More than a dozen Hill County landowners say they are closing 50,000 acres of private land to public recreation to protest the state's purchase of a ranch along the Milk River.
    
Landowner Dan Redding said Wednesday that 17 landowners in northwest Hill County are closing their land to hunting, fishing and outdoor activities until further notice. Closure notices will be placed in the Great Falls Tribune and the Independent Record.
    
Redding says the state Fish and Game Commission and the Land Board disregarded public opinion and opposition to the $5.8 million purchase of the Aageson Grain and Cattle ranch north of Rudyard.
    
Prior to the FWP's Dec. 10 vote, several organizations asked the agency to allow more time for public comment.