Montana wildlife officials are offering an early spring reminder that searching for antlers shed by elk, deer and moose on private land is not allowed through the state’s Block Management Program.
Recreationists are required to obtain permission from the landowner to pursue shed hunting and other activities like hiking and camping.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ popular Block Management Program provides free public hunting access during the fall hunting seasons.
Additionally, most Montana FWP wildlife management areas that provide important winter range sanctuary for elk are closed until May 15.
Periodic bouts of warm spring weather have a tendency to confuse “horn hunters” into thinking the WMAs are open to search for shed elk and deer antlers. Anyone caught trespassing on a WMA will be prosecuted.
To find out when any of Montana’s 72 WMAs is set to open visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov; then click WMA Open/Close Dates.
Recreationists seeking access to private land for any reason are always encouraged to ask first for permission.
(Report by Montana FWP)
