FWP :: Wildlife Management Area Detail

Ninepipe Wildlife Management Area

Established in 1953, this WMA contains hundreds of small glacial wetlands and numerous created and enhanced wetlands, which attract and support an abundance of wetland dependent bird species. Management of grasslands and croplands is focused on the needs of Ring-necked Pheasants, but provides year-round habitat for an array of wildlife species. It is a popular hunting spot for pheasants and waterfowl, as well for bird-watching and photography.

Description

The Ninepipe WMA consists of approximately 4,200 acres surrounding the Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge. At approximately 3,000 feet above sea level, the property is in an intermountain prairie pothole ecosystem. The WMA is only a part of a complex of protected tribal, state, and federal wildlife habitat. After development of the Ninepipe Reservoir in the early 1900s, agricultural practices destroyed much of the native vegetation, although only remnants of native rough fescue grasslands exist today. The area is well known for an abundance of birdlife during all seasons of the year and is also regularly visited by grizzly bears. Due to it being within the exterior boundaries of the Flathead Indian Reservation, the only hunting allowed is for pheasants, Hungarian partridge, and waterfowl under an agreement between Montana and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Location

Region	1
Latitude/Longitude:	47.45294 -114.14734
Size:	4,147.3 acres
Elevation:	2,991 ft
Open:	Jan 1 to Dec 31
Directions:	Ninepipe WMA is located in the Mission Valley in Lake County on the Flathead Indian Reservation. The WMA is about one mile east of Charlo, about 20 miles south of Polson, and 50 miles north of Missoula. The WMA occupies both sides of Highways 93 and 212, and is intersected by several gravel county roads.