HELENA – Landowners have until June 1 to apply for elk hunting access (EHA) agreements. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ EHA agreements provide landowners with an elk license, permit or combination thereof in exchange for allowing free public elk hunting access. These permits and licenses are valid only on the landowner’s property.
EHA agreements were codified in Montana statute in 2001. The agreements were known as “454 agreements” reflecting the bill number of the original legislation. The statute was amended several times in the past 20 years, including during the 2021 session.
In general, EHA agreements allow landowners to receive an elk permit or license in exchange for allowing three public hunters on their property. One of the hunters is selected by the landowner from the list of successful permit or Elk B License applicants for the hunting district where the property is located. The other two hunters are selected by FWP from the same lists depending on the opportunities outlined in the agreement.
Application and details on how to apply are located online at fwp.mt.gov/hunt/landownerprograms/public-elk-access-agreements.
The Fish and Wildlife Commission will approve 2022 EHA agreements at their June 23 meeting. The applications proposed for approval will be posted online two weeks prior to the meeting and the commission will take public comments on the applications at its meeting.
Applications must be complete to be considered. For questions, call your local FWP office or contact the FWP Parks and Outdoor Recreation Division, 406-444-3750, LndSportRelations@mt.gov.
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