The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has recently approved a series of elk hunting access agreements. These agreements are crucial for both hunters and…
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has recently approved a series of elk hunting access agreements. These agreements are crucial for both hunters and landowners, opening up access to more than a million acres of private and inaccessible or under accessible public land. There will be a new best elk hunting spots all across Montana.
Elk Hunting Access Agreement (EHA) Program
The Elk Hunting Access Agreement (EHA) program is a significant initiative that has been embraced by landowners and hunters alike. The program allows landowners to obtain an elk license, permit, or combination thereof in exchange for allowing free public hunting access to a minimum of three public hunters. This initiative has been growing in popularity, with the commission approving 49 EHA applications in the recent meeting, which will allow access to a half million acres of private land.
Public Access Land Agreement (PALA) Program
The Public Access Land Agreement (PALA) program is another initiative that works in favor of both landowners and hunters. In 2023, FWP staff worked with landowners to open up 540,000 acres of inaccessible or under accessible public land through the PALA program.
The PALA program works with willing private landowners to improve or secure public access to inaccessible public land on an annual basis. Landowners are eligible for a payment as well as potential reimbursement for improvements to facilitate public access to public land. The PALA projects will be posted in early July on FWP's Hunt Planner map.
Other Private Land Access Programs Administered by FWP
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission also administers other private land access programs for hunting, including the Block Management Program. This program provides cooperators with impact payments for allowing hunting on more than 7 million acres of private and inaccessible or under accessible public lands.
The approval of elk hunting access agreements and the implementation of private land access programs are significant steps towards improving public land access for hunters. These initiatives not only benefit hunters but also landowners who receive compensation and incentives for their participation.
As we move into the hunting season, it is crucial for hunters to engage in responsible and sustainable hunting practices. For more information on these programs and how to get involved, visit the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission's website.
Shop
Written by
The Inside Spread Team
Contributing writer at The Inside Spread. Passionate about sharing hunting knowledge and conservation efforts.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
More in hunting
National Park Hunting Rules Are in Flux: What Secretarial Order 3447 Means for Hunters, Hikers, and Wildlife
Interior is reviewing site-level hunting and trapping restrictions in parks where hunting is already legal. We explain SO 3447, the April memo to superintendents, what is not changing, and why conservation groups and hunters disagree sharply.
Trail Cameras We’d Actually Hang for Deer Season
Our picks from Academy’s spring sale—cellular trail cameras from Moultrie and Wildgame with honest notes on signal, solar, and when a two-pack beats one cam.
Are Hunt Draws Broken? The Controversy Behind Tags, Points, and Draw Results
Hunt draw results are dropping and hunters are asking hard questions. We break down point creep, draw odds, agency incentives, outfitter pools, and whether the system is broken.
Best States for Turkey Hunting in 2026
What state is best for turkey hunting in 2026? We break down the top DIY spots with public-land access, turkey numbers, success rates, and non-resident costs so beginners and veterans can plan smarter hunts.