The Must-Haves

Essential planning resources for hunters.

There’s a whole lot of wild country in southwest Montana—enough to spend a lifetime exploring. How to break it down is a question all hunters, beginner and seasoned alike, grapple with. There are dozens of print and digital resources out there to help, but here are three that all hunters should consider using.

DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer
It’s easy to find yourself beyond the realm of cell service in Montana. When that happens, it’s good to have a map on-hand. For a coarse-scale map of Montana’s highways and country roads, the DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer is tough to beat. Use this oversized book to find and identify public land, including campsites, back roads, fishing access points, and more—all from a bird’s-eye view. Keep a copy in your vehicle at all times—along with a print copy of the FWP hunting regulations, while you’re at it.

National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps
One of the worst, most relatable experiences to all hunters is showing up at a trailhead only to find a dozen (or more) other rigs. Knowing what areas to avoid is equally as important as knowing where to go. For determining high- and low-trafficked roads and areas, National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Maps are a great resource. These crude maps identify when and what Forest Service roads are open to motorized use. Wise hunters frequently consider non-motorized travel on roads seasonally closed to vehicles.

Digital Maps
There are a handful of digital mapping apps available for smartphones and tablets, and their use is almost ubiquitous amongst hunters nowadays. The best ones overlay property boundaries with satellite, topographic, and 3D layers. Montana Cadastral, OnX, and the Montana Hunting Access App all have up-to-date maps, while the latter two also integrate regulations and block-management areas. Regardless of which you choose, consider downloading a digital map before hitting the field.