It’s no secret that moose populations in Montana along with most of the west have been on the decline since reintroduced wolf population numbers began their dramatic climb. The statewide permit allocation is now only half of what it was in 2007. Current population estimates are down to a little over 10,000 animals on a statewide scale. There is, however, some good news and reason for optimism regarding the future of Montana’s moose. Regions 1 and 3, the strongholds of Montana’s Shiras moose populations, have finally stabilized and in region 3, appear to be increasing. Over the past few seasons, regional harvest success in 3 has been amongst the highest in decades and hunters averaged an 88% harvest in 2024. Region 1 reported a 69% overall harvest in 2024, its best since 2015, but well shy of its prime almost 20 years ago. With unseasonably warm temperatures during the rut in 2024, these harvest rates further substantiate the hope that there are brighter days ahead for Montana’s moose hunting.
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While this news is encouraging, if you are lucky enough to draw a tag, you still need to be prepared for a long, tough hunt. The hunts available to non-residents this year are averaging over 18 days hunted in region 1 and around 10 days hunted in region 3’s hunts. Many Montana moose hunters make the mistake of showing up on opening day with overly optimistic expectations. Be mentally prepared for a long, tough hunt. With Montana’s long moose season dates, hunters can target one or both of the best time frames to be out hunting. The first is during the peak of the rut in late September and early October. The intensity of the rut is always hit or miss depending on the weather. Cooler temperatures will have bulls much more active and vocal during the rut, especially during daylight hours. The other is during the second half of November when the leaves have fallen off the brush, allowing for better visibility in the brush fields more staged in late fall. A little snow on the ground goes a long way in helping spot moose as well as providing the opportunity to take up a good track.
Last year, a reduction of 9 tags brought the statewide total down to 165 total bull tags issued. Of those, 12 were drawn by the 3,596 non-residents who applied in the draw. As usual, FWP has changed most of the units that will be available for non-resident moose applicants this year and there will be 21 antlered hunts for non-resident applicants to apply for. Refer to the following moose table for information on each of those hunts. Some of the better trophy units in the state are available in 2025. If you’re a resident of Montana, there will be a total of 74 antlered hunts to apply for this year. Be sure to give us a call if you’d like to discuss any of the additional hunts available to you. If you’re after a Shiras moose hunt and are willing to throw a few bucks at beating the odds of being drawn, get your application in for Montana!
September 15 – December 1
*NOTE: Some districts vary, check regulations for more information.
With Montana’s long moose season dates, hunters can target one or both of the best time-frames to be out hunting. The first is during the rut in late September and early October. The intensity of the rut can be hit or miss depending on the weather. Cooler temperatures will have bulls much more active and vocal during the rut, especially during daylight hours. The other is during the second half of November when the leaves have fallen off of the brush, allowing for better visibility in the brush fields moose target in late fall. A little snow on the ground goes a long way in helping spot moose as well as providing the opportunity to take up a good track. Hunters that still have a tag in their pocket later in the season will have until December 1st to punch their tag this year. This is the latest closing date available of Montana’s seven-year season cycle, increasing the chances for good hunting conditions as the season winds down.
If you are a Montana resident and would like to talk about the other units available to you, give us a call. Montana has some great moose, and you can punch your tag on one as long as you are patient and willing to dedicate the time needed to be successful on your hunt. If you need to add a Shiras moose to your list, get your application in for Montana!
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The Montana Moose application deadline is May 1, 2025.
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 | $15 |
| 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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