Hunting is an important part of Montana's outdoor heritage and has been part of a way of life in the region for thousands of years.
We manage hunting to prioritize high-quality, fair-chase hunts, and healthy wildlife populations. Just as MT FWP adjusts seasons and species regulations each year, our biologists will also revise our regulations each year for our deeded land. The most current information will always be available here on our website and at access points on the Reserve. For public land, refer to the Montana FWP’s published material or website.
Our promise to hunters and all visitors is that the American Prairie Reserve will provide an ever-richer and more satisfying wildlife experience as wildlife populations continue to increase. We invite you to read more about the project approach, and to consider supporting our work.
Hunting on APR’s deeded land is managed in two ways; through MT FWP’s block management, and through APR-administered reservations (similar to FWP Type-2 block management). Please refer to the tables below for more information on particular units.
Unit Management
|
UNIT |
FWP Block |
APR |
Region |
|
Dry Fork |
|
√ |
6 |
|
PN |
|
√ |
4 |
|
Two Crow |
√ |
|
4 |
|
Timber Creek & |
√ |
|
6 |
Please refer to FWP for 2019 Harvest and Hunting Dates: http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/
2019 Guide to American Prairie Reserve Administered Units (PN and Dry Fork)
These units are open to public hunting through a reservation system, please see below for unit-specific notes and details on making a reservation. The table below lists species-specific regulations. Hunters may also cross APR’s deeded land to access public land; please see the FWP link above for species regulations on State and Federal lands.
Youth Hunt: We are offering four days of youth hunts in 2019 on the PN and Dry Fork units: Thursday and Friday 10/17 and 10/18, and Saturday and Sunday 10/26 and 10/27. The six reservation spots for each of these days are held for youth shooters accompanied by adult mentors.
| PN Deeded Land | Dry Fork Deeded Land | |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse/Partridge |
√ | √ |
| Pheasant | √ | √ |
| Mourning Dove | √ | √ |
| Ducks & Coots | √ | √ |
| Geese | √ | √ |
| Turkey | √ | √ |
| Deer (mule & whitetail) | √ (archery only, excluding Youth Hunt) |
√ (archery only, excluding Youth Hunt) |
| Elk | X | X |
| Pronghorn | X | X |
| Big Horn Sheep | X | X |
| Sage grouse, non-game species, carnivores |
X | X |
PN: Beginning at 5pm on October 25th, we will be closing the gate to the PN and it will be walk-in access only for all hunters and hut guests. We have two parking areas along the Judith Landing Road — one for the public lands to the east and one for the public lands to the west (see map below).
The PN is a working cattle ranch. Please close all gates behind you and observe posted no-shooting zones in residential areas.
Dry Fork: Bison are present on Dry Fork. For your safety and theirs, keep at least 100 yards of distance between yourself and bison. Leave all gates as you find them and observe all posted no-shooting zones.
Reservation system:
Reservations are required for hunting on APR’s deeded land, and we welcome hunting parties Friday – Monday. We accept any combination of six total guns or bows each day, with two additional slots reserved for youth hunters (age 12-15). A party may reserve up to four days in a row during the season.
BEGINNING AUGUST 22, reservations will be accepted Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to Noon by calling 877-273-1123.
You will be asked for an ALS#, vehicle description & license plate, email, and phone number when you call.
Other information:
- Hunting parties may encounter other user groups (hikers, horseback riders, bikers, etc.)
- APR does not allow harvest of sage grouse, non-game species, or carnivores on our deeded land.
- Non-toxic (non-lead) ammunition is required.
- Travel allowed on designated open roads only– off-road driving is not allowed. Please retrieve game on foot.
We hope you have a great experience at American Prairie Reserve. Please email feedback and results of your hunt to mail@americanprairie.org. We would love to hear from you!
