Fish & Wildlife

Wed May 06 16:37:12 MDT 2020

Landowners interested in applying for Open Fields for Game Bird Hunters through the state Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program have until May 22 to submit an application. 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.

Open Fields is offered through FWP’s 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. New this year, the Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program is offering incentives to producers who conduct beneficial management practices for their mid-contract management.

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.

All enrollments must be on private land that is legally accessible for free walk-in game bird hunting without further permission. Open Fields leases allow for haying or grazing once in five years when pre-approved by the Farm Service Agency. 

Up to 320 CRP acres per landowner may be enrolled. Enrolled lands will be clearly signed to allow for walk-in game bird hunting. Because this program is intended to expand areas open to the public for game bird hunting, lands that are already enrolled in FWP's Block Management Program or the Upland Game Bird Enhancement Program do not qualify.

To review the fact sheet and download an application, visit FWP online at fwp.mt.gov, and then click "Open Fields Enrollment." Applications may be submitted through May 22. Enrollment will be based on eligibility, priority, and available funding. 

For details, contact FWP at 406-444-5674, or by email: dhohler@mt.gov.