Landowners interested in applying for Open Fields for Game Bird Hunters through the state Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program have until May 6 to apply.
Open Fields is a voluntary extra incentive offering aimed at further conserving productive game bird habitat enrolled in the federal Conservation Reserve Program and expanding access. It is offered through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program and is available to private landowners with existing and newly enrolled CRP that have a minimum of two years left on their federal contract. Landowners who participate in Open Fields receive a one-time payment based on $5 per CRP-acre each year the CRP is enrolled in the federal program.
The following counties will receive priority for Open Fields enrollment, but landowners in other counties are welcome to apply: Cascade, Chouteau, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, Fergus, Glacier, McCone, Pondera, Prairie, Richland, Roosevelt, Sheridan, Teton, Toole, Valley, and Wibaux.
Landowners who are interested in applying for Open Fields but don’t know their CRP enrollment status are encouraged to apply for pre-approval.
To review the fact sheet and download an application, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov; and then click “Open Fields Enrollment.” Applications for enrollment in Open Fields for Game Bird Hunters may be submitted through May 6.
For details, contact FWP at 406-444-5674, or by e-mail: dhohler@mt.gov. Enrollment will be based on eligibility, priority, and available funding.
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