DNRC Restricts Certain Firearm Uses on State Trust Land South of Chinook
HELENA, Mont. — The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is adding a new shooting restriction for the safety of the public on a small piece of state trust land located at the intersection of Lloyd Road and Bentel Divide Road, 25 miles south of Chinook.
The parcel is currently leased for agriculture and remains open to the public for recreation with a valid conservation license. As of Oct. 20, 2025, firearm use is restricted year-round to archery and shotgun only. The restriction is necessary due to the proximity of the county roads and a nearby dwelling. The restriction is in place year-round for public safety.
“This restriction helps ensure that the public can continue to enjoy state trust lands safely while respecting the nearby residence,” explained Josh Stoychoff, DNRC Lewistown Unit manager.
The restriction applies to the parcel of state trust land east of Lloyd Road in the NE¼ NW¼, Township 29 North, Range 18 East, Section 36. Other trust land located in Section 36 is not restricted. Signs are posted along Lloyd Road to remind users that shooting east of the road is restricted, and the restriction is also shown on DNRC’s closures and restrictions map.
An interactive map of recreational use closures and restrictions can be found at: http://dnrc.mt.gov/recreation.
DNRC manages 5.2 million acres of state trust land and generates millions of dollars annually for K-12 public education, including school facilities and classroom technology through sustainable forestry, agriculture, grazing and energy leasing.
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