Hunting has been part of a way of life and cultural tradition in the region for thousands of years.
When managed with an eye toward fair harvest and healthy wildlife population numbers, American Prairie Reserve believes hunting provides an important food source and outdoor activity for Montanans and visitors, and serves as a tool for wildlife management.
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 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 to restore greater wildlife numbers in northeastern Montana.
2017 Hunting Guide to American Prairie Reserve Land
We are proud to open our deeded land to hunting this year, including upland bird and migratory bird hunting, and bow hunting for mule deer and whitetail deer. See below for specific species and property information. **Please note that Two Crow ranch is excluded– see below.
PN: We have two access points 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). Engineering reviews of bridges over the Judith River and Dog Creek are being conducted, and road planning is also being completed this year. This season, access is by foot, horseback, or bicycle via the two PN access points.
This is a working cattle ranch. Please close all gates behind you and observe posted no-shooting zones in residential areas.
Dry Fork: Wild bison roam at large on Dry Fork. For your safety and theirs, keep at least 100 yards of distance between yourself and bison. Leave all fence gates as you find them and observe all posted no-shooting zones.
Two Crow: APR is excited to announce the acquisition of Two Crow Ranch. At this time, the property is not included in 2017 hunting as we are just learning the property and its potential. Check back in 2018 for updated regulations.
2017 Hunting Regulations for APR Property:
Reservations are required for all parties wishing to hunt on APR’s deeded land.
Deer (mule, whitetail): September 2 – October 15, Bow Only (Archery). October 19–20, Youth Rifle (youth shooter only)
Sharp-tailed Grouse/Partridge: September 1 – January 1, Steel Shot
Pheasant: October 7 – January 1, Steel Shot
Mourning Dove: September 30 – October 30, Steel Shot
Ducks and Coots: September 30 – January 4, Steel Shot
Geese: September 30 – January 7 and January 13 – 17, Steel Shot
** Please Note: In 2017 there is no harvest of pronghorn, big horn sheep, or elk on APR’s deeded land. **
We invite the public to cross our private land to access their public lands. For public land guidelines, please refer to Montana FWP’s printed hunting guide or the hunt planner on their website. The PN is located in Region 4. Dry Fork, Midale, and Schmoeckle units are located in Region 6.
Reservation system:
Reservations are required for hunting on APR’s deeded land, and we welcome hunting parties Friday – Monday. We accept three parties of two (six guns or bows total) each day, with two of these slots reserved for youth hunters (age 12-15). A party may reserve up to four days in a row during the season.
Reservations will be accepted Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon by calling 877-273-1123.
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 predators 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 on the PN and other parts of American Prairie Reserve. Please email feedback and results of your hunt to mail@americanprairie.org. We would love to hear from you!
