If you are passionate about big game hunting, such as deer hunting or turkey hunting, Montana is one of the best states for you. Make sure to note the dates and prepare for the upcoming Montana hunting seasons.
This guide will provide the necessary information for the dates and permit information for hunting seasons in Montana. Prepare yourself, improve your abilities, and get ready to experience the thrilling hunting seasons now!
Montana Deer & Elk Seasons
| Season | Dates |
| Archery | Sept. 6 – Oct. 19, 2025 |
| Youth, deer only | Oct. 16 – Oct. 17, 2025 |
| General | Oct. 25 – Nov. 30, 2025 |
| Shoulder seasons | Aug. 15 – Feb. 15, 2025 |
| Muzzleloader | Dec. 13 – 21, 2025 |
| Backcountry – HD’s 150, 280, 316 | Sept. 15 – Nov. 30, 2025 |
Montana Big Game Seasons
Antelope Seasons
900 series: Aug. 15 – Nov. 9, 2025
Archery: Sept. 6 – Oct. 10, 2025
General: Oct. 11 – Nov. 9, 2025
Bighorn Sheep, Moose Seasons
Archery: Sept. 6 – Sept. 14, 2025
General: Sept. 15 – Nov. 30, 2025
Black Bear Seasons
Spring: Apr. 15 – May 31 or June 15, 2025
Spring Hound Training: May 26 – June 15, 2025
Archery: Sept. 6 – Sept. 14, 2025
Fall: Sept. 15 – Nov. 30, 2025
Bison Seasons
General: Nov. 15 – Feb. 15, 2026
Montana Furbearer Seasons
| Zones | Seasons Dates |
| Trapping Districts 1, 2 & 3 | Beaver: Nov. 1 – Apr. 15, 2026 |
| Bobcat: Dec. 1 – Feb. 15, 2026 | |
| Trapping Districts 4, 5, 6 & 7 | Beaver: Sept. 1 – May 31, 2026 |
| Bobcat: Dec. 1 – Mar. 1, 2026 | |
| Portion of Trapping District 6 | Swift Fox: Nov. 1 – Jan. 15, 2026 |
| Fisher, Marten | Dec. 1 – Feb. 15, 2026 |
| Mink, Muskrat, Otter | Nov. 1 – Apr. 15, 2026 |
Montana Upland Bird Seasons
| Seasons | Dates |
| Mountain Grouse | Sept. 1 – Jan. 1, 2025 |
| Partridge | Sept. 1 – Jan. 1, 2025 |
| Pheasant | Oct. 11 – Jan. 1, 2025 |
| Youth Hunt | Sept. 27 – Sept. 28, 2025 |
| Sage Grouse | Sept. 1 – Sept. 30, 2025 |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse | Sept. 1 – Jan. 1, 2026 |
| Falconry | Sept. 1 – March 31, 2026 |
Other Hunting Seasons
Archery: Sept. 6 – Sept. 14, 2025
General: Sept. 15 – Nov. 30, 2025
Archery (without dogs): Sept. 3 – Oct. 16, 2025
Fall (without dogs): Oct. 25 – Nov. 30, 2025
Winter: Dec. 1 – April 14, 2025
Resident Hound Training Season: Dec. 2 – April 14, 2025
- Spring: April 15- May 31, 2025
- Fall: Sept. 1 – Jan. 1, 2026
- General: Sept. 15 – March 15
- Archery: Sept. 2 – Sept. 14
- Trapping: Nov. 27*-March 15
Montana Hunting License And Permits
The new hunting license year starts on March 1, and the deadline is April 1. Hunters can start to buy hunting licenses and apply for special permits right now.
In order to apply for a hunting license in Montana, along with a valid license, there are prerequisites that hunters need to purchase first.
Hunters can purchase the licenses and permits on the official website: Montana Online License Service.
Note: Non-resident hunters can not buy a general deer license directly. They need to go through a random lottery drawing to be qualified for some specific licenses, such as Big Game Combination License, Deer Combination License, or Landowner Sponsored License.
| Hunter Prerequisites | Resident | Resident Youth and Senior | Resident Disabled | Nonresident |
| Base Hunting License | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 | $15.00 |
| Conservation License | $8.00 | $4.00 | $8.00 | $10.00 |
| Bow and Arrow License | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 |
Resident License And Permit
| License/Permit | Resident 18-61 years | Resident Youth (12-17) or Senior(62+) | Resident Disabled |
| Deer | |||
| General License | $16.00 | $8.00 | $8.00 |
| Deer Permit – Drawing only | $5.00 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Deer B License – Drawing only | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Deer B License – OTC | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Elk | |||
| General License | $20.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| Elk Permit – Drawing only | $9.00 | $9.00 | $9.00 |
| Elk B License – Drawing only | $25.00 | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| EIk B License – OTC | $20.00 | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Antelope | |||
| 900 Archery Antelope – Drawing only |
$19.00 | $19.00 | $19.00 |
| Antelope or Antelope B License – Drawing only |
$19.00 | $19.00 | $19.00 |
| Disabled – Drawing only | $19.00 | $19.00 | $19.00 |
| Sportsman’s Combination | |||
| Military Recognition | Free | / | / |
| Sportsman’s with bear | $77.00 | $77.00 | $77.00 |
| Sportsman’s without bear | $62.00 | $31.00 | $62.00 |
Nonresident License And Permit
| License / Permits | Cost |
| Nonresident Native | |
| NR Big Game Combination License | $621.00 |
| NR Elk Combination License | $524.00 |
| NR Deer Combination License | $362. .00 |
| Season Fishing License | $50.00 |
| Bird License | $55.00 |
| Deer B (OTC) | $37.50 |
| Elk B (OTC) | $135.00 |
| Big Game Combination | |
| Big Game Combination- Drawing | $1,242.00 |
| Big Game Combination- Youth (12-17) – Sponsored | $621.00 |
| Big Game Combination- College Student | $621.00 |
| Deer Combination: General Deer, Upland Bird (excluding turkey), and Season Fishing licenses | |
| Deer Combination- Drawing | $724.00 |
| Deer Combination- Youth (12-17)- Sponsored | $362.00 |
| Deer Combination- College Student | $362.00 |
| Deer Permit- Drawing | $5.00 |
| Deer B- Drawing | $80.00 |
| Deer B- OTC | $75.00 |
| Elk Combination: General Elk, Upland Bird (excluding turkey), and Season Fishing licenses | |
| Elk Combination- Drawing | $1,048.00 |
| Elk Combination- Youth (12-17) – Sponsored | $524.00 |
| Elk Combination- College Student | $524.00 |
| Elk Permit ~ Drawing | $9.00 |
| Elk B – Drawing | $275.00 |
| Elk B-OTC | $270.00 |
| Antelope | |
| Archery 900 Drawing | $205.00 |
| Antelope-Drawing | $205.00 |
| Antelope Disabled-Drawing | $205.00 |
Montana Hunting Regulations
Before any hunting, it’s essential to follow state laws and ethical practices. Here are key hunting regulations you need to know before heading into the field:
Legal Hunting Methods
You may legally hunt game animals in Montana using:
- Rifles and handguns (no caliber or magazine restrictions)
- Shotguns (with 0, 00 buckshot, or slugs)
- Muzzleloaders
- Archery equipment
- Crossbows
❌ Not allowed: Any other methods of take, such as blowguns, air rifles, or spears, are prohibited.
Hunter Orange Requirement
Hunters pursuing game animals or upland game birds during firearm seasons must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange, visible above the waist. This includes a vest, hat, or jacket to ensure safety and visibility in the field.
Legal Hunting Hours
Hunting is permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset. Remember to plan your day carefully to ensure you’re hunting within legal hours.
General Rules to Follow
1.After harvesting game animals, you must retain proof of sex (such as the head or sex organs) until the carcass is processed or
2. Montana law prohibits the following when hunting game animals or birds:
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Use of aircraft, drones, motorized vehicles, or motorboats to aid in hunting
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Artificial lights to locate or shoot animals (no spotlighting)
-
Use baits, salt licks, snares, or traps for game animals
-
Electronic or recorded calls that imitate animal sounds
3. Montana allows both residents and nonresidents to hunt certain nongame species year-round without a license. These include: badger, raccoon, red fox, hares, rabbits, ground squirrels, marmots, tree squirrels, porcupines, and prairie dogs.
4. If you’re hunting black bear, you must be able to distinguish them from grizzly bears, which are protected and illegal to hunt in Montana. Or you may face a fine of $500 to $2,000.
FAQs About Montana Hunting Seasons
When does Montana hunting season start and end?
Montana’s hunting seasons vary by species, method, and district. You can check the season schedules we have summarized above or download the Season Date Card PDF.
When are the tag‐draw deadlines for big game?
Deer and elk combo tag applications are due April 1. Tags for bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose, and bison draw on May 1, while pronghorn and B‑tags close on June 1.
What’s the difference between limited‐draw and over‑the‑counter tags?
Limited‑draw tags require drawing from a pool, and hunters need to apply before the deadline and hope for a pick. Over‑the‑counter tags are first‑come, first‑served once the season opens, until they sell out.
How can I view my hunt district’s exact dates and boundaries?
You can use the Montana Hunt Planner from the FWP site to explore district maps, legal descriptions, and season timelines.
Are there special youth hunting weekends?
Yes. Most deer seasons include a “Youth Deer Only” weekend (usually mid‑October). Young hunters must be at least 12 years old and have completed an approved hunter‑education course.
What hunter‑education and safety clothing rules apply?
During firearm seasons, you must wear at least 400 square inches of daylight‑bright orange above your waist. Archery seasons may be exempt, but orange is still strongly recommended.
How do preference points work in the tag draw?
If you don’t draw, you earn one preference point per year. More points mean a higher chance in future draws. You can also apply as a group—your group’s average points determine your odds.
When and how do I report my harvested game?
For unlimited districts (like bighorn sheep), you must report within 24 hours and go through mandatory inspection. Other species should be checked at an FWP station within 72 hours of harvest.
The End
Wish you were lucky enough to get special licenses to hunt any game in Montana.
We hope this guide has equipped you for a successful season. Stay updated with the latest information on the season dates and regulations. Don’t just focus on the hunt – enjoy yourself in Montana’s wild beauty.
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