Access Flathead Ridge Ranch private land with free permission card

KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is pleased to announce continued public access to Flathead Ridge Ranch through a free season-long permission card system offering recreationists an opportunity to access over 103,000 acres of private land between Kalispell and Libby.

Effective Sept. 1, all recreationists including hunters and hikers must obtain a free green permission card before accessing Flathead Ridge Ranch property. This requirement helps the landowner and FWP track public use and manage access responsibly.

• Flathead Ridge Ranch property map (PDF)

The green permission card must be displayed from the rearview mirror of every recreationist’s vehicle while on the property. Only one card per vehicle is required, but each individual's name using the property must be listed on the card.

Recreationists can acquire these permission cards from the FWP office in Kalispell or at sign-in boxes located throughout Flathead Ridge Ranch Block Management Area. These cards serve as proof of permission to access the property and are valid throughout the year.

At the end of the general hunting season, cardholders should fill out the requested information on the permission card, consistent with practices on other Block Management Areas, and return the cards. Cards can be dropped off at one of the 12 sign-in boxes on FRR property, FWP's Kalispell office, or mailed directly to FWP. Each card is pre-stamped on the back, so no postage is necessary. Recreationists who plan to continue accessing the property after the general season may then pick up a new card.  

Public cooperation with this process will help FWP and the landowner monitor recreational use and gather important feedback.

Through Montana’s Block Management Program, Flathead Ridge Ranch provides free public access to more than 103,000 acres of private land in hunting districts 120 and 103. The Block Management Program is a partnership between FWP and landowners across the state, promoting responsible public access to private lands for a variety of outdoor activities. In total, more than 550,000 acres of private land in northwest Montana is enrolled in the Block Management Program and open to public access for the 2025 hunting season through partnerships with landowners.

“We’re very grateful to Flathead Ridge Ranch and all the private landowners across Montana who open their lands to the public through the Block Management Program,” said FWP Regional Access Manager Macy Dugan.

“This kind of access is a privilege, not a guarantee. It depends on mutual respect and responsible use. We urge everyone who recreates on these lands to treat them as they would their own to help ensure opportunities like this remain open in the future.”

Learn more about Flathead Ridge Ranch's open lands policy, including rules and regulations, at https://www.flatheadridgeranch.com or by visiting FWP's Block Management page at https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/access/blockmanagement/. 

Key Details:

Effective Date: Sept. 1, 2025

Who Needs a Card: All recreationists (hunters and non-hunters) accessing Flathead Ridge Ranch private property

Permission Card Color: Green

Where to Obtain Cards:

• FWP office, 490 N. Meridian, Kalispell
• 12 sign-in boxes on the property (see BMA map for locations)

Display Requirement: One card per vehicle, hung from rearview mirror. Every user’s name must be listed.

Return Instructions: At the end of the general hunting season, fill out and return the cards via drop boxes on-site or by mail to the FWP office in Kalispell. Users may then pick up another card for continued use.

For more information, please contact the FWP Kalispell office at 406-752-5501.