Hunting in Montana

Montana is one of the last places in the Lower 48 where you can chase elk, mule deer, whitetail, pronghorn, moose, mountain goat, and bighorn sheep across vast stretches of public land. The state’s general elk and deer combo license gives residents affordable access to a long season, and even non-residents can draw quality tags with the right planning. If you want a true backcountry western hunt, Montana should be near the top of your list.

Start with the official agency

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) manages all hunting in the state. Always confirm the rules for your species and district on the official FWP website at fwp.mt.gov/hunt. This includes season dates, legal methods, bag limits, and reporting requirements. FWP publishes separate regulation booklets for deer and elk, upland birds, waterfowl, and other species.

Check the Montana hunting seasons and Montana hunting regulations pages for quick-reference summaries.

Focus on three planning questions

• Where can you hunt legally in Montana, and which hunting district fits your target species.
• What season and method apply to your hunt (archery, general, or late season).
• Which licenses, tags, stamps, or permits are required, and do you need to enter a special draw.

Non-resident planning

Montana caps the number of non-resident big game combination licenses each year. These sell out, and the application window is in the spring. If you are a non-resident, apply early and have a backup plan. For premium species like moose, mountain goat, and bighorn sheep, the draw odds are steep and there is no preference point system – it is a straight lottery. Plan to apply consistently over multiple years.

Access types in Montana

Montana is one of the best states in the country for hunting access, with over 30 million acres of public land:

• National Forests including Gallatin, Flathead, Beaverhead-Deerlodge, Helena-Lewis and Clark, Lolo, and Custer.
• BLM land concentrated in eastern and central Montana.
• Block Management Program areas, where FWP has enrolled over 7 million acres of private land for free public hunting access. This is one of the best access programs in the nation. Sign up for Block Management access permits through FWP each year.
• State trust lands open to foot and horseback access with a valid license.
• Private land with written permission from the landowner.
• Wilderness areas including the Bob Marshall, Absaroka-Beartooth, and Selway-Bitterroot, where non-residents must hire a licensed outfitter for certain hunts.

Explore the Land access hub and the Montana land access guide.

Build a season plan

• List your priority species and hunting districts.
• Add draw application deadlines first, since many permits require a spring application.
• Add season windows and scouting time.
• Identify backup districts in case your primary plan falls through.
• Check FWP’s Block Management guide for access openings in your target area.

See Build a hunting season planning calendar.

Local city guides

Use the city guides below to plan access, travel, and logistics from Montana’s major population centers.

Montana Game Species Guides

• Whitetail deer hunting in Montana
• Turkey hunting in Montana
• Waterfowl hunting in Montana

See also the Montana hunting license guide.

Final Checklist

• Confirm rules on the official FWP website and download the current regulation booklets.
• Save maps and Block Management guides for offline use.
• Pack essentials and verify all licenses and tags.
• Review safety and access rules before you leave.
• Register for Block Management access permits before your hunt dates.
• If hunting wilderness, confirm whether outfitter requirements apply to your license type.

Explore Related Topics:

• Hunting near Billings, Montana
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