New requirement for hunters at Flathead Ridge Ranch Block Management Area
An aerial photo of timberland within the potential Montana Great Outdoors Conservation Project. (Photo courtesy of Chris Boyer, kestrelaerial.com.)
Starting with the upcoming general deer and elk hunting season, all hunters planning to access the Flathead Ridge Ranch Block Management Area off of U.S. Highway 2 West between Kalispell and Libby must obtain a free permission card for the season.
The permission card must be displayed from the rearview mirror of every hunter’s vehicle while on the property. Only one card per vehicle is required but each hunter’s name within the vehicle must be on the slip.
Hunters can acquire these permission cards from the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks office in Kalispell, the Highway 2 West game check station, or at 12 sign-in boxes located throughout Flathead Ridge Ranch BMA. See the Block Management Map for more details.
These cards serve as proof of permission to hunt on the property for the entire general season.
At the end of the hunting season, hunters should fill out the requested information on the permission card, consistent with other BMAs across the state, and return the permission cards. Cards can be dropped off in the designated boxes on the property or mail them directly to the FWP office.
Hunter cooperation with this new process will help FWP and the landowner track hunting pressure and gather important feedback on the hunting season.
Through Montana’s Block Management Program, Flathead Ridge Ranch provides free public recreational access to more than 103,000 acres of private land in hunting districts 120 and 103.
The block management program is a partnership between FWP and landowners across the state, promoting responsible access to private lands for public hunting. By following the new requirements and respecting private property, hunters can help ensure that these valuable relationships continue.
Through partnerships formed with private landowners, government agencies or conservation organizations, the block management program will provide access to nearly 7 million acres of private and isolated public land for the 2024 hunting season.
For more information, please contact the FWP Kalispell office at 406-752-5501.