Montana Elk Season 2026-27
Montana elk season dates start with Aug 15, 2026-Feb 15, 2027. The table below keeps every listed elk row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Montana's listed 2026-27 elk season runs Aug 15, 2026-Feb 15, 2027.
Archery Elk opens Sep 5, 2026 and closes Oct 18, 2026.
General Elk opens Sep 15, 2026 and closes Nov 29, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Montana FWP.
Elk
Elk
Shoulder Season
Primary purpose is to reduce elk populations in areas over population objective. Check individual HDs in 2026 Regulations for specific details.
Elk
Archery
Elk
General
Zone: Backcountry HDs 150, 280, 316
Elk
Backcountry General
Backcountry hunting districts 150, 280, 316
Zone: HDs 150, 280, 316
Elk
General
Elk
Muzzleloader
Elk
Archery
HD 316 does not have an archery only season
Zone: Backcountry HDs 150, 280, 316
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Nearby elk seasons
Montana Elk Season FAQ
When does elk season open in Montana?
August 15, 2026 is the earliest listed elk opener in Montana — shoulder season elk runs Aug 15, 2026-Feb 15, 2027. Confirm zone and permit details with Montana FWP.
What are the 2026-27 elk season dates in Montana?
Montana lists 7 elk season windows: Shoulder Season Elk (Aug 15, 2026-Feb 15, 2027); Archery Elk (Sep 5-14, 2026); Archery Elk (Sep 5-Oct 18, 2026); General Elk (Sep 15-Nov 29, 2026); Backcountry General Elk (Sep 15-Nov 29, 2026); General Elk (Oct 24-Nov 29, 2026); Muzzleloader Elk (Dec 12-20, 2026). Always verify against Montana FWP before hunting.
Are there different elk seasons in Montana?
Yes — Montana lists separate elk seasons for Shoulder Season Elk, Archery Elk, General Elk, Backcountry General Elk, Muzzleloader Elk. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Montana FWP.
Do I need a license to hunt elk in Montana?
Yes. Montana generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and elk hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Montana FWP.