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Montana Elk

Unit 217-01 (HD 217 — High-Quota Elk)

Montana Hunting Guide — Elk

HD 217-01 is a high-quota elk permit — 297 tags issued against 314 applicants over three years — essentially guaranteed for first-choice residents. HD 217 is a western Montana timber district with brushy creek bottoms and regenerating clearcuts.

View Draw Odds Montana Hunting Guide

Elk Hunting in Unit 217-01

HD 217-01 is a high-quota elk permit — 297 tags issued against 314 applicants over three years — essentially guaranteed for first-choice residents. HD 217 is a western Montana timber district with brushy creek bottoms and regenerating clearcuts.

Where to Find Elk in HD 217-01

Elk use the dense timber for bedding and drop to clearcut edges and creek bottoms to feed. Logging-road networks provide access.

How to Hunt HD 217-01 Elk

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Elk Success Rates

Rifle23%
With near-guaranteed draw, permit holders average 30–45% harvest per FWP reports. Effort level and access knowledge drive the spread.

Elk Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— B License14915298.0% 0

Data from 2025 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine
Preference-point system. 297 tags for 314 applicants over three years — effectively 100% first-choice odds for residents, with non-residents drawing readily too.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is HD 217-01 essentially guaranteed?
Yes. With 297 tags available and only 314 applicants over three years, first-choice residents draw reliably and non-residents rarely need bonus points.

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Sources & Verification

Every fact on this page is tied to a primary source below. Last fact-checked 2026-04-17.

  1. 2026 Deer, Elk, and Antelope Regulations — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: HD 217 boundary, 217-01 season · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. FWP Hunt Planner — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: HD 217 geometry, USFS overlays · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. FWP Drawing Statistics — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: 217-01 historical odds · accessed 2026-04-17