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By Toby Walrath Finding a piece of public ground with plenty of game is often a struggle for the “do it your selfer”. Many areas with easy access are over hunted the first few days of season and game is pushed out onto private ground. With so many ranchers charging increasing amounts of money for access free public hunting opportunities seem to be dying on the vine. If you’re like me, the challenge of finding a “honey hole” in a sea of over-crowded public ground is as rewarding as pulling the trigger on a mature animal. With a little work and a few phone calls, the door may be open to excellent hunting on private ground. Thanks to the cooperation of ranchers and state wild life agencies, we have access to millions of acres across Montana and other states on Block Management lands. Access is easy, but planning a trip to hunt these areas does require a little pre-planning effort. Here are a few tips for your next successful low budget hunt in the west. Choose Your Species The first step in planning this grand adventure is to choose the species you wish to hunt. Many over the counter and surplus tags are available for mule deer and antelope doe. With a little luck, a tag can be drawn for their antlered cohorts too. Obviously, a close look at game regulations for the state you wish to hunt is necessary. There are many nuances which can work for or against your inclinations. Check out drawing deadlines and follow through, odds are good you’ll succeed. Maps and More Maps… Next, a phone call or online request for block management booklets for zones you choose. Along with BLM and state land maps, these are invaluable resources . There are various types of block management and the differences in each are important. Some land owners wish to control the number of hunters and require a personal phone call and reservation. Others simply have access points with a sign-in box and permission slips allowing hunters to show up and hunt. The block management books sent to you by the Fish and game will include the general area of each parcel, numerical designation, type of sign-in requirements, and species allowed for harvest. When you get to the hunt area, a detailed map will be waiting for you in the sign in box. BLM and state land maps for the area will make it much easier to navigate with confidence. There is nothing worse than seeing a game animal on the other side of a fence when you’re not sure if you can pursue that animal or not. Hunting these areas can be confusing with so many property lines and unmarked open spaces.
A couple years ago, I was hunting on a block management area in Wyoming on the season opener for pronghorn. I had spoken directly with the land owner on a scouting trip the previous week and got detailed information about the property lines. As I got out of my vehicle and headed for a group of antelope on opening day, a truck pulled up behind me driven by a game enforcement officer. He had noticed my out of state license plate and also the direction I was heading. He looked at my license and told me it was valid only for private land and I was on BLM. I knew my license was valid only on private land, what I didn’t know was the well meaning landowner leased BLM ground for grazing and had included that land in her description of land she owned. Luckily for me the officer prevented me from a game violation on block management ground a place where any violation can strip you of hunting rights for several years in multiple states! It is very important to know where you are, the more accurate information you have, the better your experience will be. Getting The Scoop So, you’ve got the maps and are looking at millions of acres you’ve never actually seen before – now what? If you want to be the only hunter on the land to roam at will across the prairie probably not going to happen. But you can call land owners and get the scoop on populations (both people and game). Only three phone numbers may be given out at one time so narrowing down the options to fit your needs will be helpful. Look for land features that will compliment your hunting style. This may include topography, water, roads or trails and other things such as BLM land adjacent to the private land which can open up more opportunities. Knowing where public ground and BMA land meet will increase your odds for success. The BMA booklets will show you the size of the land and the type of species allowed to be harvested. Be careful, a 150,000 acre sign in BMA may not have more game than a 20,000 acre BMA reserved for 5 hunters/ month. You’ll have to weigh your options and make some phone calls. Once you make reservations, you are obligated to follow through. Look closely at all of your options before committing to a specific area. Remember, land owners in block management programs want you to hunt. Not only are they getting competitive wild game numbers down, they are compensated every time a hunter lawfully hunts on their land. Every one of these privately owned block management areas are potential leases for an outfitter next year. By keeping the landowners happy, great hunting opportunities will be available for hunters. Call as early in the year as possible. Many hunters wait too long to make the call and are disappointed to learn the area they are most interested in is reserved for the entire season. Some block management areas hold very large mature animals and are surprisingly unpressured. If you are willing to hike off the beaten path like many public access lands you may find the right combination of feed, shelter and game. Like any hunting, time of year, weather, and moon phase should be carefully considered before loading the truck and heading out the door. More Hunting Options Besides all the great opportunities available in the block management program, these areas are often close by private ranches which allow access, if you’ll just stop in and ask. Also, BLM, State, National Forest Service and CRP lands may be open to you nearby. If there is no camping allowed on the block management land you’re hunting, check out these nearby locations. Many of these areas in the west are a fair distance from sleeping and eating accommodations- so you’ll need to bring your own. Be prepared. Like any outing in the west, the weather can change quickly and often does. If you want a little adventure to go with your next hunt, try planning an affordable custom designed hunt on public ground. It’s a chance to serve private landowners and enjoy our rich natural heritage- your way. Every successful hunting experience is memorable remember to enjoy your time afield.