Go ahead, be curious.

What are the Benefits to participants?

Successful completion of this course allows you the following:

• Advanced knowledge of conservation and wildlife management specifically related to big game in Montana.

• Opportunity to improve hunting skills and overall knowledge of hunting techniques, hunt planning and use of specialized gear, GPS, onX maps, etc.

• Individualized shooting and marksmanship instruction.

• Opportunity to improve hunter/landowner relations, skills and knowledge of farming and ranching in Montana.

• Opportunity to improve understanding of state and federal public land access and the importance of public lands to Montana’s hunters.

• Opportunity to communicate with participating landowners and obtain access to private farms and ranches in Montana where very limited or no public hunting access is currently allowed.

• Access to an online hunting access/ reservation system, for reserving access days on participating private Montana ranches.

• Opportunity to meet and collaborate with like-minded hunters who share your stewardship and hunting ethics and values.

• Discounts to a variety of hunting gear and apparel.

How is this program different from Block Management for hunting access to private land? 

The Montana Master Hunter Program is a privately funded program which is intended to complement the Block Management program and provide additional private land access choices for Montana hunters and landowners.

Why is there a fee for enrolling in this course? 

The Master Hunter Program is led by One Montana, a non-profit organization based in Bozeman, Montana.  One Montana relies on donations from individuals, foundations, corporations and fee for service.  The student fees for the Master Hunter Program partially offset the costs associated with the program and help to pay for facility use fees, shooting and ballistics instruction, and online programming associated with the course. These fees only partially offset the costs associated with the program—the course is valued at more than $1,800/person. Funds donated by our sponsors cover the costs associated with organizing and implementing this program.

WHY IS three YEARS OF HUNTING EXPERIENCE IN MONTANA REQUIRED?

Hunting in Montana has its own unique challenges and experiences.  A large portion of the Master Hunter Program is focused on bringing landowners and sportsmen together to discuss issues they each face hunting and ranching Montana.  It is helpful that those participating have some experience with and understanding of these issues. We do encourage people to apply even if you do not have hunting experience in Montana, but you must have at least five years of hunting experience. You may use the application to tell us why you are a good candidate for the program. 

Will Montana Master Hunters be allowed to access public lands within or adjacent to the private lands enrolled in the Montana Hunter Advancement program? 

Each landowner will have the option to allow such access to public lands. Each landowner’s “ranch rules” cover this option. In some cases, specific access to public lands within or adjacent to the boundaries of private property will be available to our Montana Master Hunters.

Is the Master Hunter Program a "pay-to-play" program?

The Master Hunter program is an education program, but, as a graduate, you will be invited by thoughtful landowners to hunt on their properties to help them manage their elk and other big game populations. You are not guaranteed access. 

Is the Montana Master Hunter an exclusive or “elite” program for just a few hunters? 

In our view, being a master at something is only elitist if it takes some kind of advantage to reach it (money, resources, connections). The Montana Master Hunter program is offering advanced education and and an improved skill set for hunting. The expertise achieved through the course will be valuable to course graduates throughout their lives and hunting experiences. Our classes are diverse and will include hunters who possess a variety of skill levels, experience and abilities. The principles of “equality” and “diversity” are core values of this program intended to ultimately make the program accessible to anyone who meets the basic entry criteria.

I am a landowner and would like to use this program for managing my elk damage hunts.  Is that possible? 

Montana Fish Wildlife and Park (FWP) rules allow for landowners to “select” a certain number of hunters for damage hunts who are not on the “damage hunt roster.” Damage hunts can be easily managed whereby certified Montana Master Hunters can obtain reservations and be included among the “rancher’s choice” hunters for access to your property when you would like them to hunt.  Some properties where A9 cow elk tags are available are especially suitable for this program.

Is this program “approved” by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks? 

The Master Hunter Program is endorsed and supported by Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks. We have worked with Montana FWP administrators since the inception of this program. FWP professionals participate as program instructors and are members of the Master Hunter Working Group. Further, this program is helping to improve relationships between FWP personnel and landowners.

If I am a landowner and want to become a part of this program how do I enroll? 

Landowners who are interested in this program may contact us through our website HERE or by sending an email to Bill Spahr, BillS@onemontana.org, indicating your interest. We will work with each landowner to tailor the access to their property and meet their needs and expectations.