Plan Now For Montana Spring Turkey Hunting
Helena, MT –-(AmmoLand.com)- Hunters wanting to pursue turkeys in some parts of western Montana this spring will need a special permit, while recent regulation changes mean that over-the-counter licenses are now valid in more western counties, including portions of Missoula County.
New this year, the southern portion of Missoula County, including areas surrounding Highway 12 and south of Missoula to the Ravalli County line, are now open to hunters with a general spring turkey license purchased over-the-counter.
Hunters should check the 2010 Montana Spring Turkey Regulations or contact the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) office in Missoula at 542-5500 for a map and description of this general hunting area.
The rest of Missoula County, and some other areas of western Montana, remain permit-only areas. These male turkey permits are available through special drawings, and applications must be received no later than March 11.
Hunters that are not awarded a turkey permit through special drawing can also harvest male turkeys with a general spring turkey license purchased over-the-counter in many areas of western Montana this year, including all of Lincoln, Flathead, and Ravalli Counties and portions of Missoula, Lake and Sanders Counties. In addition, much of eastern Montana, is open to hunters with a general turkey license.
The following is a summary of spring turkey license and permit requirements for western Montana:
- General Hunting Areas (Hunters can use an over-the-counter license in these areas): Lincoln, Flathead, Ravalli and portions of Lake, Sanders and Missoula Counties.
- Permit-only Areas (Hunters must apply for a special permit for these areas): All of Mineral County (50 permits available); Powell County and a portion of Granite County (5 permits); a portion of Missoula County (50 permits) and a portion of Sanders County (30 permits).
Permits are also required for turkey hunting in portions of southwest Montana. To see a complete listing of permit areas and to apply online, hunters have until March 11. Apply online at fwp.mt.gov. Click on ‘Apply for a License or Buy a Permit’ at Online Services. Or, apply in person at any FWP office, or by mail.
Applicants may only apply for one special spring male turkey permit and only in one area.