Go ahead, be curious.

What are the Benefits to participants?

Successful completion of this course allows you the following:

• Meet other hunters in Montana who also want to increase their knowledge and skills, and serve as mentors in their communities.

• Get to know some of our state’s most admired ranchers and farmers. Build an understanding for their perspectives, decisions and needs. 

• Hear from expert wildlife biologists and managers about this new era of conservation and management, and our most pressing challenges and opportunities in Montana. 

• Think of this as a learn to earn access program. By demonstrating a genuine interest in learning about the perspectives and challenges of private landowners, and getting to know them and their businesses, Master Hunter graduates can earn access to farms and ranches. 

• Specifically, our curriculum tackles the following:

• Conservation and wildlife management specifically related to big game in Montana.

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

• Individualized shooting and marksmanship instruction.

• In-depth knowledge of farming and ranching operations, management for habitat and access considerations.

• State and federal public land access, public land management opportunities, and the importance of public lands.

• Continuing Education opportunities focused on specific species and/or methods. I.e. Bowhunting 101, Waterfowl 101, etc.

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

The Montana Master Hunter Program is a privately funded program through One Montana, a 20-year-old nonprofit. The program's goal is to generate authentic relationships between hunters and land and wildlife stakeholders. This approach is unique, and complementary to both Type I and Type II Block Management programs. TYPE I BMA — Area where hunters administer their own permission. This includes BMAs that use sign-in boxes, and BMAs that do not require hunters to obtain permission. Typically, Type I BMAs do not limit hunter numbers or require reservations, although some parking areas have vehicle limits. TYPE II BMA — Area where someone other than the hunter issues permission. This includes BMAs where the landowner or an FWP staff member issues permission. Type II BMAs often require reservations and utilize pasture assignments, hunter number limits, and other hunter management systems.

Why is there a fee for enrolling in this course? 

As a nonprofit One Montana relies on donations from individuals, foundations, corporations, fees for service. The Master Hunter student fees and membership renewals 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. The course is valued at more than $1,800/person.

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 hunters together to discuss issues they each face hunting and ranching Montana. It’s 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 three years of hunting experience. The application is a good place to tell us why you’re 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 may be made available to Master Hunter graduates. However, this is not guaranteed without landowner permission.

Are Master Hunter graduates guarunteed access to private land?

The Master Hunter program is first and foremost an education program. If your primary intention is to build your knowledge and skills, and to create opportunities for one-on-one engagement with land and wildlife management experts, then we think you should apply! Graduates may earn opportunities to hunt private properties - some of our landowner partners invite MHP graduates out to their properties every year. However, MHP graduates are never guaranteed access to partner ranches and farms.

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 - FWP professionals participate as program instructors, and also appreciate the opportunity to engage one-on-one with 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.