One Simple Way To Keep Montana’s Hunting Access Open

With archery season wrapped up and elk rifle season opening tomorrow, we are definitly in heat of hunting season. We all know that some of the best hunting in Montana happens on private land, and that opportunity doesn’t come without a bit of gratitude. So before you head out or after you tag out, take a moment to say thank you to the landowners who make it possible.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) makes it super easy with their “Thank a Landowner” web portal. Hunters who access private land through programs like Block Management or the Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program can hop online, write a short thank-you note, and even include a photo from their hunt. FWP then gathers all those submissions and mails them directly to the landowners. Last year, more than 600 hunters took the time to send a thank-you.

This effort is part of the “It’s Up to Us” campaign, which aims to promote ethical hunting and strengthen relationships between hunters and landowners. It’s a yearly push to remind all of us that hunting access on private land is a privilege, not a guarantee. Treating landowners with respect, whether that means closing gates, following rules, or just showing appreciation... it helps ensure those opportunities stick around for years to come.

Get our free mobile app

If you want to take part, head over to fwp.mt.gov/ItsUpToUs. You’ll find tips on ethical hunting, videos, and of course, the “Thank a Landowner” portal. It’s a small gesture that can go a long way in keeping Montana’s hunting traditions strong, and maybe even open a few more gates next season.