Block Management Areas (BMAs)

Block management is a cooperative effort between Montana FWP and private landowners to help landowners manage hunting activities and to provide free public hunting access to some private and isolated public lands. This program has fostered many positive working relationships between landowners, hunters, and resource managers since it started in 1985.

From the beginning, the Block Management program has provided free public hunting experiences on private land across the state. Landowner participation in block management is voluntary, and landowners receive incentives for participating, including a complimentary sportsman’s license and limited liability protection, among others. The Block Management program is funded by portions of various license fees.

After landowners enroll, FWP publishes a Hunter Access Guide, which lists all block management opportunities available for the current season. Block management guides are available on or before August 15 annually. During the 2020 hunting season, approximately 1,200 landowners enrolled about 7.1 million acres of private land in the Block Management program. With a little research, you can likely find a block management hunting opportunity that fits your needs.

The future looks promising but is dependent on you. By following BMA rules as well as demonstrating courteous, legal, and ethical behavior, hunters can do their part to ensure future access to private land in Montana.