Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has announced a new system for hunters looking to access a prime piece of wildlife habitat in the Flathead Valley. Starting March 1, the agency will begin accepting applications for limited hunting opportunities at Foys Bend Fisheries Conservation Area through a drawing process for both spring and fall seasons of 2026.
The 245-acre property sits in the lower Flathead Valley, just off Steel Bridge Road south of Kalispell. While the area has been managed by FWP for some time, the agency has now implemented a structured lottery system to handle hunter access more effectively.
Why the Drawing System Exists
The size of the property—245 acres—means it can only accommodate a limited number of hunters at any given time. By requiring permission through a drawing system, FWP aims to provide equal opportunity to all Montana hunters while preventing overcrowding that could diminish the hunting experience and potentially impact wildlife populations.
The property offers hunting opportunities across multiple seasons. Hunters can apply for dates during upland game bird season, archery season, general hunting season, and migratory bird season. All legal game species for those respective seasons are fair game on the property, giving hunters flexibility in what they pursue.
The Roosters for Recruitment Connection
Foys Bend FCA serves a dual purpose in Montana's wildlife management strategy. Beyond providing hunting access to native wildlife populations, the property is designated as one of the release sites for FWP's Roosters for Recruitment Program. Each fall, the agency stocks the area with pheasants specifically to create hunting opportunities and help recruit new hunters to the sport.
This program has become an important tool for introducing younger hunters and those new to the activity to upland bird hunting. The combination of released birds and wild game makes Foys Bend an attractive destination for hunters of varying experience levels.
How to Get in the Drawing
The application process has been designed to be straightforward. Hunters interested in securing dates at Foys Bend can download application forms from the FWP website. Once completed, applications can be submitted through three different methods.
Those who prefer handling business in person can bring their applications directly to the FWP Region 1 Office located at 490 N. Meridian Road in Kalispell. The same address works for hunters who choose to mail their applications. For those who prefer electronic submission, completed applications can be emailed to fwprg12@mt.gov.
The drawing period opens March 1, giving hunters several weeks to get their applications submitted before selections are made.
First-Come, First-Served Opportunities
Not every available hunting date will necessarily be awarded through the initial drawing. FWP has built flexibility into the system by making any remaining dates available on a first-come, first-served basis. However, there's a catch—these dates can only be reserved within seven days of the desired hunt date, and only after the drawing period has officially closed.
This approach serves two purposes. It ensures that drawn permit holders get first priority on their preferred dates, while also preventing prime dates from sitting unused if drawn hunters need to cancel or change plans. For hunters willing to be flexible with their schedules, monitoring for these last-minute openings could provide additional opportunities beyond the drawing.
Location and Access Details
The Foys Bend property's location in the lower Flathead Valley places it within relatively easy reach of Kalispell and surrounding communities. Steel Bridge Road provides the primary access route to the conservation area. The region's geography typically provides a mix of habitats that support diverse wildlife populations, from waterfowl using the wetland areas to upland birds in the grasslands and edge cover.
The Flathead Valley's position in northwest Montana means hunters can expect typical mountain valley weather patterns. Fall hunting seasons often bring crisp mornings and variable conditions, while spring seasons can range from muddy conditions during early thaw periods to drier weather as vegetation greens up.
Managing Expectations and Planning Ahead
Hunters applying for the drawing should understand that demand may exceed available dates, particularly during prime times like opening weekends or peak migration periods. Having backup date preferences and flexibility in scheduling will improve chances of securing a permit.
Those drawn for specific dates will need to plan accordingly. The property's size means that even with limited permits issued, hunters may encounter others in the field. Practicing proper hunting etiquette, respecting boundaries, and maintaining safety awareness become even more important on smaller properties where multiple hunters might be present.
FWP encourages hunters with specific questions about the property, application process, or hunting regulations to contact the Region 1 office directly. Staff can be reached by phone at 406-752-5501 during normal business hours. Additional information and resources are available on the FWP website at https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/regions/region1.
The implementation of this drawing system at Foys Bend represents FWP's ongoing efforts to balance public hunting access with sound wildlife management. As hunting pressure continues to increase on accessible public lands throughout Montana, structured access systems like this one may become more common at smaller properties where unlimited access isn't sustainable.
For Montana hunters looking to add another spot to their rotation, or for those specifically interested in the pheasant opportunities through the Roosters for Recruitment Program, getting an application submitted after March 1 will be the first step toward hunting Foys Bend this year. With spring and fall seasons both covered under this drawing, there are opportunities for hunters pursuing everything from waterfowl to big game to upland birds throughout the year.
The March 1 opening date for applications gives hunters about three weeks to get organized, download the necessary forms, and decide which dates they want to request. Given the variety of hunting seasons covered and the property's role in the pheasant program, interest is likely to be strong. Getting applications in early in the process, while not guaranteeing selection in the drawing, at least ensures hunters are in the mix when selections are made.
