BLM access question

[johnsd16]

Looking over maps is making my head hurt. I am starting to enjoy it a little less than I was but it is still an enjoyable break at work.

In looking over things in SE MT, there sure appears to be a lot of BLM. Are there are restrictions on BLM, as in is all of it open to hunting, or only some. With that said, there is sure a ton that is landlocked and not accessible by roads shown on the online maps. At the same time, there is a lot that is sort of patchwork and if you got on, you could zig zag for 10+ miles (no corner hopping). I'm new to BLM and it almost looks too good to be true how much there is. I was dead set on securing some type 2 BMA but with how much BLM there is that has room to hike off the road, I'm less sure that it will be as necessary.

Am I way off on this?

 

[jjenness]

As long as you have legal access you can hunt it. Blm is a great source to hunt and can produce some great animals. Almost all the elk and deer I have shot in the last 5 years has been on Blm.

 

[micropterus79]

Think of BLM land as similar to forest service land; they are both federally managed public lands so the rules are generally universal. Of course, just like on forest service, there are areas that are specially managed or closed to certain activities but they are almost always well signed.

As long as your vehicle stays on designated roads and trails, you pay attention to signage, and keep off private (as jjenness indicated) you'll be fine!

 

[johnsd16]

If there is a road that runs through a section that is all BLM or state land, I assume you can access it, but where do you park your truck?

 

[jjenness]

Most Blm you can drive on all established two tracks, state usually not any motorized travel unless specifically stated. If you just park right next the to the road you will be good to go.

 

[Dos Perros]

I think it's perfectly fine to take a two track down through a section of BLM and pull off to the side to park (being aware of fire danger and such).

Also, I enjoy using Google Earth much more than maps. There is a way to overlay the BLM land onto Google Earth and toggle it on and off. Let me know if you want the link.

 

[droptine]

I would like the link please.

 

[Hoytfanatic]

I think it's perfectly fine to take a two track down through a section of BLM and pull off to the side to park (being aware of fire danger and such).

Also, I enjoy using Google Earth much more than maps. There is a way to overlay the BLM land onto Google Earth and toggle it on and off. Let me know if you want the link.

I wouldn't mind the link too! Thanks

 

[johnsd16]

I've been using this map

http://svc.mt.gov/msl/mtcadastral/

Not sure if it's the same ones he's referring to

 

[WapitiBob]

http://www.geocommunicator.gov/ARCGIS/REST/services/SurfaceManagementAgency/MapServer/kml/mapImage.kmz

save it in your hunting or google earth folder so you have it, then open it in ge. Give it a few minutes to load. Add Earthpoint topo layer and you're all set. Use google earth pro, it's now free.

 

[jjenness]

I've been using this map

http://svc.mt.gov/msl/mtcadastral/

Not sure if it's the same ones he's referring to

Cadastral is hands down one of the best free online resources for online MT land scouting, it shows land owner info for every parcel in the state, Blm, and state land. Plus you can switch from satellite to regular map.

 

[droptine]

Thanks guys!!!

 

[cntryep3614]

Great Intel !

 

[Dos Perros]

http://www.geocommunicator.gov/ARCGIS/REST/services/SurfaceManagementAgency/MapServer/kml/mapImage.kmz

save it in your hunting or google earth folder so you have it, then open it in ge. Give it a few minutes to load. Add Earthpoint topo layer and you're all set. Use google earth pro, it's now free.

This is the one I use, guys. It's not as good as what the HuntGPS guys used to offer, in that you can't alter the transparency and move around very easily, but it gets the job done.