Montana Hunting (MT Hunting Season)

Discover everything you need to know about Montana hunting resources, from state regulations to the best public lands, outfitters, and gear recommendations. Get ready for your next Montana hunt with these helpful tools and tips.

Montana Hunting Regulations

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) provides a comprehensive Hunting Regulations Guide detailing season dates, bag limits, license requirements, and legal hunting practices for various game species.

Public and Private Hunting Lands

Public Hunting Lands

Montana boasts vast public lands that are perfect for hunting, including:

• Montana’s Block Management Program: Access to private lands for hunting.
• National Forests and BLM Lands: Ideal for big game hunting and upland birds.
• State Parks and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs): Designated lands managed for wildlife conservation and hunting.

Use the Montana Public Lands Access Map for detailed hunting access locations and information.

Private Land Access Programs

The Block Management Program (BMP) offers hunters access to private landowners’ property. Landowners in the program provide hunting access in exchange for assistance with land management.

Hunting Licenses and Permits

Montana hunters can purchase hunting licenses through the official Montana FWP portal. Available licenses include:

• Resident and non-resident hunting licenses
• Special permits for limited access hunts (e.g., Big Horn Sheep, Moose, Mountain Goat)
• Upland bird and waterfowl hunting licenses

Montana also operates a Special Drawing system for certain species, where hunters must apply for permits in advance. Be sure to check application deadlines.

Outfitters and Hunting Guides

Montana has a wide variety of licensed hunting guides and outfitters to help you on your hunt. While the state does not list guides publicly, hunters can contact Montana outfitters for booking guided hunts. It is important to verify that the guide is licensed by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.

Gear Recommendations for Montana Hunts

For hunting in Montana’s diverse terrains—from mountainous regions to plains—you will need specialized gear:

• Clothing: Layered clothing for varying weather; insulated and breathable for cold and fluctuating temperatures.
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots for rocky, mountainous terrain.
• Hunting Equipment: Rifles and scopes for big game; bows for archery hunting; and decoys for waterfowl.

Conservation and Ethical Hunting

Montana is committed to wildlife conservation. By purchasing a hunting license, you contribute to funding the state’s conservation efforts. Ethical hunting practices are essential to ensure sustainable populations and wildlife habitats. Montana also offers programs like the Block Management Program to conserve private lands for wildlife.

Hunting Tips for Montana

Here are some tips to ensure your Montana hunt is successful:

• Scout the terrain and study maps of public hunting lands before heading out.
• Use the Montana FWP app to stay updated on weather, road conditions, and season changes.
• Focus on high elevation and backcountry areas for elk and mule deer hunting.

Plan Your Montana Hunt

Montana is one of the best places in the country to hunt. Whether you’re after elk, mule deer, or upland birds, Montana offers unparalleled hunting experiences. Plan your hunt, secure your licenses, and get ready to explore the state’s vast wilderness!