The northwest corner of Montana is big, wild country defined by pristine lakes and rivers, vast forests, and sprawling mountain ranges. The region is part of the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem, which represents one of the most intact ecosystems in the world. The expansive landscape is home to a rich diversity of wildlife and nearly all of North America's large mammals, including grizzly bears, mountain lions, wolves, lynx, deer, elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats.
A large portion of the region is in public ownership, with millions of acres open to hunting and other outdoor recreation activities.
The wildest rivers in Montana and the most natural lakes are located here, including the largest natural freshwater lake in the West, the 125,000-acre Flathead Lake. There are more than 3,000 miles of fishable stream flowing through the region, providing critical habitat for westslope cutthroat trout, bull trout, and other fish species.
Frontcountry and backcountry recreation opportunities are abundantly available, such as hiking, camping, riding, and boating.
This region is bound by the Flathead Indian Reservation to the south, Glacier National Park and the U.S.-Canada border to the north, the Montana-Idaho border to the west and spans the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex to the east.
New in 2025
Foys Bend Fisheries Conservation Area open to limited hunting through drawings
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is announcing changes to hunting opportunities at Foys Bend Fisheries Conservation Area near Kalispell.
Advanced written permission is required to hunt the property and is issued on a limited basis due to the size of the acreage.
Spring Season:
The FCA will be open for spring turkey hunting, Fridays - Mondays. Access will be awarded to a single party (party no more than 4) and granted for a single day. To enter the drawing, complete an application during the month of March and turn it into the FWP Region 1 office. Successful applicants will be notified during the first week of April via email.
Fall Season:
All species may be hunted on this FCA with valid licenses during this season. Access will be awarded to a single party (party no more than 4) and granted for a single day, Fridays - Mondays.
To enter the drawings, application periods are as follows:
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July 15 – August 15 for September dates
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August 15 - September 15 for October dates
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September 15 – October 15 for November dates
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October 15- November 15 for December AND January dates
Turn completed applications into the FWP Region 1 office (490 N. Meridian Rd, Kalispell, MT 59901) or via email (fwprg12@mt.gov). Successful applicants will be notified the last week of each month
Any leftover dates after the drawing(s) will be issued first come, first served no more than 7 days in advance. Hunters may reserve a first-come, first-served date if their drawing date has passed.
The lottery system aims to better manage access to Foys Bend FCA, which is open to limited hunting of all species during upland game bird season, archery season, general hunting season, and migratory bird season.
Firearms are restricted to shotgun, muzzleloader, or traditional handgun. Rifles are prohibited. Except for the firearm restriction, all other current FWP regulations regarding weapons in Hunting District 170 apply. Recreational shooting and hunting of nongame animals are prohibited. No hunting within 200 yards of any building. No dogs allowed except for the purpose. Vehicle parking only at designated parking areas.
Foys Bend FCA is an FWP property located in the lower valley off Steel Bridge Road.
For more information, contact the Region 1 office at (406) 752-5501.
