Private Land Ownership

[BendnSend]

I hope this thread will get some more ppl intrested and a few good responses. I was wondering what some of you seasoned western whitetail hunters do to first start obtaining private land in Montana? I will be making my first outta state big-game hunt this up coming November and was curious how I could be able to locate private land. Im not asking for names and numbers (which would be great!), but just general guidelines on how a guy could even begin to find out who owns what parcels. (Maps&such) The group of older gents, that invited has been going for quite a few years now, and I trust there guidance very much, but I would like to be able to maybe add another piece of land or 2 to the puzzle for my own rite of passage if you will!!

[harvey lee]

Call the Montana Fish,Wildlife and Parks, they have a walk in program book and gives you all the land and owners.They also have BLM land.At least they did 5 years ago.Worked very good for non-residents.

[CAJ]

I live in Sheridan County in Montana, and there is a map avaiable with the farms marked on it with the farmers name there. You can also purchase an atlas with all the farmers name written in that. There is a lot of BLM Land that good maps are sold for to. Plus the walk in areas that farmers get paid to let you hunt on from the Fis And Game. CAJ

[Chris Haley]

When I lived out there from 88-89. We would just drive around and talk to the ranchers. Most would give you permission and tell you where they wanted you to go. They don't like the whitetails out there. They eat too much hay in the winter.

[BendnSend]

Thanks guys for all the great info so far! Its nice that ppl are willing to help out and offer some assistance! Im getting all worked up already and its still 8 months away! I had a few other quick questions for ya. What exactly is BLM land, and how or were does a person find this info as far as obtaining permission to access the land? Or is it like a public land rite passage? Always I remember someone saying something about walk-in areas? Is there any contact info as far as who owns what and were the parcel of land is located? Do most of the county seats sell what we call "Plat Maps" showing land ownership for all the land within that county? I know here in southern MN the sell em for around $30. The atlas that was also brought up, is that something you have to purchase out there, or is there any info as how a guy could go about purchasing one rite here in MN (web addy, phone #). Once again guys I would like to thank you all very much for all ur much appreciated help! Good huntin!

[BendnSend]

Ok so I understand that its alittle ways off yet from getting all worked up for deer hunting, but come on somebody's got to have the answer im looking for? I guess more ppl would rather catfish than big game hunt in Montana the way things are looking!

[Big Cat Dad]

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What exactly is BLM land, and how or were does a person find this info as far as obtaining permission to access the land? Or is it like a public land rite passage?

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BLM Homepage

What is BLM?

The BLM public lands provide visitors with a vast array of recreational opportunities. These include hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, boating, hang gliding, off-highway vehicle driving, mountain biking, birding, and visiting natural and cultural heritage sites. The BLM administers 205,498 miles of fishable streams, 2.2 million acres of lakes and reservoirs, 6,600 miles of floatable rivers, over 500 boating access points, 69 National Back Country Byways, and 300 Watchable Wildlife sites. The BLM also manages 4,500 miles of National Scenic, Historic, and Recreational Trails, as well as thousands of miles of multiple use trails used by motorcyclists, hikers, equestrians, and mountain bikers.

ACCESS to BLM LAND

Most public lands administered by BLM are open year round to public use. The public can use these lands for recreation unless the lands have been officially closed to fire danger or other emergency hazard.

Public roads, thoroughfares or waterways may be used to gain access to public lands. The public cannot cross private lands to reach public land if no public thoroughfare exists. The landowners permission must be obtained before crossing private lands to reach public lands.

Leasing does not alter or restrict authorized public use; therefore, lessees cannot maintain locked gates, signs, or other devices on public lands. Some lessees participate in a formal program in which BLM lands can be closed to public use IF a corresponding amount of private land is made available to the public. Such lands must be clearly posted with open and closed signs. Any questions should be referred to the appropriate field office.

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Always I remember someone saying something about walk-in areas?

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OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLE USE ON PUBLIC LAND

The BLM and U.S. Forest Service regulate the use of roads, trails, and land under their jurisdiction in order to meet specific land management objectives, protect resources, and provide public safety. We are currently evaluating the current management decisions for those areas where driving cross-country is allowed. Check out our OHV web pages for details.

All restrictions are posted on site at these areas. You can also check for road restrictions and closures by contacting the local BLM or U.S. Forest Service office. They can provide you with the most current information and any fire danger restrictions. You may contact the U.S. Forest Service at P.O. Box 7669, Missoula, Montana 59807, phone 406-329-3511, for information on the location of their offices.

The BLM and U.S. Forest Service administer two excellent natural and scenic areas. These sites offer OHV use in the Upper Madison River area, as well as in the Centennial Mountains. The Centennial Mountains provide 21,000 acres of natural, unspoiled land on the Continental Divide and an excellent view overlooking the Red Rocks National Wildlife Refuge. This area can be accessed by various road sites off the state gravel roads east from Monida. For more information on this particular area, please contact the BLM Dillon Field Office.

We ask you to follow a policy of "Treading Lightly" in order to enhance the public's opportunity to enjoy these lands in the future. You can help by picking up litter, avoiding travel that could damage the land, observing signs and posted areas, leaving gates as you found them, and asking permission to enter private land.

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Do most of the county seats sell what we call "Plat Maps" showing land ownership for all the land within that county?

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Here is the information you need on:

Information on Maps, Plats, Finding Aids

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I guess more ppl would rather catfish than big game hunt in Montana the way things are looking!

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The answer to that is an emphatic.....YES!! Anymore questions?

[Dave S]

I know this is digging out of the archives, but Big Cat Dad, you helped me out a lot here.

I've been wanting to repay the favor to my dad for all of the years hunting and take him on an elk hunt. It's hard for him to walk any distance now that he has hip problems and you answered the OHV questions I was hoping to find an answer for. He just purchased a Yamaha Rhino and this is his only hope as well as someone taking him out for the "Hunt of a Lifetime"..

Thank You