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)
Limited Access: Permission is required for all hunting on the WMA and is issued on a limited basis to maintain the integrity of the habitat and the hunting experience.
General Season Restrictions: During the General Hunting Season, only legally licensed youth (ages 10-15) and Permit to Hunt from Vehicle (PTHFV) holders are eligible to participate.
Archery Specifics: The archery drawing is open to all hunters with valid licenses, but hunting is restricted to archery equipment only. Up to two individuals are awarded access per week.
Party Applications: While spring turkey and general season allow party applications of up to three hunters, the archery season is for individuals only.
Applications must be submitted to the FWP Region 1 office in Kalispell. Hunters can apply in one of three ways:
In Person: FWP Office, 490 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell, MT 59901.
Via Email: Send completed applications to fwprg12@mt.gov
By Mail: Must be received by the final day of the respective application month.
For more information or to obtain an application form, please contact the FWP Kalispell office at (406) 752-5501.
Applications open: Sept. 1-30, 2026 - Application (PDF)
Permission is required to hunt Bad Rock Canyon WMA and is issued on a limited basis.
Only youth hunters ages 10-15 and hunters with a permit to hunt from a vehicle (PTHFV) are eligible to hunt on the WMA during the General Hunting Season, Thursdays-Sundays and Monday holidays.
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.
Hunters are required to access the WMA from designated parking areas by Highway 2 at River Road or at the BPA powerline corridor.
Applications open: July 1-31, 2026 - 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.
Applications open: April 1-30, 2026 - 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.