USFS accepting applications for fall hunting camp extension lottery

From U.S. Forest Service

The Rocky Mountain Ranger District of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest is reminding people it will accept applications for 25 hunting camp extensions in the Beaver­Willow Road closure area.

Applicants will be selected for the extensions using an anonymous lottery-style process until all 25 camps are authorized.

The Rocky Mountain Ranger District will accept applications between Aug. 30 and Sept. 13. Applications must be received — not postmarked — in the district office by 4:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, to be considered. Late submissions will not be considered.

The drawing for successful applicants will take place on or after September 16, 2019; and applicants will be notified of the results of the drawing by close of business, Friday Sept. 20, 2017.

Interested parties must complete an application form and mail or deliver it along with the required application/permit fees to the Rocky Mountain Ranger District. All applicants will be required to pay a non-refundable cost-recovery fee of $61 and a permit/monitoring fee of $163. All unsuccessful applicants will have the permit/monitoring fee returned to them. All funds collected will be used to cover the costs of administering the program.

The gates on the Beaver-Willow Road will be closed Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 10 a.m. Gates will be re-opened, weather permitting, Dec. 2. Camps can be taken in on or after Oct. 4, but not before. If hunters have a camp in-place and are without an approved permit, following 16 days they will be required to remove the camp without the use of motorized vehicles.

People who would like more information about the Beaver-Willow extended hunting camp process or would like to request an application packet can contact the Ranger District office in Choteau at 406-466-5341.