HELENA – With less than a week to go before the final day of the general season, hunters can help ensure the future of public access for generations to come. During these final days, remember “It’s Up to Us. Respect access. Protect the hunt.” This is a message from FWP and partners to encourage hunters to always practice conscientious behavior and show respect for private land and the access landowners provide.   

There are five actions hunters can take to show respect for landowners to ensure the hunting tradition continues: 

• Plan ahead for access
• Respect private property
• Practice safe hunting behavior
• Turn in poachers – visit tipmont.mt.gov
• Gratitude goes a long way

Hunters can also show their commitment to developing and maintaining good relationships with landowners by going through the the Hunter-Landowner Stewardship Program. Through the online program, hunters learn more about safety, access programs and tools, personal responsibility and special considerations for hunting on private land. Those who complete the program and take the multiple-choice test by Feb. 15, 2025, will have the opportunity to win a pair of Leupold binoculars, donated by Capital Sports in Helena. 

Hunters are also encouraged to participate in the #ItsUpToUsChallengeFWP on Instagram. Follow @MontanaFWP on Instagram and post a photo demonstrating “It’s Up to Us” hunting behavior. Use the hashtags #ItsUpToUs, #ProtectTheHunt, #RespectAccess and #ItsUpToUsChallengeFWP. You could win an “It’s up to us” T-shirt. 

For more information on hunting ethics, working with landowners and to link to all the partners involved, go to fwp.mt.gov/ItsUpToUs.