

August 22, 2014 is the first date BMA reservations can be made for those BMA’s which require reservations. Some BMA’s do not start issuing reservations until later dates. See individual BMA rules for more details.