MENU
Permission is required to hunt Bad Rock Canyon WMA
Bad Rock Canyon Wildlife Management Area near Columbia Falls provides seasonal recreation opportunities, including limited hunting for certain game species. Permission is required to hunt Bad Rock Canyon WMA and is issued on a limited basis.
See below information for specific seasonal opportunities and applications.
Map (PDF)
Applications may be submitted:
In person at FWP, 490 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell, MT 59901
Via email (please call 406-752-5501 to obtain the correct email address)
By mail to FWP, 490 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell, MT 59901
Youth 2-Day Deer Hunt and General Rifle Season
Applications open from Sept. 1-30, 2024 - Application (PDF)
From the start of the youth hunt through the general hunting season, public access is limited at the WMA to hunting only.
Permission is required to hunt Bad Rock Canyon WMA and is issued on a limited basis.
Permission is administered by a random drawing. Hunting occurs Thursday through Sunday or Monday if a holiday
All species may be hunted on this WMA with valid licenses during this season. This WMA is in Deer/Elk Hunting District 170.
Only youth hunters ages 10-15 and hunters with a permit to hunt from a vehicle (PTHFV) are eligible to hunt on the WMA, Thursdays-Sundays and Monday holidays.
Hunters are required to access the WMA from designated parking areas by Highway 2 at River Road or at the BPA powerline corridor.
Archery Season
Applications open from July 1-31, 2024 - Application (PDF)
Permission is required to hunt Bad Rock Canyon WMA and is issued on a limited basis.
All species may be hunted on this Wildlife Management Area with valid licenses during this season, archery equipment only.
Permission is administered by a random drawing and will be awarded to up to two individuals per week. Hunting occurs Thursday through Sunday or Monday if a holiday.
There is not an age restriction for hunting during archery season.
Spring Turkey
Applications open from April 1-30, 2024 - Application (PDF)
Permission is required to hunt Bad Rock Canyon WMA and is issued on a limited basis.
Spring turkey season is open through a drawing to youth hunters ages 10-15 and hunters with a permit to hunt from a vehicle (PTHFV). Access will be granted for a period of two consecutive days.
The WMA is closed to spring black bear hunting.
After the general hunting season ends in late November, Bad Rock Canyon WMA will be closed to all public access through May 15 at noon to protect big game winter range. FWP's Wildlife Management Areas are managed with wildlife and wildlife habitat conservation as the priority.
Bad Rock Canyon WMA is open to recreational access from May 15 at noon to the start of the youth hunt in late October.
Motorized vehicle use is restricted to designated access routes, public roads, and parking areas. All other motorized vehicle use is prohibited.
Non-motorized use is open only to foot, horseback, and non-motorized bicycle from designated parking areas.
Camping, fires, and wood cutting is prohibited.
Commercial outfitting is prohibited.