Montana, the 4th largest state in the USA, is often referred to as a hunter’s paradise. With its diverse landscapes, ranging from vast meadows to rugged mountains, and an abundance of wildlife, Montana offers a unique hunting experience that is hard to match.
So, no matter if you are a seasoned hunter or a beginner, Montana has something to offer for everyone.
In this article, we will explain all about the best hunting opportunities that you can get in Montana.
All About Hunting in Montana:
Hunting in Montana is not just a sport, it’s a way of life. The state is home to a variety of huntable species including black bears, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, Rocky Mountain elk, Shiras moose, mountain goats, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, turkeys, wolves, and bison.
In addition to these, there is also excellent hunting for upland birds and waterfowl in most parts of the state.
Montana is divided into eastern and western regions by the Continental Divide, each offering unique hunting opportunities.
From the Bitterroot Valley in the southwest, known for its elk, antelope, and deer, to the Gallatin National Forest in the south-central region, home to elk, deer, and black bear, Montana provides a diverse range of hunting grounds.
When Is Hunting Season?
The hunting seasons in Montana are designed to offer a diverse range of hunting opportunities while ensuring the sustainability of its wildlife. The specific dates vary depending on the species and the type of hunting.
For instance, the general hunting season for deer and elk typically starts in October and runs through late November. There are also special seasons like the Elk shoulder season and the Muzzleloader season.
For upland birds, the best time of year to hunt is later fall through early winter.
| Game | Season | Start Date | End Date |
| Antelope | 900 series | Tuesday, August 15, 2023 | Sunday, November 12, 2023 |
| Antelope | Archery | Saturday, September 02, 2023 | Friday, October 06, 2023 |
| Antelope | General | Saturday, October 07, 2023 | Sunday, November 12, 2023 |
| Deer and Elk | Archery | Saturday, September 02, 2023 | Sunday, October 15, 2023 |
| Deer (Youth only) | General | Thursday, October 19, 2023 | Friday, October 20, 2023 |
| Deer and Elk | General | Saturday, October 21, 2023 | Sunday, November 26, 2023 |
| Deer and Elk | Shoulder seasons | Tuesday, August 15, 2023 | Wednesday, February 15, 2024 |
| Deer and Elk | Muzzleloader | Saturday, December 09, 2023 | Sunday, December 17, 2023 |
| Deer and Elk (Backcountry – HD’s 150, 280) | Archery | Sunday, September 03, 2023 | Thursday, September 14, 2023 |
| Deer and Elk (Backcountry – HD’s 150, 280) | General | Friday, September 15, 2023 | Monday, November 27, 2023 |
What Game Can I Hunt in Montana?
Montana is a paradise for hunters, offering a wide variety of game species to hunt. The state is home to an abundance of wildlife, including elk, pronghorn, moose, bear, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, turkey, upland birds, and waterfowl.
Elk hunting is particularly popular in Montana, with populations exceeding 150,000 animals throughout the state.
The general hunting season for elk typically starts in October and runs through late November. Pronghorns, also known as “speed goats” among hunters, are an exciting game species that requires hunters to use their stalking skills.
Moose hunting in Montana has strict regulations and expensive tags, but the animal is worth all the hassle.
They primarily consume shrubs and grasses when the vegetation is nutritious and green. Montana is also known for producing high numbers of color phase black bears.
Montana’s bighorn sheep population has grown into one of the nation’s largest. Mountain goats are another popular game species in Montana.
Turkey hunting in Montana is a respected activity. The spring turkey hunting season runs from April through May, with a youth turkey season in the same month.
10 Best Places to Hunt in Montana
Following is the list of the 10 best places to hunt in Montana, let’s take a look:
Bitterroot Valley: Elk, Antelope, Deer, and More
Bitterroot Valley is located in southwestern Montana. It’s known for its gentler weather compared to most other areas in the state.
The valley is home to elk, antelope, mule deer, black bear, mountain lion, bobcat, wolves, and coyotes.
Gallatin National Forest: Elk, Deer, Black Bear, and More
Gallatin National Forest is located in south-central Montana. The forest covers about 1.8 million acres and includes portions of the Absaroka-Beartooth and Lee Metcalf Wilderness areas within its boundaries.
The forest is home to elk, deer, and black bear among other species.
Yaak Valley: Deer, Elk, Mountain Lion, and More
Yaak Valley is located in the far northwest corner of Montana. The valley is heavily forested and is home to big timber, elk, whitetail, and mule deer, moose, black bear, wolf, mountain lion, and grizzly bear, and other forest animals and birds.
Flathead National Forest: Elk, Deer, Bear, and Mountain Lion
Flathead National Forest offers opportunities for hunters with a valid Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks permit to hunt from a vehicle.
The locations are limited and the Forest has certain requirements while providing this opportunity.
Badger-Two Medicine Area: Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, & Upland Birds
The Badger-Two Medicine Area is known for its clean, clear waters that sustain some of the last strongholds for threatened Westslope cutthroat trout, as well as healthy populations of elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, grizzly bears and other wildlife.
The area also provides some of the best backcountry hunting and angling in Montana.
Lewis & Clark National Forest: Elk and Deer
The Lewis and Clark National Forest includes hunting opportunities for big game, small game, upland game bird, and predator hunting, as well as trapping.
These various hunting seasons extend across much of the year, and are often impacted by the travel regulations governing motorized travel on the Forest.
Kootenai National Forest: Deer, Elk, Bear, and More
In the Kootenai National Forest, you’ll find opportunities to hunt big game such as elk, deer, and moose.
There are seasons for bear and mountain lions as well. You will also find a variety of upland game, turkeys, and waterfowl.
Bob Marshall Wilderness: Elk, Mule, Black Bear, and Mountain Lion
The Bob Marshall Wilderness, often referred to as “The Bob,” is a paradise for hunters. It spans over 1.5 million acres and is home to North America’s foremost big game animals. This unspoiled wilderness provides unsurpassed beauty and trophy opportunities.
The terrain consists of rolling hills and steep mountainsides with a mixture of aspen and lodgepole pine forests and open meadows.
This area is home to the Sun River elk herd, which will be in the rut and then begin the migration process. Excellent Mule and Whitetail deer hunting opportunities also abound.
Centennial Valley: Elk and Antelope
Centennial Valley is nestled in Southwest Montana in the Centennial mountains, far away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The valley is a part of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem. It’s a great place for hunting elk and antelope.
The valley is known for its clean, clear waters that sustain some of the last strongholds for threatened Westslope cutthroat trout, as well as healthy populations of elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, grizzly bears, and other wildlife.
Seeley-Swan Valley:
Elk, Deer, Bear, and Mountain Lion Seeley-Swan Valley consists of two gorgeous back-to-back valleys located east of Flathead Lake. The valley contains three lakes: Seeley Lake, Swan Lake, and Holland Lake.
The valley is home to elk, deer, bear, and mountain lion. The start of the general deer and elk hunting season produced the highest number of harvested white-tailed deer at game check stations in northwest Montana Region 1 since 2017.
Montana Mule Deer Hunting
Montana is a popular destination for mule deer hunting. The state’s diverse landscape, from its mountainous regions to its river valleys, provides an ideal habitat for mule deer.
The hunting season typically begins in the fall, with the peak activity occurring during the rut, when large bucks are more active and easier to spot.
Montana Mule Deer Draw
The Montana Mule Deer Draw is a system that manages hunting licenses for mule deer. The draw system is designed to ensure a fair distribution of hunting opportunities and to manage the deer population effectively.
Hunters must apply for the draw, and if successful, they are granted a license to hunt mule deer in a specific region of the state.
Montana Whitetail
Montana is also home to a significant population of whitetail deer. Whitetail deer can be found throughout the state, but they are particularly abundant in areas with dense vegetation and near water sources.
Whitetail deer hunting in Montana can be a challenging and rewarding experience, with opportunities to hunt in various settings, from river bottoms to mountainous terrain.
Self-Guided, DIY Montana Mule Deer Hunts
For those who prefer a more hands-on hunting experience, Montana offers self-guided or DIY mule deer hunts. These hunts require more planning and preparation on the part of the hunter, but they can also offer a greater sense of accomplishment.
Hunters are responsible for their own scouting, tracking, and harvesting, which can make for a more personal and rewarding hunting experience.
Private Land, Semi-Guided, and Guided Mule Deer Hunts in Montana
Montana also offers a range of hunting experiences on private lands. These can include semi-guided and fully guided hunts. Semi-guided hunts typically provide some assistance, such as providing a hunting area, but leave the actual hunting to the hunter.
Fully guided hunts, on the other hand, include services like tracking, field dressing, and sometimes even lodging and meals. These hunts can provide a high success rate due to the abundance of deer on private lands.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for Montana’s deer hunting season is typically in early April. This deadline is important as it allows the state to manage the number of hunters and ensure a sustainable deer population.
Hunters must apply for their licenses and permits before this deadline to be eligible for the upcoming hunting season.
Montana Deer Hunting Fees
The fees for deer hunting licenses in Montana vary depending on the type of license and the hunter’s residency status. For example, a general deer license costs $16 for residents, while non-resident fees can be higher.
It’s always best to check the current fees and requirements on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website or with a licensed provider.
The Best Elk Hunting in Montana – A Guide
Montana is a popular destination for elk hunting, with a robust elk population exceeding 150,000 animals throughout the state. The diverse landscape, from mountainous regions to river valleys, provides an ideal habitat for elk.
The hunting season typically begins in the fall, with peak activity occurring during the rut when large bucks are more active and easier to spot.
Draw System for Elk Hunting in Montana
The Montana Mule Deer Draw is a system that manages hunting licenses for mule deer. The draw system is designed to ensure a fair distribution of hunting opportunities and to manage the deer population effectively.
Hunters must apply for the draw, and if successful, they are granted a license to hunt mule deer in a specific region of the state.
When is the Montana Elk Hunting Season?
The elk hunting season in Montana typically starts in September and ends in November. The specific dates vary each year, but the general timeline remains consistent.
The season is divided into different periods, including archery season, general rifle season, and muzzleloader season, each offering different hunting experiences.
What is the Best Time to go Elk Hunting in Montana?
While the entire elk hunting season in Montana offers good opportunities, the first few weeks of the general season are often considered the best time to hunt.
This is when the elk are most active and the weather conditions are typically favorable for hunting.
What is the Difference Between a License and Permit?
In the context of hunting in Montana, a license and a permit serve different purposes. A hunting license is a legal document that grants the holder the right to hunt wildlife in the state.
On the other hand, a permit typically refers to a special authorization that allows hunting in certain areas or for certain species that are otherwise restricted.
How Many Elk Can Be Taken with a General License and Permit?
A general elk license in Montana entitles the holder to harvest one elk during any legal season and by any legal means. However, the specifics can vary depending on the regulations of the hunting district.
It’s always best to check the current regulations before planning your hunt.
Where is the Best Place to Hunt Elk in Montana?
Northwest Montana, under the Big Sky Country, is often considered the best place for elk hunting in the state. This region, combined with a high success rate for hunters, makes hunting in Montana highly desirable.
There are over 132 outfitters in the state offering various hunting trips, providing ample opportunities for both novice and experienced hunters.
Beware of Predators:
Hunting in Montana is not just a sport, it’s a way of life. The state is home to a variety of huntable species including black bears, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, Rocky Mountain elk, Shiras moose, mountain goats, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, turkeys, wolves, and bison.
The hunting seasons in Montana are designed to offer a diverse range of hunting opportunities while ensuring the sustainability of its wildlife. The specific dates vary depending on the species and the type of hunting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Have a Hunting License?
Yes, all Montana residents aged 12 or older must have the Base Hunting License and the COnvervation License as prerequisites when purchasing or applying for licenses and/or permits required to hunt specific game species.
How do Non-Residents Get an Elk License?
Non-residents who wish to hunt elk in Montana must apply for the Elk Combination License in the general license draw, where the preference point system is used. If they want to apply for a special Elk permit, they must fill out an additional special permit application during the same application process. Each year Montana issues a limited number of non-resident elk licenses through a lottery system.
Are There Places in Montana Where Hunting is Not Allowed?
Yes, there are a number of places in Montana where hunting is not allowed. These areas generally include the state’s two national parks (Glacier and Yellowstone), and all the tribal reservations in the state. Additionally, the right of way, berm, shoulder, maintained ways, the entire width between boundary lines, and borrow pits are also areas where hunting is not allowed.