Montana Block Management Program

Block Management pays Montana landowners (or their tenants) an enrollment payment plus a per-hunter-day impact payment for allowing free public hunting on their land from September 1 to January 1. FWP also provides hunter management help, signs and maps, a weed-management bonus and a complimentary sportsman's license. Applications for 2026 were due June 1.

• 'private landowners, or their tenant, must be willing to provide public hunting access on private lands under their control or provide access to public lands through an access corridor to public lands from September 1-January 1.'

• No access/trespass fees may be charged (liability protection under 70-16-302 MCA).

Agreements start at a minimum of one year, 'with possibility of up to five years after the first five years of annual agreements.' $1,000 enrollment + up to $17/hunter day, max $50,000/agreement; weed bonus up to 5% of contract.

Published amounts: 'Landowners are eligible for an enrollment payment of $1,000 and up to $17 per hunter day with an agreement maximum of $50,000 to offset impacts from allowing hunting access.' Plus 'up to 5% of their contract total in a weed management bonus if they agree to use the funds for weed management activities'.

Submit the 2026 Block Management Application (PDF) by June 1; questions to your local FWP office or the FWP Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division in Helena.

Deadline text on the page: 'FWP is currently accepting applications from landowners who are interested in participating in the 2026 Block Management Program. Deadline: Applications are due June 1'