Posted: Tuesday, December 03, 2024
Author: Vinny Delgado, Partner, Ranch Sales | Licensed in MT
Dear Vinny,
I'm looking to buy land in Montana solely for recreational purposes, to hunt big game and fly fish, and invite my loved ones to join me. I currently reside in the Southeast and am unfamiliar with the permit system for landowners in the West. What legal permits and regulations should I be aware of before making this kind of investment?
Dear Southeast,
You and your family/friends will have no issues with fly fishing in Montana. Just be sure to purchase fishing licenses and check the area's regulations. When it comes to big game hunting, Montana can be complicated. The licensing process can vary greatly depending on what part of the state you want to invest in. Some parts of the state only require a general license, while others require a general license, and then you must draw a permit to hunt elk/deer. Montana now offers a landowner tag option per 2,500 acres owned by a non-resident, and it also offers landowner preference tags for permit areas. You are probably already confused, and I could go on about all these licensing/application regulations that can change annually. Regardless, your broker should be up to speed on all of the above; if not, find someone who is. Often, a local outfitter or the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks can explain how all these regulations work depending on the area in which you decide to invest.
Happy Hunting
