The northwest corner of Montana is big, wild country defined by pristine lakes and rivers, vast forests, and sprawling mountain ranges. The region is part of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem, which represents one of the most intact ecosystems in the world. The expansive landscape is home to a rich diversity of wildlife and nearly all of North America's large mammals, including grizzly bears, mountain lions, wolves, lynx, deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats.
A large portion of the region is in public ownership, with millions of acres open to hunting and other outdoor recreation activities.
The wildest rivers in Montana and the most natural lakes are located here, including the largest natural freshwater lake in the West, the 125,000-acre Flathead Lake. There are more than 3,000 miles of fishable stream flowing through the region, providing critical habitat for westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, and other fish species.
Frontcountry and backcountry recreation opportunities are abundantly available, such as hiking, camping, riding, and boating.
This region is bound by the Flathead Indian Reservation to the south, Glacier National Park and the U.S.-Canada border to the north, the Montana-Idaho border to the west and spans the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex to the east.
New in 2026
FWP announces special youth turkey hunt drawing in Flathead Valley
This spring Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is organizing a special youth turkey hunt in the Flathead Valley. This unique opportunity, held in partnership with the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), is designed to provide young hunters with an educational experience alongside mentors in the field.
The hunt is scheduled for May 2-3, 2026. To ensure safety and success, all selected youth hunters must be accompanied by a legal parent or guardian and a volunteer from the NWTF.
Any private landowners interested in partnering with FWP and NWTF to provide access to youth hunters should contact Matthew Cowan at Matthew.Cowan@mt.gov.
The application is free for both Montana residents and non-residents. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be between the ages of 10 and 15.
- Possess a valid hunting license for the current year.
- Submit only one application; duplicates will result in disqualification.
How to Apply
The application period opens March 2, 2026.
Applications are due to the FWP office by March 20, 2026.
- In Person: FWP Office, 490 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell, MT 59901
- Via Email: Send completed applications to fwprg12@mt.gov
- Mail: Must be received by March 20
The drawing will be held on March 21 during the NWTF banquet at The Rendezvous in Columbia Falls. While additional applications will be accepted in person at the banquet, applicants do not need to be present to win.
Selected hunters and their guardians are required to attend a mandatory pre-hunt orientation on May 1. The orientation will take place at the Flathead Valley Clay Target Club in Kalispell.
For more information, contact Matthew Cowan at Matthew.Cowan@mt.gov.
