Hunters planning to hunt for wild turkey during the spring gobbler season in northwest Montana need to apply for a special permit for the eastern portion of Sanders County by March 10. Most other areas are general hunting with an over-the-counter license required. Look for an application and description of the special permit areas on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park’s website at fwp.mt.gov.
The following is a summary of spring turkey license and permit requirements in northwest Montana hunting areas. See the 2011 Montana Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations for details:
•General Hunting Areas (Hunters can use an over-the-counter license in these areas): Lincoln, Flathead, and portions of Lake, Sanders and Missoula Counties.
•Permit-only Area (Hunters must apply for a special permit for this area): eastern portion of Sanders County (30 permits).
To see a complete listing of permit areas and to apply online, hunters have until March 10. Apply online at four website by clicking on ‘Apply for a License or Buy a Permit’ under Online Services. Or, apply in person at any FWP office, or by mail at: FWP, 490 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell, MT 59901 (applications must be received by 5 p.m. on March 10.)
Applicants may only apply for one special spring male turkey permit and only in one area.
Spring turkey season opens on April 9; legal means of taking a turkey are restricted to shotgun or archery. Harvest is restricted to males only in the spring turkey hunting season.