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 Series | Aug. 15-Nov. 12 |
Archery | Sept. 2-Oct. 6 |
General Season | Oct. 7-Nov. 12 |
Montana Bighorn Sheep Seasons
Archery | Sept. 2-14 |
General Season | Sept. 15-Nov. 26 |
Montana Bison Seasons
General Season | Nov. 15-Feb. 15 |
Montana Black Bear Seasons
Fall General Season | Sept. 15-Nov. 26 |
Fall Archery Season | Sept. 2-14 |
Spring General Season | Apr. 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
Archery | Sept. 2-Oct. 15 |
Youth Hunt | Oct. 19-20 |
General Season | Oct. 21-Nov. 26 |
Backcountry Archery | Sept. 2-14 |
General Backcountry Season | Sept. 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
Archery | Sept. 2-Oct. 15 |
Youth Hunt | Oct. 19-20 |
General Season | Oct. 21-Nov. 26 |
Backcountry Archery | Sept. 314 |
General Backcountry Season | Sept. 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 Season | Sept. 1-Jan. 1 |
Spring General Season | Apr. 15-May 31 |
Montana Moose Seasons
General Season | Sept. 15-Nov. 26 |
Montana Mountain Goat Seasons
General Season | Sept. 15-Nov. 26 |
Montana Mountain Lion Seasons
Archery | Sept. 2-Oct. 15 |
Fall General Season | Oct. 21-Nov. 26 |
Winter General Season | Dec. 1-April 14 |
Montana Wolf Seasons
Archery | Sept. 2-14 |
General Season | Sept. 15-March 15 |
Montana Small Game Seasons
Mountain Grouse | Sept. 1-Jan. 1 |
Partridge | Sept. 1-Jan. 1 |
Swift Fox | Nov. 1-March 1 |
Mountain, Sharp-tailed Grouse | Sept. 1-Jan. 1 |
Sage Grouse | Sept. 1-30 |
Marten | Dec. 1-Feb. 15 |
Wolverine | Dec. 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.