Important nuances of hunting and trapping on Large Tracts Program lands

Nearly one million acres. That’s the amount of privately owned timberland that is publicly accessible thanks to the Large Tracts Program. 

All Large Tracts parcels are in the Panhandle and Clearwater regions, and over the first four years of the program, we have heard a couple of common questions.

Question: Relative to big game hunting rules and seasons, are Large Tracts parcels considered private or public land?

Answer:  For all big game hunting rules and seasons, except for wolves, Large Tract parcels are considered PRIVATE. This is a great question that stems from certain controlled and general elk and deer hunts with notes stating harvest is allowed, “within 1 mile of private land”. 

Most will be happy to hear that Large Tracts Parcels are, in fact, classified as private land for any of these hunts. Please note that some hunts state, “on or within 1 mile of private agricultural lands” which does not fit the bill for Large Tracts Parcels since they are managed for timber, not agriculture.

Question:  Relative to wolf hunting and trapping, are Large Tracts parcels considered private or public land?

Answer: For wolf hunting and trapping rules and seasons, Large Tract parcels are considered PUBLIC. Yet another great question stemming from the differences in season dates, expanded take and methods of take for wolves between public and private lands.

Per the desire of the private corporate timberland owners participating the Large Tracts Program, all Large Tracts parcels fall under the seasons and rules for public land wolf hunting and trapping.

The Large Tracts Program currently includes 4 large corporate timber companies and is financed through purchases of hunting, fishing and trapping licenses. 

The program was crafted specifically with hunters, trappers and anglers in mind, but the lands are also available for other recreational uses including wildlife viewing, hiking and berry and mushroom gathering. The Large Tracts Program provides for non-motorized access to all lands, while motorized access is only allowed on designated routes (click here to see the map).

We recognize the Large Tracts Program has complexities and nuances that can be challenging, and we are doing all we can to alleviate those challenges. For more on this topic along with an abundance of links to help you do your research before you hit the woods, check out this article from last year.

Please contact the Panhandle Regional office at (208) 769-1414 or the Clearwater Regional Office at (208) 799-5010 if you have any questions or would like to learn more about the Large Tracts Program.

Follow the Panhandle and Clearwater Region Facebook pages for regular updates and news.