2024–2025 Montana Hunting Season Guide

1. Major Game Species in Montana

Montana's landscape supports a wide range of huntable species, including:

· White-tailed deer

· Mule deer

· Elk

· Pronghorn antelope

· Black bear

· Mountain lion

· Turkey

· Bison (by permit)

· Wolf

· Upland birds (pheasant, grouse, etc.)

· Waterfowl (ducks, geese, etc.)

Learn more about Montana game species here.

2. Seasons & Hunting Districts

Hunting seasons vary by species and district. Montana is divided into Hunting Districts (HDs) and Bear Management Units (BMUs). Here is an overview of general season dates:

Species	Season Type	Dates (2024–2025)	Notes
Elk & Deer	Archery	Sept 7 – Oct 20, 2024	Must possess archery license & deer/elk tag
Elk & Deer	General Rifle	Oct 26 – Dec 1, 2024	Season dates vary slightly by district
Pronghorn	Archery	Aug 15 – Sept 14, 2024	Limited entry tags often required
Black Bear	Spring Bear	Apr 15 – May 31 / June 15 (region-specific)	Must pass bear ID test
Black Bear	Fall Season	Sept 15 – Nov 30, 2024	Mandatory harvest reporting
Turkey (Spring)	Spring General	Apr 13 – May 19, 2024	Varies by region
Turkey (Fall)	Fall Season	Sept 1, 2024 – Jan 1, 2025	Shotgun and archery allowed

Explore current district maps using FWP’s Hunt Planner Tool.

3. Licenses, Fees & Application Requirements

Before hunting in Montana, all hunters must obtain:

Base Requirements

License	Resident	Non-resident	Notes
Conservation License	$8–$10	$10	Required for all hunting and fishing
Base Hunting License	$10	$15	Required to buy species-specific licenses
Bow & Arrow License	$10	$10	Required if hunting with a bow

Species Licenses

Tag/License	Resident	Non-resident	Notes
General Deer	$16	Bundle only	Limited or general; must apply via draw in some areas
General Elk	$20	Bundle only	Limited permits often available via lottery
Black Bear	$19	Varies	Must pass Bear ID Test Take test here

View full license fees: FWP license fees page.

4.Regulations & 2025 Changes

New in 2025:

· Bear Management Units (BMUs) have been updated, including a new BMU 530.

· Harvest reporting deadlines for black bears have been reinforced: 48 hours post-harvest.

· Some HDs have changed rules regarding shoulder seasons and weapon restrictions.

Check the full regulations here:FWP 2025 Hunting Regulations PDF

5. Education for Beginners

Montana requires hunter education for anyone born after January 1, 1985. Options include:

· Online hunter education  for adults and youth:Hunter Education Courses

· In-person field day (youth): Usually scheduled in spring/summer months.

· Bear identification test  is mandatory for black bear hunters:Take Bear ID Test

6. Important Hunting Considerations

Harvest Reporting

· Black bear, mountain lion, and wolf harvests must be reported within 48 hours.

Public Land Access

Legal Notes

· Weapon restrictions, hunter orange requirements, and species-specific tag rules apply.

· Shoulder seasons and game damage hunts vary—watch for updates in your HD.

7.Hunter Access Programs in Montana

Montana has one of the most hunter-friendly access programs in the U.S., allowing hunters to explore millions of acres of private land for free or restricted access. The most popular program is Block Management, which partners with private landowners to allow controlled public hunting.

Key Programs:

· Block Management Areas (BMAs) – Over 7 million acres open annually.

· Open Fields & Waters – Additional access to private cropland, often for bird hunting.

· Access Public Lands (APL) – Easier access to state and federal land through easements.

🔗 Learn More About Access Programs

8.Wildlife Health & Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Montana actively monitors wildlife health, especially through CWD testing, a neurological disease affecting deer, elk, and moose. Hunters in high-risk areas are encouraged or required to submit samples for testing.

Highlights:

· Mandatory sample submission in select districts.

· Free drop-off locations statewide.

· Results typically available in 3–4 weeks.

This program helps manage herd health and ensures sustainable populations.

🔗 CWD Info & Testing Map

Montana Draw System & Points

Montana operates a drawing system for limited-entry licenses, especially for popular districts or species like elk, moose, and bighorn sheep. Hunters can increase their odds over time with:

· Bonus Points – Increase chance in random draw.

· Preference Points – Guarantee priority in general license draw.

Applications for 2024 are due in early April (species dependent). Non-residents can also buy a combination license including fishing and upland birds.

🔗 Bonus & Preference Points Guide

Mobile Tools: MyFWP & Hunt Planner

Modern hunters in Montana benefit from a suite of digital tools:

• MyFWP Mobile App – Store digital licenses and tags, report harvests, and access maps.
  
• FWP Hunt Planner – Interactive map showing district boundaries, species distribution, and private/public land layers.
  
• Check-In/Out System – Easily sign in and out of Block Management Areas via phone or app.

These tools make scouting, navigating, and compliance much easier, especially in remote areas.

🔗 Get the MyFWP App
🔗 Use the Hunt Planner

Ethical Hunting & Fair Chase

Montana encourages ethical hunting practices through a long-standing tradition of Fair Chase, which emphasizes:

• Avoiding the use of vehicles or technology to gain unfair advantages over wildlife.
• Respecting private property boundaries.
• Taking clean, humane shots to minimize animal suffering.
• Fully utilizing harvested game to prevent waste.

Practicing ethical hunting supports wildlife sustainability and protects Montana’s outdoor heritage. When used responsibly, eBikes can help hunters access remote areas without disrupting the environment or violating Fair Chase principles.

Sources & References

· Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks – Official Site

· Montana Hunt Planner Map Tool

· License Fees and Application

Disclaimer

All hunting information provided on this page is for general guidance only. Regulations, season dates, license requirements, and wildlife management policies are subject to change by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) department. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official FWP website or contact their office directly.