Montana Bear Season 2026
Montana bear season dates start with Sep 15-Nov 29, 2026. The table below keeps every listed bear row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Montana's listed 2026 bear season runs Sep 15-Nov 29, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Montana FWP.
Bear
Black Bear
Fall General
Black Bear
Spring
Spring season closes May 31 or June 15 depending on area
Black Bear
Hound Training
Spring Hound Training season
Black Bear
Archery
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Nearby bear seasons
Montana Bear Season FAQ
When does bear season open in Montana?
April 15, 2026 is the earliest listed bear opener in Montana — spring black bear runs Apr 15-Jun 15, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Montana FWP.
What are the 2026 bear season dates in Montana?
Montana lists 4 bear season windows: Spring Black Bear (Apr 15-Jun 15, 2026); Hound Training Black Bear (May 26-Jun 15, 2026); Archery Black Bear (Sep 5-14, 2026); Fall General Black Bear (Sep 15-Nov 29, 2026). Always verify against Montana FWP before hunting.
Are there different bear seasons in Montana?
Yes — Montana lists separate bear seasons for Spring Black Bear, Hound Training Black Bear, Archery Black Bear, Fall General Black Bear. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Montana FWP.
Do I need a license to hunt bear in Montana?
Yes. Montana generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and bear hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Montana FWP.