Montana Deer Season 2026-27
Montana deer season dates start with Aug 15, 2026-Feb 15, 2027. The table below keeps every listed deer row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Montana's listed 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Sep 15-Nov 29, 2026.
Shoulder Season Deer opens Aug 15, 2026 and closes Feb 15, 2027.
Archery Deer opens Sep 5, 2026 and closes Oct 18, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Montana FWP.
Deer
Deer
Shoulder Season
Varying dates before and/or after the archery and general seasons
Deer
Archery
Deer
Backcountry General
Backcountry hunting districts 150, 280, 316
Zone: HDs 150, 280, 316
Deer
Regular Firearm
Zone: Backcountry HDs 150, 280, 316
Deer
Youth
Youth, deer only
Deer
Regular Firearm
Deer
Muzzleloader
Deer
Archery
HD 316 does not have an archery only season
Zone: Backcountry HDs 150, 280, 316
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Nearby deer seasons
Montana Deer Season FAQ
When does deer season open in Montana?
August 15, 2026 is the earliest listed deer opener in Montana — shoulder season deer runs Aug 15, 2026-Feb 15, 2027. Confirm zone and permit details with Montana FWP.
What are the 2026-27 deer season dates in Montana?
Montana lists 8 deer season windows: Shoulder Season Deer (Aug 15, 2026-Feb 15, 2027); Archery Deer (Sep 5-Oct 18, 2026); Archery Deer (Sep 5-14, 2026); Backcountry General Deer (Sep 15-Nov 29, 2026); Regular Firearm Deer (Sep 15-Nov 29, 2026); Youth Deer (Oct 15-16, 2026); Regular Firearm Deer (Oct 24-Nov 29, 2026); Muzzleloader Deer (Dec 12-20, 2026). Always verify against Montana FWP before hunting.
Are there different deer seasons in Montana?
Yes — Montana lists separate deer seasons for Shoulder Season Deer, Archery Deer, Backcountry General Deer, Regular Firearm Deer, Youth Deer, Muzzleloader Deer. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Montana FWP.
Do I need a license to hunt deer in Montana?
Yes. Montana generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and deer hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Montana FWP.