Like most moose populations in the Lower 48, Montana’s moose have seen better days. Last year, for the ninth consecutive year, statewide permit totals were cut. Between disease and wolf predation, moose numbers continue their steady decline while biologists do their best to stabilize the population. That being said, Montana remains a good option for non-resident moose applicants, as it still offers one of the higher moose tag allocations in the West. Last year, there were 262 bull tags issued throughout the state. Of those, 15 were drawn by the 3,634 non-residents that applied in the draw.
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Regions 1 and 3 continue to hold the vast majority of the state’s moose population, and all but 65 of the antlered bull tags issued across the state were for these two regions in 2025. Regionwide success rates in Region 3 continue to be about 15% higher than those of Region 1, but they also come with steeper draw odds. Hunters are also spending more time in the field to fill their tags in Region 1, averaging roughly sixteen days of hunting. Region 3 moose hunters are logging an average of twelve days of hunting and reporting a 93% success rate across this area of the state. It’s important to keep in mind that drawing a moose tag in Montana, especially in Region 1, will likely mean you will need to spend a ton of time in the field to come home with a bull. Be prepared to hunt long and hard, as moose densities are low in most of these areas. Many Montana moose hunters make the mistake of showing up on their hunt with unrealistic expectations. Just because these are once-in-a-lifetime hunts does not mean filling a tag will be easy.
The intensity of the rut can be hit or miss depending on temperatures in late September and early October, so weather can have a lot to do with the success of each season’s hunts. Cooler temperatures will have bulls much more active and vocal during the rut, especially during daylight hours. With unseasonably warm or even average weather, most of the rut will take place at night. If you can’t hunt the rut or still have a tag in your pocket later in November, this timeframe will be your next best chance at finding a good bull. By then, most of the leaves have fallen from the brush, improving visibility in prime moose habitat. Good early snows can also be a big help in finding bulls as they transition into their wintering areas.
One of the best things about hunting moose in Montana is that a great bull can turn up in almost any unit. We cover each of the available non-resident moose hunts for 2026 in the following table. If you have any questions on where to apply, or if you are a Montana resident and would like to talk about the other units available to you, give us a call. If you’re after a Shiras moose hunt and are willing to throw $50 at an attempt to beat the odds, get your Montana application in by May 1!
Over the last 20+ years, we've collected hunting research and data, so join Huntin' Fool today and access the best research tools for hunting moose in Montana, including Draw Odds, Consultations, and much more. Go on more hunts with better information!
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Search our database for Montana Moose opportunities.
The Montana Moose application deadline is May 1, 2026.
Our magazine, which is available in print and online, has everything in one location - application info, draw details and odds, fees, hunter requirements, point structure, age restrictions, youth information, weapon restrictions, other tag opportunities, hunt planning, and much more. If you would like access to all of our research, join today!
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Up-Front Fees |
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| Base Hunting License | $50 |
| Conservation License | $10 |
| Bonus Points (optional/per species) | $20 |
| Moose Application Fee | $50 |
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| Moose Permit | $1,250 |
| Bow and Arrow License (required for all archery hunts) | $10 |
| *Fees do not include the additional 2.5% convenience fee. | |
MT Moose Hunting Articles from Huntin' Fool Magazine
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