Know Before You Go, Chopping a Montana Tree for the Holidays

Every single year I look for the perfect Christmas tree, who doesn’t? 

When I was a kid, my family would go to the Christmas tree lots and pick out the fluffiest one we could find. As I got older, the idea of chopping down a tree on national forest land with a permit seemed like the most festive way to go. Chevy Chase would be proud of us. 

The state of Montana allows residents to chop down their own Christmas tree with the purchase of a permit.

Joe and I have just purchased our Christmas tree permit for $5 which can be obtained online via the BLM website or one of the field offices in Dillon, Butte, Missoula and Lewistown. They also give you a map of places that tree chopping is permitted. Our sister station Cat Country 102.9 shared this story a few years back for the 5 things you must have before you chop. Check it out here. 

Must have items for Montana tree chopping: 

A 4-Wheel Drive vehicle, the map, some rope, a saw and/or axe, good snow boots and of course don’t forget your gloves. Then you seek out the most perfect tree and get to chopping. 

The nature therapy is exactly what I needed. Birds of all sorts greeted us and many squirrels too.

We found the most perfect little tree!

Joe did all the work which only took 10 minutes because our tree is so small. Small trees need love too! We hauled it back to the GMC, tied it down on the top like a good American, and now we get to decorate it. My favorite part.

Our First Montana Christmas 

It’s a great tradition to chop a tree. Forget those big, fake pre-lit trees. Real pine is the best scent in the world! I will cherish this memory forever. 

Happy tree hunting my friends, and happy holidays!