Abundant Hunting Opportunities Await in Montana’s Missouri River Country
OutdoorHub 02.15.13
Montana’s Missouri River Country’s unique landscape provides hunters with access to abundant wildlife in an awe-inspiring setting. March 15, 2013 is the deadline for resident and nonresident hunters to apply for tags and permits to hunt in Missouri River Country. Combination tags including elk and mule deer are available to make the most of your Montana hunting experience. Whether hunting for elk, deer, or birds, the vast open lands and distinctive river break habitat created by the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers provide an oasis for game and one of the most desirable destinations for hunters.
Draws are announced in May giving hunters time to plan and book lodging for the upcoming hunting season. Planning a hunting trip to Montana’s Missouri River Country is simple. The FWP website fwp.mt.gov/hunting/ provides easy to understand schedules, maps and regulations to assist with planning. Online applications for tags and permits are also on the site. Local guides help non-resident hunters get the most out of their hunt with a deep knowledge of the area game hot spots. Burke Ranch Outfitters near Glasgow, Montana has been in business since 1979. “We help our customers through the application process to ensure that everything goes smoothly and the best area for each species is applied for,” says owner Kelly Burke. “We can also suggest what has almost guaranteed draws for the best chances in a successful draw.” Whether hunters come with a guide or on their own they will experience genuine Montana courtesy at local restaurants, stores and lodging establishments which all cater to hunters’ needs including giving directions and advice on current game locations. This courtesy extends through to appreciation dinners which are held throughout the year to say thanks, including:
- Pheasants Forever Banquet, Flaxville, October 5, 2013
- Annual Hunter Appreciation Night, Medicine Lake, October 5, 2013
- Sherwood Inn Landowner Hunter Appreciation Dinner, Plentywood, October 13, 2013
Missouri River Country contains an abundance of bird and big game to hunt. Unlike some other areas, the game is well managed providing hunters with the opportunity of a once-in-a-lifetime hunt. “Hunters are surprised at the amount of game they get to see when they come here,” says Burke. The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) department works to ensure access to prime hunting areas is protected and managed. One way this is done is through the block management program. This program is a cooperative effort between FWP, private landowners and public land management agencies to provide free public hunting access to private and isolated public lands. In Missouri River Country over 1,300,000 acres are accessible through the block management program. For more information about block management and access to hunting in Missouri River Country visit fwp.mt.gov/hunting/ or call 406-444-2602.
The vast landscape, accessible areas and plentiful game means hunting opportunities abound. For more information about visiting Missouri River Country and planning your hunting trip, please visit missouririver.visitmt.com.
