Montana Hunting Guide
Complete Montana hunting guide. Montana hunting seasons, license costs, bag limits, and regulations for all major game species. Updated for the current season.
Wildlife Agency
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers
Draw Application Deadlines
| Species | Type | Opens | Deadline | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk (Special) | Primary Draw | Mar 1 | Apr 1 | Mid May |
| Deer (Special) | Primary Draw | Mar 1 | Apr 1 | Mid May |
| Moose | Primary Draw | Mar 1 | Apr 1 | Mid May |
| Mountain Goat | Primary Draw | Mar 1 | Apr 1 | Mid May |
| General Elk | OTC | Mar 1 | Ongoing | Immediate |
| Bighorn Sheep | Primary Draw | Mar 1 | Apr 1 | Mid May |
Montana Hunting Seasons
Elk
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 2 | Oct 15 |
| Rifle | Oct 21 | Nov 26 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1
General elk tag over the counter for residents. Non-residents must draw in most districts. Montana has the second-largest elk herd in the US.
Mule Deer
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 2 | Oct 15 |
| Rifle | Oct 21 | Nov 26 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1
General mule deer buck tag for residents. Non-resident combo license required. B licenses for antlerless deer in some districts.
Whitetail Deer
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 2 | Oct 15 |
| Rifle | Oct 21 | Nov 26 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 + additional B tags
Whitetail deer in river bottoms and western Montana valleys. General tag includes one deer and additional B licenses possible.
Turkey
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Apr 13 | May 19 |
| Archery | Sep 1 | Jan 1 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 (spring), 1 (fall)
Merriam's turkeys in river bottom habitat. Spring and fall seasons. Over-the-counter tags. Growing population.
Bear
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Apr 15 | Jun 1 |
| Archery | Sep 2 | Oct 15 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1
Black bear spring and fall seasons. Baiting not allowed. Good populations in western Montana mountains.
Moose
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Oct 21 | Nov 26 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1
Limited draw only. Shiras moose. Very competitive — once-in-a-lifetime permit for residents. Northwestern Montana.
Pronghorn
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Aug 15 | Sep 20 |
| Rifle | Sep 25 | Oct 31 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 per year
Draw-only in most western states
Mountain Goat
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Sep 1 | Nov 15 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 per lifetime
Once-in-a-lifetime draw. Extremely limited tags.
Bighorn Sheep
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Rifle | Sep 1 | Nov 30 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 per lifetime (most states)
Extremely limited tags. Once-in-a-lifetime draw.
Mountain Lion
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Fall/Winter | Nov 1 | Mar 31 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 per year
Hound hunting legal in most western states. Quotas apply.
Planning Tools
- Montana Draw Odds by Unit — success rates for every limited-entry hunt
- Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
- Season Tag Planner — never miss an opening day
- Preference Point Tracker — when should you burn your points?
Montana Hunting Guides
draw odds
Montana Mule Deer Draw Odds: Units, Points, and Where to Apply
draw odds
Montana Pronghorn Draw Odds: Districts and Non-Resident Strategy
draw odds
Montana Elk Draw Odds: Limited-Entry Tags and Special Permits
draw odds
Montana Deer Draw Odds: Mule Deer and Whitetail Tag Guide
public land
Walk-In Access Hunting Programs: The Underrated Public Hunting Option
destinations