NEW MT Non Res. Turkey opening day change

[ez_willie]

Does anyone know if we can hunt national forest? State lands? On opening day?Or are all these part of the “hunting access program”?

NEW FOR 2026

—Nonresidents hunting on public lands and privately owned lands that are a part of a hunting access program begin hunting 10 days later than residents for all species except mountain grouse.
Free supplemental permit required for sage grouse hunting.

 

[92xj]

How would they not be apart of the “public lands” that you quoted?

 

[ez_willie]

How would they not be apart of the “public lands” that you quoted?

I’m not sure, that’s why I asked. So all public lands are part of a hunting access program?

 

[92xj]

No, public lands are one thing and the hunting access is another.
According to what you quoted, the first part, “public lands” includes national forest, state land, blm, etc. the second part “privately owned lands that are a part of a hunting access program” includes block management or any private lands that get a kick back from the state for allowing non paying hunters.

With the wording, about the only way I see a nonresident hunting on opening day is if it’s a guided hunt or if they can get access to someone’s private land that is not registered with the state to allow hunting.