Montana Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024

Montana offers a large selection of big game for avid hunters to choose from. Antelope, bison, black bear, elk, and mountain lion are all included in Montana’s hunting seasons.

Hunting licenses and permits are available for purchase on the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department website for both Montana residents and nonresidents. They can also be purchased from a variety of businesses throughout the state. Nonresidents are also able to purchase combination licenses for deer and elk hunting. Permits are available for legal salvage of deer, moose, elk, and antelope that have been accidentally killed by vehicle collision.

Montana offers the Block Management program, a system designed to encourage private property owners and land management agencies to allow free public hunting. The program — which offers nearly 7.8 million acres of hunting-friendly land — is available for fall hunts but excludes spring bear and turkey seasons.

Montana Antelope Seasons

900 SeriesAug. 15-Nov. 12
ArcherySept. 2-Oct. 6
General SeasonOct. 7-Nov. 12

Montana Bighorn Sheep Seasons

ArcherySept. 2-14
General SeasonSept. 15-Nov. 26

Montana Bison Seasons

General SeasonNov. 15-Feb. 15

Montana Black Bear Seasons

Fall General SeasonSept. 15-Nov. 26
Fall Archery SeasonSept. 2-14
Spring General SeasonApr. 15-June 15**

**Season dates vary by zone. For more information about hunting in specific areas of the state, visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.


Montana Deer Seasons

ArcherySept. 2-Oct. 15
Youth HuntOct. 19-20
General SeasonOct. 21-Nov. 26
Backcountry ArcherySept. 2-14
General Backcountry SeasonSept. 15-Nov. 26

Backcountry dates may vary by region. To ensure you have a legal hunt, visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website for more information.

Montana Elk Seasons

ArcherySept. 2-Oct. 15
Youth HuntOct. 19-20
General SeasonOct. 21-Nov. 26
Backcountry ArcherySept. 314
General Backcountry SeasonSept. 15-Nov. 26

*Backcountry dates may vary by region. To ensure you have a legal hunt, visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks website for more information.

Montana Wild Turkey Seasons

Fall General SeasonSept. 1-Jan. 1
Spring General SeasonApr. 15-May 31

Montana Moose Seasons

General SeasonSept. 15-Nov. 26

Montana Mountain Goat Seasons

General SeasonSept. 15-Nov. 26

Montana Mountain Lion Seasons

ArcherySept. 2-Oct. 15
Fall General SeasonOct. 21-Nov. 26
Winter General SeasonDec. 1-April 14

Montana Wolf Seasons

ArcherySept. 2-14
General SeasonSept. 15-March 15

Montana Small Game Seasons

Mountain GrouseSept. 1-Jan. 1
PartridgeSept. 1-Jan. 1
Swift FoxNov. 1-March 1
Mountain, Sharp-tailed GrouseSept. 1-Jan. 1
Sage GrouseSept. 1-30
MartenDec. 1-Feb. 15
WolverineDec. 1-Feb. 15

**Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Montana hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department website.