Cooperative Wildlife Management Units (CWMUs), formerly known as Posted Hunting Units, are hunt areas consisting of mostly private lands that have been authorized for the specific purpose of managing big game animals. The CWMU program is an effort to recognize the contribution made by private landowners in providing big game habitat on their private range lands. In return, a number of public hunters are allowed to hunt on these lands.

For the 1998 hunting season, more than one million acres of private land comprising 60 CWMUs will be open to public hunting for those who obtain a CWMU hunting permit. These units will offer a total of 2,346 buck deer, bull elk, buck pronghorn and bull moose permits, of which 15 percent are available through the drawing. The remaining permits are allocated to the CWMUs and may be assigned to private clientele.

Some public land is included on a few of the CWMUs for the following reasons: (a) isolated tracts of land, or (b) for better management such as definite boundary identification. When public lands have been included, the landowner/operator must provide additional hunting opportunities for the public.

Both private and public hunters generally enjoy higher success on CWMUs, with less hunting pressure. However, hunters should realize that success is not guaranteed. While hunters usually have a better opportunity to harvest a mature animal on CWMUs, most of these units are not managed for trophy quality animals. To better understand the type of animals available on the units, a hunter should contact the landowner/operator before applying for the hunt.

(a)Specific hunt dates. CWMUs must allow the public a fair opportunity to harvest an animal on private lands.
(b)A map of the CWMU showing access and areas to be hunted.
(c)The CWMU rules and regulations, including use of vehicles, hunting companions and camping opportunities.

The Division has a grievance process to handle problems that may occur. Hunters and landowner/operators should make every effort to solve the problem by working together in an effort to set up and carry out a successful hunt. If the problem cannot be solved, contact should be made with the Division's regional office where the CWMU is located, and a request for assistance should be made. Problems may include making contact with the landowner/operator, hunters abusing rules set up by the CWMU, unfair opportunities afforded the hunter by the CWMU and illegal trespass on the CWMU.

CWMUs have produced positive experiences for the majority of public hunters privileged to enter these units. The Division considers the program to be highly successful, and the public enjoys the opportunity to hunt these private lands. Big game herds are improving throughout the state, thanks in part to the private landowners and the effort they are making to provide habitat.

Because CWMUs are a business, hunters must expect a certain amount of structure.

Successful applicants should immediately contact the landowner/operator to obtain the following information:
(a)Specific hunt dates. CWMUs must allow the public a fair opportunity to harvest an animal on private lands.
(b)A map of the CWMU showing access and areas to be hunted.
(c)The CWMU rules and regulations, including use of vehicles, hunting companions and camping opportunities.

The Division has a grievance process to handle problems that may occur. Hunters and landowner/operators should make every effort to solve the problem by working together in an effort to set up and carry out a successful hunt. If the problem cannot be solved, contact should be made with the Division's regional office where the CWMU is located, and a request for assistance should be made. Problems may include making contact with the landowner/operator, hunters abusing rules set up by the CWMU, unfair opportunities afforded the hunter by the CWMU and illegal trespass on the CWMU.

CWMUs have produced positive experiences for the majority of public hunters privileged to enter these units. The Division considers the program to be highly successful, and the public enjoys the opportunity to hunt these private lands. Big game herds are improving throughout the state, thanks in part to the private landowners and the effort they are making to provide habitat.