By MICHAEL MOORE
of the Missoulian

If you’re looking for a place to take a quiet hike during hunting season, the Crazy Canyon trail on the back side of Mount Sentinel may not be the best choice.

Although most don’t know it, there is some state Department of Natural Resources Conservation land up Crazy Canyon that’s open to hunting.

“There is a piece of land that belongs to the DNRC and it is definitely open to hunting,”?said Vivaca Crowser of Montana’s Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
The land is just over half a section, but it includes part of the trail that runs up the back of Sentinel after leaving the Crazy Canyon trailhead.

“It’s not that big an area, but the wardens tell us that it does get quite a bit of use,”?Crowser said.
The land borders the Pattee Canyon Recreation Area on both the west, north and northeast sides and includes part of one of the trails as it winds north toward Hellgate Canyon.

The land is found in Section 36, T13N R19W.

“It’s certainly an area where hikers should be aware that hunters will be in that area when the season is on,” Crowser said.  “It’s a place where you need to be aware.”

Reporter Michael Moore can be reached at 523-5252 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .