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.

 

[Erict]

As you suspect, looks like you'll have to wait until "Non-resident opening day", which is 10 days after residents can! (This is SPRING and FALL seasons as found on page 8 of THIS). Look at the bright side - it should be less crowded then and the weather should be nicer.

MT sure made it hard to find out what is included in places that are "part of a hunting access program", but it seems to be everything found on THIS page.

Good luck!

 

[hobbes]

Applies to:
1. Public lands
2. Private lands that are part of public access programs (block management)

Unless you are:
1. A resident
2. A nonresident with access to private that's not a BMA
Your start date is April 25th.

 

[ez_willie]

Thanks for the replies, not sure what’s more wild, this new rule or the fact that a turkey tag is pushing $180. lol I’ll be spring coyote hunting.

 

[hobbes]

Thanks for the replies, not sure what’s more wild, this new rule or the fact that a turkey tag is pushing $180. lol I’ll be spring coyote hunting.

That's cheap compared to some states. $304 in Missouri.

 

[Erict]

...at least they are still OTC, and you can get more than 1. Gonna cost me north of $300 after not drawing in Iowa this year, and that's for 1 spring bird and a short season.

 

[ez_willie]

That's cheap compared to some states. $304 in Missouri.

You’re right, Idaho is close to $300 too, wild, not sure why I’m surprised, I hunt elk every year, never dove into the turkey research really. Where are the ID honey holes, I already have a hunting license??! Don’t say panhandle.