Montana is a hunting enthusiast’s dream come true with its abundant game herds, long hunting seasons, and vast expanse of public and private lands. The hunting seasons in Montana are designed by the state’s game managers to offer a diverse range of hunting opportunities while ensuring the sustainability of its wildlife. This guide aims to provide hunters with the most straightforward information on the Montana hunting seasons 2023-2024, including the dates, rules, bag limits, license requirements, and useful links. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, this guide has all the information you need to plan your next hunting trip to Montana. So, let’s dive in and start exploring the hunting opportunities in the state.
Montana Hunting Seasons
Content Highlights
Montana provides a wonderful hunting experience for big game hunters, with many possibilities to hunt antelope, bison, black bear, elk, and mountain lions. Residents and non-residents alike may easily get hunting licenses and permits via the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Department’s online platform or at numerous locations around the state. Non-residents may also purchase combination permits for elk and deer hunting. A permission may be acquired to legally recover a deer, moose, elk, or antelope that is inadvertently killed in a car collision.
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks has the following regulations addressing the shooting of predators:
According to Montana law, predators include coyotes, weasels, (striped) skunks, and civet cats (spotted skunk). Federal or state laws or regulations do not apply to predator shooting. Both resident and nonresident hunters in Montana are free to shoot predators at any time without a license.
To kill predators on state school trust grounds, you need a conservation license or a license for recreational use of state school trust lands. To shoot predators on private property, permission must be acquired.
Hunting License Fees
Licenses Types
Price
Note
Base Hunting License Fee
$10
This is an annual fee and will be assessed at the time the hunter purchases or applies for his/her first hunting license.
Here are a few FAQs related to the Montana Hunting Season:
Which kind of hunting are permitted in Montana?
Big game creatures including antelope, bison, black bears, elk, and mountain lions may all be hunted in Montana.
How can I purchase hunting licenses and permits for Montana hunting season?
The Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Department of Montana offers online hunting license and permit sales to both residents and non-residents. They may also be purchased from a variety of businesses spread out over the state.
Does Montana provide any opportunities for young hunters?
Yes, Montana has a program called apprentice hunting that enables kids 10 and older to buy hunting permits without first completing a hunter education course. They must go with an adult hunter who is at least 21 years old. Additionally, youth weekends for deer, duck, and pheasant hunting are available in Montana.
Are there any special hunting opportunities for mature bucks during the hunting season?
John Lewis, the passionate founder of HuntingSeasons.org, is committed to promoting responsible hunting and a profound love for the wilderness. With years of expertise, his platform serves as a reliable guide for hunting enthusiasts, advocating ethical practices and nature preservation.