Are you ready to stretch your legs where the elk (among other wildlife) roam? Starting noon on May 15, southwestern Montana’s Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are opening up—just in time for your hiking boots and binoculars to come out of hibernation.
From the Gallatin WMA near Big Sky to the quiet corners scattered across the region, these lands are more than scenic—they’re pretty important hangouts for wildlife. Think of them as VIP lounges for deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and their buddies, especially during the tough winter and early spring months. That is why they are off-limits until mid-May—because baby season and bad weather don’t mix well with human foot traffic.
Now that the snow is melting and hooves are a little less stressed, we’re invited back in. But before you go full “wild child”, remember—this isn’t a zoo, it is home for a lot of critters.
So, here are some tips:
- Keep your distance—no selfies with the wildlife, please–we don’t want to have to an article about you here.
- Be bear aware—Montana doesn’t do tame, regardless of how “cute” they look.
- Pack it in, pack it out—leave no trace unless it’s a footprint.
- Grab your Conservation License—it is basically your ticket to the WMA party.
Most WMAs are open until December 2, so you definitely have plenty of time to wander and maybe spot a few antlers in the wild.
Want to scout out your next WMA adventure? Check out: fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management-areas
Source: FWP
