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Montana Pronghorn

Unit 480-20

Montana Hunting Guide — Pronghorn

Hunting District 480-20 is a special permit pronghorn hunt administered by Montana FWP in north-central Montana. The '20' suffix indicates a limited special permit class, requiring hunters to apply through FWP's annual special license drawing. HD 480 encompasses open prairies, shortgrass plains, and agricultural flats near the Hi-Line — prime pronghorn habitat where antelope populations are managed for sustainable harvest through limited tag issuance.

Pronghorn Hunting in Unit 480-20

Hunting District 480-20 is a special permit pronghorn hunt administered by Montana FWP in north-central Montana. The '20' suffix indicates a limited special permit class, requiring hunters to apply through FWP's annual special license drawing. HD 480 encompasses open prairies, shortgrass plains, and agricultural flats near the Hi-Line — prime pronghorn habitat where antelope populations are managed for sustainable harvest through limited tag issuance.

Where to Find Pronghorn in HD 480-20

Pronghorn in HD 480-20 range across open shortgrass prairies and agricultural fields of north-central Montana's Hi-Line country. Herds are highly visible from roads with binoculars or a spotting scope. Bucks establish territories near water and mineral sources in early fall. Large mixed herds form on open plains after the rut and can be glassed from elevated vantage points or county roads.

How to Hunt HD 480-20 Pronghorn

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Pronghorn Success Rates

Special permit pronghorn hunters in Montana's Hi-Line districts typically enjoy high success rates given the open terrain and limited competition from other permit holders. Review FWP's annual harvest reports for HD 480 to find success percentages and average hunter days for this permit class.

Pronghorn Draw Odds

SeasonTagsApplicantsDraw %Pts Req
Rifle— General7854214.4% 0

Data from 2024 draw results. Resident odds shown.

Open in Draw Odds Engine

HD 480-20 is a special permit pronghorn hunt drawn through FWP's annual special license lottery. Montana uses a weighted bonus point system. Hi-Line pronghorn permits may offer more favorable draw odds than southern Montana districts due to lower applicant demand. Check FWP's drawing statistics for HD 480-20 to see current applicant counts and tag quotas.

Unit Logistics & Expectations

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are Hi-Line Montana pronghorn special permits easier to draw than southern Montana permits?
Generally yes — north-central Montana's Hi-Line pronghorn districts (including HD 480-20) tend to have lower applicant competition than more well-known southern Montana antelope areas, resulting in better draw odds. However, this varies by year and specific district. Always check FWP's current drawing statistics for HD 480-20 before applying.

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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. FWP Plan-a-Hunt — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: HD boundaries, Public land access, Pronghorn distribution near Hi-Line · accessed 2026-04-17
  2. FWP Hunt Regulations — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: Season dates, Special permit requirements, Legal equipment · accessed 2026-04-17
  3. FWP Special Drawings — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks · supports: Special permit draw, Weighted bonus points, Tag quotas, Application deadlines · accessed 2026-04-17