America’s shared public lands provide habitat important for big, upland, and small game, furbearers and waterfowl and other game birds. The BLM manages 43 million acres of elk habitat, 131 million acres of mule deer habitat and 23 million acres of bighorn sheep habitat. BLM-managed lands are home to over 3,000 species, including big game, upland game birds and waterfowl. Numerous wildlife species occur nowhere else in the country, except on public lands. 

Unless specifically prohibited, public lands managed by the BLM are open to hunting. Always check with your local BLM office in the region you plan to visit to inquire about closures, restrictions and safety tips before you plan your trip. 

It is extremely important to hunt only on lands where it is legally allowed. Private land is open to hunting only if you have the permission of the land owner. If you do not have permission to hunt, you are trespassing and can be prosecuted. Crossing private lands to access public lands is not permitted, unless you first obtain permission from the private landowner. The BLM provides public information, such as brochures and maps, through online and physical public rooms. Find a public room in your state here.

All hunters on public lands must have the required state license(s). States are responsible for managing wildlife within their borders for the trust and benefit of their residents, even if the hunting occurs on federal lands.