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Montana Hunting
Contact Info
1420 East Sixth Avenue • PO Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701
ph 406-444-2535
App Deadlines
Deer & Elk: April 1
Moose, goat, sheep, & bison: May 1
Antelope: June 1
Alternate List Signup: June 30
Super Tags: June 30
Mtn lion: July 24
Bonus Points: Sept 30
Preference Points: Dec 31
Results Posted
Elk & deer -
2025 : April 15 @ 3:05pm
2024 : April 15 @ 3:38pm
2023 : April 17 @ 3:08pm
2022 : April 14 @ 1:14pm
2021 : April 14 @ 11:00am
2020 : April 14 @ 4:00pm

Moose, goat, sheep, & bison -
2025 : May 7 @ 2:20pm
2024 : May 8 @ 3:00pm
2023 : May 12 @ 3:50pm
2022 : May 10 @ 10:00am
2021 : May 11 @ 9:44am
2020 : May 11 @ 9:45am

Antelope 900-20 & B Licenses -
2025 : June 13
2024 : June 17
2023 : June 14
2022 : June 13
2021 : June 18
2020 : June 15

Super Tags -
Annually : Mid-July

Rifle Antelope -
2025 :
2024 : Early August
2023 : Aug 8
2020 : August 6

2025 Non-Resident Fees

* All Combination License prices include required Base Hunting License, Conservation License, Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass, and Application Fees
Up-Front Fees
Base Hunting & Conservation Licenses
$25.00
Sheep, Moose, Goat, and Bison Application Fee
$50.00
Bonus Points (optional/per species)
$20.00
Preference Point Only (for combo licenses)
$100.00
Outfitter Preference Point Only (for combo licenses)
$100.00
Big Game Combination License (Elk & Deer)
$1,315.50
Elk Combination License
$1,115.50
Deer Combination License
$781.50
Youth Big Game Combination License
$671.50
Youth Elk Combination License
$571.50
Youth Deer Combination License
$404.50
Antelope (includes the $5 application fee)
$205.00
Special Elk Permit Application
$9.00
Special Deer Permit Application
$5.00
Bow and Arrow License (mandatory for all archery hunts)
$10.00
Post Draw License Fees (if successful)
Bighorn Sheep License
$1,250.00
Moose License
$1,250.00
Mountain Goat License
$1,250.00
Bison License
$1,250.00
Wolf License
$50.00
Wolf License (if you draw a Combination License)
$25.00

Montana Draw Changes for Elk and Deer in 2025


Montana Hunting 2025

Montana’s 2025 Big Game Hunting Regulations covering sheep, moose, mountain goat, and antelope are available. The 2025 regulations can be ordered from the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks office by calling 406-444-2535. Regulation booklets can be downloaded from their website at https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/regulations.

Montana Species Specific Information
Montana Elk Montana Mule Deer Montana Mountain Goat
Montana Bighorn Sheep Montana Bison Montana Moose
Montana Pronghorn Antelope Available Montana Hunts (HF Adventures) Montana Wolf | Montana Lion | Montana Bear


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The deadline to apply for sheep, moose, mountain goat, and bison is 11:45 p.m. on May 1, 2024, and the antelope deadline is 11:45 p.m. on June 1, 2024. Draw results for sheep, moose, mountain goat, and bison will be available in mid-May. Antelope results will be available early August, with the exception of antelope archery 900-20 results which will be available mid-June. Antelope refunds will be mailed out after the draw. Every year, Montana rotates most of the sheep, moose, and mountain goat units where non-residents are allowed to apply for a permit, making it different from year to year. All of the units covered in this section are available for non-residents to apply for in 2024. Do not apply based off of old information as there may not be a non-resident tag available there this year. We do not have enough room to cover all of the resident units, but if you are a resident, you can call us and we can go over the options that are available.

Montana Hunting

Montana Hunting Applications

You may apply online at https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply. Montana only accepts online applications for all big game draws. Paper applications are not accepted, and Montana does not allow phone applications.

Montana has a complicated application process for non-residents. They need to apply for one of the big game, elk, or deer combination licenses in the general draw in order to apply for special, limited-entry deer and/or elk permits, both of which are due by April 1st at 11:45 p.m. MST. Montana only accepts online applications for all big game draws. You may apply online at https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply.

Party applications are available for elk and deer with a maximum party size of five. Preference points will be averaged to a decimal while bonus points will be averaged and rounded to the nearest whole number. All big game hunting applications are final after submission. You may not withdraw or amend any of your big game hunting applications.

Applicants wishing to apply for bonus points only for any species may do so from July 1st through September 30th. Applicants wishing to apply for a preference point only may do so from July 1st through December 31st. When applying for bonus or preference points only, applicants only have to pay the preference point fee and/or bonus point fee for each species. If you apply for a combo license/limited-entry hunt, the corresponding preference or bonus point may only be purchased at the time of application. You will be locked out of the upcoming points only period and will be ineligible to purchase a point for anything previously applied for in the general combo/special drawings that year.

You may apply online at https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply. Montana only accepts online applications for all big game draws. Paper applications are no longer accepted, and Montana does not allow phone applications.

Application Service

You cannot apply as a party for Montana’s sheep, moose, or mountain goat hunts. Antelope hunters may apply as a party. The maximum number of hunters who can apply as a party is five. If you don’t want to apply in the draw, you can purchase a bonus point from July 1st through September 30th. The fee to purchase a bonus point without applying is $15 per species for residents and $25 per species for non-residents. The exception is for sheep, moose, and goat for non-residents, which is $75 per species.

If you don’t want to apply in the draw, you can purchase a bonus point from July 1st through September 30th. The fee to purchase a bonus point without applying is $15 per species for residents and $25 per species for non-residents. The exception is for sheep, moose, and goat for non- residents, which is $75 per species.

Details of the Montana Hunting Draw

Everyone’s first choice is awarded before anyone’s second choice is considered. For deer and elk, draw results will be available mid-April. There is no waiting period to apply if you have previously drawn an elk or a deer permit.

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Elk and deer non-resident applicants are allocated up to 10% of the permit quota, not guaranteed. If a non-resident applies for a deer or elk permit area that has less than a quota of 10, the application will not be considered for the drawing.

For moose and mountain goat, there is only one hunt choice. For sheep, there is a second choice, which is for adult ewe sheep only. Be sure to check the hunt codes carefully when applying to avoid accidentally applying for a ewe tag. For antelope, you may list multiple choices on your application. Everyone’s first choice is given before anyone’s second choice is considered.

By state law, non-residents are limited to, but not guaranteed, 10% of the license and/ or permit quota. Unique to Montana’s application process, the 10% non-resident quota for sheep, moose, and mountain goat is per region, not per unit or state. For these species, non-residents are allowed, but not guaranteed, up to 10% of each region’s quota. Residents and non-residents are in the same drawing for sheep, moose, and mountain goat tags until the non-resident quota is met or all of the tags are issued. If the non-resident quota of up to 10% is reached and tags remain, only residents will be drawn for the remaining tags.

If you receive a moose, mountain goat, or limited either-sex or legal bighorn ram permit, you may not receive another permit for the next seven years, regardless of if you harvest or not. Unlimited bighorn ram permit holders who harvest a ram may not receive a permit for the next seven years. If you fail to harvest with an unlimited tag, there is no waiting period. There is no waiting period for bison, antelope, or ewe bighorn sheep.

Licenses, permits, and carcass tags are printed on 8 1/2" x 11" regular white paper. An email will be sent to you at the conclusion of your transaction that will include your non-carcass licenses to print from your home printer. If you purchased carcass tags, you have the option to print them from home (a link will be included in the email) or have FWP print and mail them to you. The other option is to choose the E-Tag option if you want to download and validate your carcass tag(s) on your mobile device. If you are successful drawing a permit, FWP will print and mail those tags to you.

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Montana Hunting

Montana Hunting Fees

Applicants who apply online will need a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or debit card to apply. When applying, license fees must be paid for at the time of application.

Applicants need a Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or debit card to apply online. You will only be charged the application fee at the time of your application for sheep, moose, mountain goat, and bison, and a service fee of approximately 3% of the total purchase will be added to the application fees. For antelope, you will submit the entire tag and application fees and a service fee of approximately 3% of the total purchase will be added to the application fees.

The Montana bonus and preference point systems are voluntary. The bonus point costs $20 for non-residents per species. The preference point costs $100 for non-residents for the general combination drawing. When applying online, you will be charged a convenience fee of $0.20, plus 3% of the total purchase will be added to the application fees.

Montana Hunter Requirements

With the exception of archery hunters who are hunting during an archery-only season, all big game hunters, companions who are hunting, or accompanying hunters as an outfitter or guide must wear a minimum of 400 square inches of hunter orange fluorescent material above the waist, and it must be visible at all times.

Anyone born after January 1, 1985 must have taken a hunter education course to purchase a hunting license in Montana. In order to purchase an archery license, you must provide a certificate of completing a bowhunter education course or provide any prior year’s bowhunting permit from any other state. Any person hunting or accompanying a hunter as an outfitter or guide must wear a minimum of 400 square inches of hunter orange material above the waist that is visible at all times. This rule does not apply during the archery-only season.

Montana Hunting Age Restrictions

An 11-year-old youth who will be 12 years old by January 16, 2026 may purchase a hunting license and apply for any drawing but cannot hunt until after August 15, 2025. A youth must be 12 years old by January 16, 2026 to be eligible to begin accumulating points.

Montana Point Structure

Bonus points will be issued for the special deer and elk drawings. The maximum number of bonus points someone can have going into the 2025 draw for deer and elk is 23 points. A bonus point purchased at the time of application will be added to your existing point total and used in the draw. Bonus points are squared in the drawing. For example, if you have 3 points, that gives you 9 chances, plus you will receive an additional chance for the current year, making it a total of 10 chances in the drawing. Any bonus points accumulated will not be lost unless the individual draws the species they applied their bonus points to. Bonus points will only be lost if a person draws their first choice on the application. Party applications will have their bonus points averaged and rounded to the nearest whole number. Bonus points are not used or lost in second and third choice drawings.

Preference points are issued for the general combination drawings. While 75% of the general combination licenses will be issued to the people with the most preference points, the other 25% of the general combination licenses will be issued to the applicants who were unsuccessful in the preference point draw and have 0 points. Montana does this to give hunters with no points a chance at drawing a combination license. The Montana preference point system is voluntary for non-residents. Only purchase a preference point for the general license if you intend to apply in the next year’s draw. Otherwise, your preference points will be purged if you don’t apply in the next draw.

The $100 outfitter preference point will allow a hunter applying with an outfitter to purchase two points going into the draw. The hunter could buy the normal preference point and the outfitter preference point. This would give the hunter two preference points. The only thing to remember when buying an outfitter preference point is that you are required to hunt with the outfitter for your entire hunt.

Montana Hunting Draw Odds

Montana gives non-residents up to 10% of the big game tag quota. We listed the prior year’s first choice draw odds based on if that applicant had 1, 5, 10, or 15 points going into the draw. This will give applicants a better idea of their draw odds for that specific hunt, depending on the point level they are at, and it also gives applicants a timeframe of when they can anticipate increased draw odds.

For Montana sheep, moose, mountain goat, bison, and antelope, we list the total applicants who applied as nonresidents and residents along with the total tag number and potential nonresident quota. All applicants are in the same drawing pool, unless non-residents have met their regional and/or unit quota. The information we list does not take into account accumulated bonus points. We try to show you how much demand there is for the tags that are available.

For detailed draw odds where you can enter in your points to see exactly what your odds were last year, go to research.huntinfool.com.

Montana Youth Hunter Information

Under the Apprentice Hunter program, youth ages 10-17 can get out in the field to hunt deer prior to having taken hunter education. An apprentice hunter must be accompanied by a mentor who is at least 21 years of age. Apprentice hunters cannot apply for limited-entry draws. However, if you plan on hunting an unlimited unit, you must submit an application to FWP headquarters. Contact the licensing department directly with any questions.

In many units, youth ages 12-15 may harvest a cow elk with their elk license without having to draw a cow permit. FWP Commission is once again allowing legally licensed hunters who are 10-15 years of age to hunt deer during the statewide two-day, youth-only deer season, which runs October 16-17.

There are no special youth opportunities for moose, sheep, mountain goat, bison, or antelope.

Montana Hunting Weapon Restrictions

For archery, your bow must meet all of the following requirements to be legal: must be handheld, must be at least 28” in length, and may have no more than 80% let-off. The arrow must meet all of the following requirements to be legal: must be at least 20” in length, the total arrow weight must be more than 300 grains, broadheads must weigh 70 grains or more and have two cutting edges, and expandables are legal if they expand to at least 7/8”.

The following equipment restrictions apply only to weapon restriction areas: muzzleloaders must not be capable of being loaded from the breech of the barrel; may not be loaded with any pre-prepared paper or metallic cartridges; must be charged with black powder, pyrodex, or an equivalent; must be ignited by a percussion, flintlock, matchlock, or wheellock mechanism; must be a minimum of .45 caliber; may have no more than two barrels; and must only use plain lead projectiles. Sabots or other similar power and range-enhancing manufactured loads that enclose the projectile from the rifling or bore of the firearm are prohibited.

Other Tag Opportunities

One Super Tag will be drawn for each species and can be used in any hunting district. Revenue from the Super Tag sales is used to enhance hunting access and boost FWP enforcement efforts. Unlimited Super Tag chances may be purchased for $5 each at https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply. Super Tag chances may be purchased online and are available for bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goat, bison, elk, deer, antelope, and mountain lion. For 2024, here are the number of Super Tags purchased: 49,284 bighorn sheep, 29,285 moose, 14,849 mountain goat, 16,214 bison, 38,027 elk, 16,220 deer, 10,192 antelope, and 3,401 mountain lion

Search Our Database for Available Montana Big Game Hunts

Montana landowners, both residents and non-residents, may qualify for preference in the special permit drawing for deer and elk. Landowners may designate a family member or employee to be placed in the draw for a tag, and 15% of the limited draw tags are set aside for landowners. Any special permit that a non-resident landowner draws will count against the 10% non-resident quota for that unit.

The new outfitter preference point will allow a hunter applying with an outfitter to purchase two points going into the draw. The hunter could buy the normal preference point and the outfitter preference point. This would give the hunter two preference points, which has historically always drawn a tag. The only thing to remember when buying an outfitter preference point is that you are required to hunt with the outfitter for your entire hunt.

Any leftover general combination licenses for deer and elk will go on sale within a week after the draw results have been posted. The licenses should be available online.

Montana does not have a landowner tag program for sheep, moose, or mountain goat. Do not expect any sheep, moose, mountain goat, or bison tags to be leftover. There are occasionally leftover antelope tags. These tags will go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis shortly after the results have been posted.

Super Tag chances are available for moose, sheep, mountain goat, antelope, elk, deer, bison, and mountain lion. The deadline is June 30th. You can purchase unlimited Super Tag chances at $5 per chance. Super Tag chances may be purchased online. Each species will have one Super Tag drawn, and it is valid in any hunting district in Montana. The revenue from the Super Tag sales is used to enhance hunting access and boost FWP enforcement efforts. For more information, visit https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/hunting-licenses.

Refunds/Returns/Transfers

Applicants who are successful in drawing a general license will then be placed in the special drawing if they applied for it. For big game combination or elk combination licenses, you will be able to choose from the following if unsuccessful in the special drawing: keep your general combination license to use on the general seasons, receive an 80% refund of the license, or, if drawn for a big game combination license and you are unsuccessful in drawing a special elk permit, elect to receive a $406.20 refund for the elk license and be issued a deer combination license to use for the general deer seasons. These options do not exist if you only apply for the deer combination license. If you successfully draw a deer combination license but are unsuccessful in the special drawing, you can return your license for an 80% refund by August 1st or a 50% refund before the start of the general hunting season. All refunds will be mailed to unsuccessful applicants in the form of a check.

All big game hunting applications are final after submittal. You may not withdraw or amend any of your big game hunting applications. License refunds are available in some situations, such as death, death of a family member, or medical emergency. Call 406-444-2950 for more information.

Harvest Reporting

Montana does not have mandatory harvest reporting requirements for deer and elk taken using paper licenses.

A hunter who harvests a bighorn ram must personally present the complete head and cape intact within 48 hours of the harvest to any Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks office, game warden, and/or employee. However, in unit 482, region 6, or the unlimited units, the sheep must be presented in the administrative district where the ram was taken. A hunter harvesting a mountain goat must present the complete head with horns attached to a Department official within 10 days of the date of kill. No harvest reporting is necessary for moose.

Montana has given hunters the option to use electronic tags. The Montana MyFWP app provides a digital wallet to store and display licenses and digital carcass tags, known as E-Tags, that can validate your harvest in the field. When you validate your E-Tag, it automatically reports your harvest to Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

Hunt Planning

Montana has a good hunt planner that can be found at https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/planahunt. Regular Montana BLM maps may be obtained by calling 406-896-5000. Other topographical maps may be obtained by calling the USGS at 888-275-8747.

Access

In 1985, Montana started a Block Management program, which is a cooperative program between private landowners and Montana FWP. Block Management helps landowners manage hunting activities and provides the public with free hunting access to private land and sometimes to adjacent or isolated public lands. Currently, hunters can hunt about 8.8 million acres of private land for free. Program funding comes from the sale of various licenses. A regional Hunting Access Guide is published annually by August 15th, which lists the Block Management areas enrolled for that year and explains how to gain access to them. Call 406-444-2612 for more information.

Montana Wolf Update

The Montana wolf harvest for the 2024-2025 season is at 281 as of February 18, 2025. On average, around 300 wolves are being harvested per hunting season. Two-thirds of the wolves are usually harvested by hunters each year with the rest being taken by trappers. The wolf trapping and hunting season will end on March 15, 2025. We encourage hunters to have a wolf tag in their pocket if they are hunting in the western half of Montana.

Pro Tips from the License Application Department
  • All of the required licenses and fees will automatically be added to your cart when applying.
  • You can purchase a bonus point from July 1st through September 30th.
  • Only apply for preference points only for the general license if you intend to apply in the next year’s draw. Otherwise, your preference points will be purged if you don’t apply in the next draw.
  • If applying as a party, the first member will designate themselves as the leader and give the names of the other party members. A group number will be assigned to each species, with a separate number for general and limited-entry. The second member will use that number to attach to each application.
  • To apply in the draw for limited-entry elk or deer permits, you must apply for a general license of the same species. If you are not drawn for a limited-entry tag, you can either keep the general license or return it for an 80% refund.


Additional Resources

At Huntin' Fool, we provide a variety of resources for you to plan ahead! From applying for tags, researching draw odds, hunt consultations, and more, we have you covered!

Apply for License Applications
Schedule a Hunt Consultations
Research Draw Odds
Research Application Deadlines
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MONTANA HUNTING FAQ


What big game animals can you hunt in Montana?
In Montana, the big game animals you can hunt include deer (both mule deer and white-tailed deer), elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bison, black bear, and mountain lion. Most of these species require specific licenses or permits, often available through a drawing. SuperTags offer additional chances for species like moose, sheep, goat, bison, antelope, and mountain lion. While wolves are also huntable, they are managed separately and not typically categorized under big game. Grizzly bears, however, are not legal to hunt in Montana.

How much does a hunting license cost in Montana?
A nonresident hunting license in Montana costs $15.00 for the Base Hunting License and $10.00 for the Conservation License, which are required before purchasing most other licenses. From there, the cost depends on what species and license type you're applying for. Here are some common nonresident big game license costs:

Big Game Combination License (Deer + Elk + Upland Bird + Fishing): $1,278.00
Elk Combination License: $1,078.00
Deer Combination License: $744.00
Antelope License: $205.00
Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, or Bison (via drawing): $1,250.00 each (plus $50 application fee)

Additional costs may include a Bow and Arrow License ($10.00) if archery hunting, and other species-specific permits or tags. Always check Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for the most current prices and details.
How much is a non-resident hunting license in Montana? A non-resident hunting license in Montana requires both a Conservation License ($10) and a Base Hunting License ($15), and most hunters purchase one of the combination packages: the Big Game Combination (includes deer, elk, upland game, and fishing) for $1,278, the Elk Combination for $1,078, or the Deer Combination for $744. Youth and college student discounts are available, with reduced Big Game Combination licenses at $639. Additional species-specific licenses like antelope ($205), moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and bison ($1,250 each, plus a $50 application fee) must be obtained through drawings. Archery hunters must also buy a Bow and Arrow License for $10 if hunting during archery-only seasons.

How to get a hunting license in Montana?
To get a hunting license in Montana, you must first purchase a Conservation License ($10 for nonresidents, $4–$8 for residents) and a Base Hunting License ($15 for nonresidents, $10 for residents), both of which are required to apply for or purchase any hunting license. If born after January 1, 1985, you must also complete a hunter education course. To hunt during archery-only seasons, you'll need a Bow and Arrow License ($10), and for those 16 and older, an Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (AISPP) may be required. Residents must have lived in Montana for at least 180 consecutive days, register vehicles in-state, vote and pay taxes as residents, and maintain their primary residence in Montana. Licenses can be purchased online at ols.fwp.mt.gov, through FWP offices, or authorized providers. Many big game licenses are distributed via a drawing, with deadlines such as April 1 for deer and elk, May 1 for moose and mountain goat, and June 1 for Deer B, Elk B, and antelope licenses. Draw applications must be submitted online or in person, and applicants can apply as a party for certain licenses. Always carry your license while hunting, follow legal hunting boundaries, and note that some tags are limited to one per year.

When are Montana hunting applications due?
Montana hunting application deadlines vary by species and license type. For deer, elk, and nonresident combination licenses, applications are due April 1. For Deer B, Elk B, Antelope, and Antelope B licenses, the deadline is June 1. Applications for moose, bighorn sheep, bison, and mountain goat are due May 1. The deadline to purchase chances for SuperTags is June 30. All applications must be submitted online or at an FWP office, and an email address is required for limited license applications.

What is the Montana law requirement for hunter orange clothing?
In Montana, firearm hunters and anyone accompanying them must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange (fluorescent) clothing above the waist, visible at all times. This rule also applies to bowhunters during any general (firearm) season for big game species like deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bison, black bear, and mountain lion. However, archery hunters are exempt from this requirement during Archery Only Seasons or in archery-only districts, even if a concurrent firearm season is open in the area. These rules are mandated by the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission, and it is unlawful to violate them.

Are illuminated reticles legal for hunting in Montana?
Yes, illuminated reticles are legal for hunting game animals in Montana. Under the "Lawful Methods for Hunting" section, it states that rifle scopes with illuminated reticles are lawful for the taking of game animals.

Can a non-hunter accompany a hunter in Montana? ??
Yes, a non-hunter can accompany a hunter in Montana, but certain rules apply—especially during firearm seasons. Anyone accompanying a hunter as an outfitter or guide during a firearm season must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange above the waist, visible at all times. This includes non-hunters in proximity to firearm hunters. During archery-only seasons or in archery-only districts, this hunter orange requirement does not apply, so non-hunters accompanying bowhunters generally aren't required to wear it unless the area or season overlaps with a general firearm season.

Can you carry a pistol while bow hunting in Montana?
Yes, you can carry a pistol while bow hunting in Montana, primarily for self-defense. Montana law permits individuals 18 and older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit while engaged in outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and hiking—as long as they are outside the limits of towns or cities. While the pistol cannot be used to harvest game during archery-only seasons, carrying one for protection while bow hunting is legal.

Can you hunt with a crossbow in Montana?
Yes, you can hunt with a crossbow in Montana, but there are important restrictions. A crossbow is not considered legal archery equipment and therefore cannot be used during Archery Only Seasons or in Archery Equipment Only areas. However, crossbows are lawful methods of take during general hunting seasons and are allowed in most weapons-restriction areas, unless a specific regulation states otherwise. Always check the rules for the specific hunting district you're in to ensure compliance.

Which group administers hunter education in Montana?
The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) administers hunter education in Montana. FWP is responsible for setting the requirements, offering courses, recognizing approved programs from other states and provinces, maintaining certification records, and issuing both hunter and bowhunter education certificates. Anyone born after January 1, 1985, must complete a certified hunter education course to purchase a hunting license, and FWP also manages the apprentice hunter program, which allows limited hunting under mentorship before completing formal education.

Can you hunt BLM land in Montana?
Yes, you can hunt on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Montana. BLM lands are considered public lands and are generally open to hunting, but access and use are subject to specific regulations. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks advises hunters to contact the local BLM office for details about hunting opportunities and land access, as rules can vary by area. Additionally, motorized vehicle use is restricted—off-road travel is not allowed, even for game retrieval, unless specifically permitted by a travel plan. Always check local regulations and travel plans before hunting on BLM land to ensure compliance.

Can I hunt on my own land in Montana?
Yes, you can hunt on your own land in Montana, but you must still follow all state hunting regulations. Montana law requires permission for all hunting on private land, which includes your own—this ensures that all hunters, including landowners, comply with laws governing seasons, bag limits, and legal methods of take. A valid hunting license and any required tags are still necessary, even when hunting on land you own. Landowners may receive preference in license or permit drawings for deer, elk, and antelope, and can also participate in the Block Management Program, which allows controlled public access in exchange for benefits. While owning land gives you more flexibility, it doesn’t exempt you from standard hunting requirements.

Can you hunt national forest in Montana?
Yes, you can hunt in National Forests in Montana, but you must follow all state hunting regulations and any specific rules set by the U.S. Forest Service. National Forests are open to public hunting, and many hunting districts include National Forest land, but access, motor vehicle use, and certain hunting opportunities may be limited in specific areas. For example, motorized vehicles are generally restricted to legal routes, and some hunting districts may specify that a license is not valid on National Forest land. To ensure compliance, it’s important to review the regulations for your specific hunting district and check with the local Forest Service office for maps, travel plans, and any additional restrictions.

Can you hunt on Montana state land?
Yes, you can hunt on Montana state land, but it depends on the type of land and the regulations that apply. For State School Trust Lands, a Conservation License is required to access and hunt during applicable seasons. These lands have rules about camping, motorized travel (limited to designated roads), and firearm discharge near dwellings. For State Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), hunting is generally allowed during game seasons, but many WMAs are closed from the end of general deer-elk season (or December 1) until May 15 to protect wintering wildlife. Some exceptions apply, so it’s important to check with the local FWP regional office or visit fwp.mt.gov. Always verify access rules, seasonal closures, and land-use restrictions before hunting on any state land.

How old to hunt in Montana?
You can start the hunting process in Montana as early as age 9 by becoming an apprentice hunter, but you cannot purchase a license until you are 10 years old. Apprentice hunters can hunt certain species under direct supervision without completing hunter education, but this status is limited to two years and does not allow participation in limited-quota hunts (like black bear, mountain lion, or wolf). To hunt more broadly, anyone born after January 1, 1985 must complete a hunter education course. A youth 11 years old may apply for special drawings and hunt any game species after August 15 of the license year if they will turn 12 by January 16 of the following year and have completed hunter education. Youth hunters are defined as those 12–17 years old, and there are additional opportunities for youth-only elk and deer hunts. Nonresident minors 12–17 may also hunt as residents if they meet certain family residency requirements.

When does bow hunting season start in Montana?
The archery season in Montana for most big game species like deer, elk, and antelope generally begins on September 6 and runs through October 19 for deer and elk, and October 10 for antelope. However, some backcountry hunting districts—such as HDs 150 and 280—have a shorter archery season that ends on September 14, and HD 316 has no Archery Only Season. To hunt during the archery-only season, you must have a valid Bow and Arrow License in addition to the appropriate hunting license, and you must meet hunter education and bowhunter education requirements if born after January 1, 1985. Always check the regulations for your specific hunting district, as season dates and rules can vary.

What are Montana hunting season dates?
The hunting season dates in Montana vary by species and can differ significantly by hunting district, so it's essential to check the regulations for the specific area where you plan to hunt. However, the state provides general season frameworks that apply to many—but not all—districts. For most species, there are separate archery and general (firearm) seasons, and some areas like the backcountry have unique early openings or no archery-only periods. The general archery season typically begins in early September, with the general firearm season following in late October and running through late November. Some youth and backcountry hunts also have distinct timeframes. Below is a summary of general season dates by species:

Deer
Archery Season: September 6 – October 19
General Firearm Season: October 25 – November 30
Youth Two-Day Hunt: October 16 – 17
Backcountry (HDs 150, 280, 316):
General: September 15 – November 30
Archery: September 6 – September 14 (HD 316 does not have Archery Only Season)


Elk
Archery Season: September 6 – October 19
General Firearm Season: October 25 – November 30
Backcountry (HDs 150, 280):
General: September 15 – November 30
Archery: September 6 – September 14
Antelope
Archery Season: September 6 – October 10
General Firearm Season: October 11 – November 9


Keep in mind that moose, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, and bison have controlled hunts with varying season dates depending on district and permit. Consult the district-specific tables in Montana’s hunting regulations to confirm the exact dates, as some seasons start earlier or extend longer depending on location and tag type.