Montana Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Hunting in Montana

Big game hunting in Montana mostly consists of bison, bears, elk, antelopes, and mountain lions. It is one of the best places in the state for non-residents to attend major sporting events.

Montana also has a number of initiatives to assist with hunting throughout the state. The Block Management Program, for example, encourages private landowners to enable public hunting on their holdings. This program has resulted in around 7.8 million acres of land being made accessible for hunting, although they are only available during the fall season and cannot be used for hunting species such as turkeys and bears in the spring.

Hunting regulations in Montana

Montana has hunting restrictions in place to ensure that the state’s hunting culture is protected and that recent activities do not have an impact on future hunts. The state also encourages hunters and locals to report any type of infringement to the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Park Department.

As a hunter in Montana, you should be aware of the following hunting regulations and laws:

Attractions and Luring in Wildlife

It is illegal to use any attractant, fragrance, or deer urine to entice game or wildlife. The use of any edible substance in the capture or hunting of big animals is likewise prohibited by the state. However, exceptions are provided for salt, water, or salt mixtures containing trace minerals that were originally intended for livestock.

Hunting Without a Permit

Before you can hunt or capture game or wildlife in the state, you must first have a valid fishing or hunting license. Every time you go hunting, you must also have your license with you. If a tag is required for hunting, you must also have one. Before engaging in any hunting activity in the state, the license and tags must be signed.

Possession of illegally taken games and wildlife

If you take any game or animals illegally, possession of such an animal is forbidden under Montana hunting rules. It makes no difference if you were involved in the hunting or seizing of the wildlife; as long as it was not properly acquired, possessing it is illegal.

Possession of Wildlife and Bag Limits

The Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Department maintains possession and bag limits for certain species. Wildlife hunting must adhere to the quantity and limitations established by the commission. As a result, it is critical that you conduct a study before capturing wildlife.

Tagging the Big Game

All big game captured in Montana must be tagged. On the back of the tags are usually instructions for tagging. You must follow the instructions in the letter as well as the Montana Game and Fish Commission’s other tagging laws.

Wildlife hunting during closed seasons, under artificial lights, and during legal hours

In Montana, you can only hunt wildlife and game during the seasons set by the hunting commission. The commission is also in charge of ending hunting seasons, and you may not pursue wildlife during the close season.

If you are a hunter who specializes in a specific species, make sure you gather information on the commission’s regulations before going on a hunting trip.

During the state’s coyote hunting season, Montana hunting laws ban the use of artificial light. This also means that you cannot use vehicle headlights or spotlights when hunting. However, exceptions are permitted for theft reasons; however, the firearm in the car must not be able to discharge when using the spotlight. It is better to keep all firearms, ammunition, bows, and arrows outside the vehicle or at the camp.

The use of artificial lights to extend hunting and shooting hours is likewise prohibited by the state.

Hunting from a moving vehicle

Taking games and wildlife from vehicles such as motor vehicles, watercraft, or aircraft is banned. Those who acquire authorization from the Montana Fish and Game Commission are exempt. The term “take” refers to the hunting, killing, catching, pursuing, and shooting of wildlife in the context of this rule.

Furthermore, this legislation states that you may not purposefully drive or hover in a vehicle to look for animals before stealing it. The scope of this rule extends beyond simply shooting an animal from a vehicle; you may even transfer animals in a vehicle. It is also illegal to drive off the main road in order to get closer to wildlife.

Using devices to hunt

Only devices certified by the Montana Fish and Game Commission may be used to hunt game and wildlife. The use of any other device is prohibited.

Discharging a firearm in the vicinity of a house

It is illegal to discharge firearms when hunting near a residential building unless you have permission from the residents. This ordinance also prohibits the use of bows and arrows, 35-caliber inflatable weapons, and hybrid weapons. Buildings under this rule also include structures such as cottages, huts, barns, and sheds.

Before hunting near structures, hunters must assume that they are populated. During dove and quail shooting seasons, violations of this restriction are widespread.

After hunting, clean up.

When hunters finish their activity, they are required to clean up. There should be no litter in camp, and any debris or castings should be removed. This includes cleaning the carcasses of animals. In most hunting jurisdictions, there are restrictions on the disposal of carcasses, and hunters must clean up in accordance with these regulations.

Shooting across a street

It is illegal for hunters to fire firearms from across the road or a railway while attempting to capture wildlife. These rules apply to bow-and-arrow shooting as well. Hunters should be wary of this rule because it is frequently broken during dove hunting seasons.

Open Carry of Firearms While Under the Influence of Alcohol

According to Montana law, it is illegal for anyone to handle weapons while under the influence of alcohol or any other intoxicating substance.

In Montana, open carry is permitted while hunting.

Montana allows open carry while hunting, fishing, hiking, trapping, or participating in any other recreational activity in the state.

It should be noted that you can own a firearm when bow hunting in the state, but you cannot use it.

Montana has hunter harassment regulations in place to protect hunting activities in the state.

Among them are the following:

Nobody shall intentionally interfere with any hunting or fishing activity involving wild animals, as long as the state licenses it.
Nobody shall influence animal behavior or disrupt game hunting by employing an object to influence wildlife behavior.
Nobody shall harass or disturb any person engaged in authorized hunting activity.

Hunting Licenses, Permits, and Tags in Montana

The Montana Fish and Game Department issues a variety of hunting licenses, tags, and permits. Among them are the following:

Locking Tags for Large Game

This hunting tag is designed specifically for nonresident Montana hunters who want to hunt big game. Montana offers a multitude of hunting tags, and non-resident hunters must buy the ones that are specific to the game they want to hunt. The tag will be applied to the animal as soon as the hunter captures it and will remain on it throughout the processing and exportation of the animal from the state. Some resident hunters may require a hunting tag in addition to an Alabama hunting license issued by the state to take specified game. Brown bears and muskox are two big game species for which resident hunters require tags.

Stamps of Waterfowl

To hunt waterfowl in Montana, hunters must have both a federal duck stamp and a Montana duck stamp. Hunters will also be required to undergo a harvest information program and provide proof of completion. Furthermore, several areas of the state demand permission before catching or hunting waterfowl in their region.

Permits for drawing

Every year, from November to December, you can apply for a hunting permit. Residents of the state can obtain the permit, while non-residents can obtain it through a lottery arranged by the Montana Board of Games.

Permits for Registration

Registration permission is required to participate in registration hunts. It is available for residents as well as nonresidents in Montana.

Permits by Tier

Tier permits are necessary in Montana for subsistence hunting. Tier I and Tier II permits are available, and only citizens of the state can apply for them. To apply, you must be at least 10 years old.

A small game allows

Although the majority of the state does not require permission to hunt small game, some areas of Montana do require a permit to hunt small game under their authority.

Season tickets in general

To hunt and purchase big game in the state during the regular season, hunters will need to purchase tickets, tags, licenses, and permits. All hunters must adhere to the specified dates of the season as well as the bag limits for the games.

Permits for target hunting

Target hunting in the state reduces the number of animal and car accidents. Residents of the state will be authorized to kill and catch animals that pose a threat to the general population or are predicted to die as a result of wounds and injuries.

Permits for Auction

In 1997, Montana’s fish and game agency began auctioning off big game hunting permits. They use a raffle mechanism, and only the most deserving applicants will receive this auction authorization.

Permits and Tags for Montana Fishing

Montana fishing licenses are classified as follows:

Sport Fishing Permit

Citizens of Montana who are 18 years old or older, as well as citizens of other states who are 16 years old or older, must have a Montana sport fishing license before participating in fishing sports or other fisheries activities in the state. This license is the same whether the sport is performed in fresh or salt water. Sport fishing licenses can be purchased online through the state department of fishing and game or at fish and game retailers.

Residents of Montana who are 60 or older, as well as disabled veterans, are permitted to participate in fish sports without a license. However, they must have a valid Montana identification card.

A king salmon stamp is required to catch king salmon. However, citizens under the age of 18 who have a state identity card and non-residents under the age of 16 are excluded.

Fishing License for Subsistence and Personal Use

This permit is only good for Montana residents who desire to fish for personal or subsistence purposes. Subsistence and personal fishing restrictions differ in Montana. A resident who already has a sport fishing license may utilize it in the state for personal fishing. Sport fishing licenses, however, are not valid in Montana subsistence fisheries.

The following are some things you should know about subsistence and personal use licenses in the state:

Permits from the Montana Department of Fish and Game are required for certain subsistence and personal-use fisheries.
Some Montana water bodies are confined to personal use and subsistence fishing.
The federal government manages and oversees the subsistence fishery for halibut.
Some fish species have seasons, fishing gear, and a harvesting bag limit.
Contact the nearest Montana Department of Fish & Game office for subsistence or personal use fishing for shellfish or fish harvesting.

2020-2021 Montana Hunting Seasons

Contrary to popular belief, Montana’s habitat is perfectly adapted for the numerous forms of game and wildlife.

Montana offers a variety of animal hunting options, including turkey, quail, and deer. However, for big game, the state will only provide bison, bears, and bighorn sheep.

The Montana Fish and Game Department governs hunting seasons in the state by area, and hunting permits are distributed through a lottery system. As a state hunter, it is recommended that you collect all relevant information before hunting in the state.

Alaska’s shooting season for various wildlife in 2020–21 includes the following:

Hunting season in Montana

General Season (October 23rd to December 31st)
General Youth-Only Season (October 9th to November 29th)
Hunter Access Mobility (September 18th to September 24th, and October 23rd to October 29th)
Muzzleloader Season (October 23rd to December 31st)
Muzzleloader Season for Youths (2nd October to 11th October and 20th November to 29th November)
Archery Season (August 21st to September 10th and December 11th to December 31st)

Bighorn Sheep Hunting Season in Montana

General Seasons (October 1st to December 31st)

Furthermore, many bighorn sheep are almost unreachable, so you should only plan on hunting them in remote backcountry areas.

Hunting Season for Bison in Montana

General Season (December 4th to December 6th and December 13th to December 15th)
General Season with Limited Opportunity (September 25th to December 31st)
Muzzleloader season with limited opportunity (September 11th to September 23rd)
Archery Limited Opportunity Season (August 21st–September 9th)

Turkey Season in Montana

General Season (October 2nd to October 8th)
Youth Hunting Season (October 2nd to October 8th)
Archery Season (August 21st to September 10th)

A valid license and tag are required for turkey hunting in Montana. There is also a hunting limit of one turkey each year.

Hunting Season for Black Bears in Montana

General Season (August 7th to December 31st)

All black bears are lawful to hunt in Montana, with the exception of cubs and sows.

Mountain Lion Hunting Season in Montana

General Seasons with Daylight Shooting Periods (August 21st to May 31st)
Archery Season (August 21st to May 31st)
Pursuit Season (August 21st to May 31st)

Mountain lion hunting in Montana is restricted to one animal per year. Mountain lions have two hunting hours: daylight and daylong times. Daylight hunts must take place during the day, whereas daylong hunts take place both during the day and at midnight.

Seasons for hunting small game in Montana

Chukar Partridge Season (September 1st to February 7th)
Season of the Dusky Blue Grouse (September 1st to November 8th)
Cottontail rabbit season lasts from July 1st until June 30th.
Pheasant: Shotgun Season (September 1st to September 15th), Archery Season (October 16th to February 7th).
Tree Squirrel Season (July 1st to June 30th)
Quail: General Season (October 16th to February 7th)

For all games and wildlife in the state, the dates for each season may vary depending on the zone.

Montana Game and Fish Department

The following are some of the animal games available for hunting in the state:

Hunting for Black Bears in Montana

Black bears are a large game that can be found throughout North America. They can be found in all of North America’s forests, including Mexico. In Montana, they live in wooded environments such as oak woodland, chaparral, and coniferous woods.

Hunting for Bison in Montana

The Montana Game and Fish Department oversees the state’s two bison herds. There are two herds: the Raymond herd and the House Rock herd.

Bighorn Sheep Hunting in Montana

Montana’s bighorns are found in the Rocky Mountains and deserts, and the Department of Fish and Game estimates that there are approximately 6,000 of them.

Elk Hunting in Montana

Elks were once one of the most common deer species in North America, and they could be found practically wherever. However, their figure has been reduced due to agricultural operations and unregulated elk shooting in Montana and other states. Elk numbers in Montana are currently around 35,000.

Turkey Hunting in Montana

Turkeys are one of the most frequent large game in Montana, and there are three different kinds to choose from: Rio Grande, Merriam, and Gould. Permits and tags are required for turkey hunting in Montana.

Mountain Lion Hunting in Montana

Mountain lions are extensively distributed throughout Montana, and they can be found in most areas where deer herds exist since they prey on deer.

Deer hunting in Montana

Mule deer and white-tailed deer are the two most prevalent deer species accessible for big game hunting in Montana.

Hunting for Grouse in Montana

In Montana, dusky grouse live in aspen woodlands and mixed conifer woods.

Hunting for Rabbits in Montana

Cottontail rabbits are available for small game hunting in Montana, and there are three species. Mountain cottontail, desert cottontail, and eastern cottontail are among them.

Dove Hunting in Montana

Montana is home to a variety of dove species, the most common of which is the Mourning Dove.

Pheasant Hunting in Montana

Pheasants live in agriculturally important areas of Montana with extremely high humidity. Pheasant hunting is extremely prevalent in Montana.

Squirrel Hunting in Montana

Tree squirrels are one of Montana’s most popular small game birds to hunt. There are four different species and eight subspecies, and they live in the state’s forested areas.

Waterfowl Species in Montana

Waterfowl hunters in Montana have a variety of species to pick from.

Fox Hunting in Montana

In the state, there are three different species for fox hunting: gray fox, red fox, and kit fox.

Shooting Range in Montana

The Montana Fish and Game Department has approved the following state ranges:

Clay Target Center Ben Avery
Trap & Skeet Club in Casa Grande
The Cowtown Range
Sporting Clays and Double Adobe Trap Range
Joe Foss Shooting Range
Lake Havasu City Sportsman Association
Mohave Sportsman Association
White Mountain Trap and Skeet Association
Tonto Rim Athletic Club
Sports at Sprague’s
Rio Salado Sportsman’s Association

Hunting in Montana and Land for Sale and Lease

Montana hunting land for sale has the following features:

Stanford, Montana (Judith Basin County), has a total area of 11,044 acres.
29,480 acres in Sumatra, Montana (Rosebud County).
392 acres in Lincoln, Montana (Lewis and Clark County).
9,200 acres in Roy, Montana (Fergus County).
20 acres in Belfry, Montana (Carbon County).

Montana hunting lands for lease include the following:

4,000-acre Boyd Ranch in Madison County
large hunting leases in Lincoln County, 10,000 acres, for a single hunt or multiple years.