Malta Field Office
| Contacts: | Kathy Tribby 406-654-5124 |
Tips for Sportsmen and Sportswomen Using Public Lands
The Bureau of Land Management’s HiLine District (BLM) would like to remind hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts to be mindful of travel and camping regulations on BLM-administered lands and to be respectful of private landowners and other public land users.
In order to minimize user conflicts and to protect wildlife habitat and fragile soils, all wheeled motorized vehicle travel (this includes tracked vehicles) is restricted to established roads and trails. Visitors are highly encouraged to carry a map and check with area administrative offices for current travel information and potential fire restrictions. Here are a few other reminders when recreating on public lands:
- Always know where you are and get permission from landowners prior to crossing or using private land.
- Check the rules before you go. State of Montana rules and regulations also apply on federal lands.
- Always be extremely careful with campfires; never leave them until they’re dead out.
- Camping on undeveloped BLM-administered lands is allowed for a maximum of 16 days at one location. Other restrictions may also apply.
- Use only certified, weed free forage for livestock.
- “Pack It In – Pack It Out” All garbage must be removed.
- Dispose of sewage and petroleum products properly.
- Removing or destroying infrastructure (such as signs and fences), archaeological or historic resources on state and federal land is prohibited.
- Avoid damaging/rutting wet, gumbo roads.
- Wash vehicles before and after traveling roads and trails to avoid spreading noxious weeds.
- Game carts are not allowed off of designated roads in wilderness study areas (WSA).
- Tents and portable hunting blinds are allowed within the WSAs but must abide by the 16-day limit and must be packed in and out.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land, the most of any Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. In Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, recreational and other activities on BLM-managed land contributed more than $130 billion to the U.S. economy and supported more than 600,000 American jobs. The Bureau is also one of a handful of agencies that collects more revenue than it spends. In FY 2012, nearly $5.7 billion will be generated on lands managed by the BLM, which operates on a $1.1 billion budget. The BLM's multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands.
Malta Field Office 501 S. 2nd Street East Malta, MT 59358