Opening day access plan
Western Montana’s Blackfoot-Clearwater Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is a popular destination for antler hunters when it opens for the season annually at noon on May 15.
To address safety concerns associated with congestion along Highway 83 on the WMA’s west side, those that want to enter by vehicle when the WMA opens for the season (noon on May 15) must register for entry order and then enter from the east side, just off Woodworth Road. Other areas are open at noon to walk/bike/horse entry without registration.
A change for nonresidents
The 2025 Montana Legislature passed a law that prohibits nonresidents from picking up antlers on WMAs that have seasonal closures for the first seven days they are open to the public in the spring. This means that nonresidents could not register for this entry and cannot enter the Blackfoot-Clearwater WMA for the purpose of antler hunting until May 22, 2026. The new law doesn’t impact resident shed antler hunters or nonresident shed antler hunters who are not on a WMA.
License Requirements
Nonresidents must have a $50 license for shed hunting on WMAs. Anyone 12 and older must have a conservation license to enter a WMA. If you have a hunting or fishing license, you already automatically have your conservation license, and if not, you can buy online, at an FWP office or at any license ambassador.
This year’s entry is over, but please share your feedback
Thanks for your continued patience as we refine this process, and we hope you will share your feedback about your 2026 antler hunt by answering this survey about your experience:
2026 Visitor Survey
We will post updates for the 2027 WMA opener on this page next February.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, contact:
Vivaca Crowser
FWP Region 2 communication and education manager
406-542-5518
vcrowser@mt.gov
