Hunting
The fourth-largest state in the United States, Montana is a hunter’s and outdoorsman’s paradise. Covering 147,000 square miles, Montana is split into distinct eastern and western regions by the Continental Divide. Most of the major mountain ranges (there are at least 100) are in the west. About 60 percent of the state, most of the eastern section, is prairie, but there are a number of isolated peaks and ranges that interrupt the prairie landscape.
Hunting in Montana
Huntable species in Montana include black bears, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn antelope, Rocky Mountain elk, Shiras moose, mountain goats, mountain lions, bighorn sheep, turkeys, wolves, and bison. There is also excellent hunting for upland birds and waterfowl in most of the state. Montana’s wildlife is well managed, with excellent trophies of nearly every big-game species being taken in the state every year. Some of the largest bighorn sheep in the world come from Montana, especially the Missouri Breaks region; however, drawing odds are extremely low.
Deer
Our Blog SPECIES GUIDE: DEER Regulations Regulations for upcoming seasons are posted online throughout the year. Deer, elk and antelope regulations are typically posted late February. 2022 Deer, Elk, Antelope Regulations (PDF) Plan Your Hunt Online Launch maps,...
Bear
Our Blog SPECIES GUIDE: BEAR Regulations Regulations for upcoming seasons are posted online throughout the year. Black Bear regulations are typically posted late February. 2022 Black Bear Regulations (PDF) Maps Black Bear Management Units (PDF)Note: This map is...
Turkey
Our Blog SPECIES GUIDE: TURKEY Regulations Regulations for upcoming seasons are posted online throughout the year. Turkey regulations are typically posted early March. All downloads below are in PDF format. 2022 Turkey Regulations (PDF) Plan Your Hunt Online Launch...
Montana’s Hunting License Structure
Montana’s hunting license structure can be challenging to understand, especially for new hunters. However, FWP staff work diligently to simplify regulations to allow for better understanding, while still maintaining opportunities.
As the Fish and Wildlife Commission makes changes annually to hunting regulations and license quotas, it’s always a good practice to read the hunting regulations each year, especially as you prepare to purchase hunting licenses and go hunting. FWP staff are here to help as you navigate the process. A more comprehensive guide to Montana’s hunting license structure can be found at fwp.mt.gov/hunt/licensingbasics.
Guide to finding Township, Range, and Section for harvest reporting
What are Montana’s residency requirements?
To be a lawful Montana resident and eligible to purchase any Montana resident hunting,
fishing and trapping licenses, you must:
• Have been physically living in Montana for at least 180 consecutive days
immediately prior to purchasing a resident license;
• Register your vehicle(s) in Montana;
• Be registered to vote in Montana if you’re registered to vote at all;
• Not possess (or have applied for any) current resident hunting, fishing or trapping privileges in another state or country;
• File Montana state income tax returns as a resident if you are required to file;
• Have a valid Montana driver’s license or Montana identification card. Once you have established your residency, you must continue to meet all these requirements and physically reside in Montana as your principal or primary residence for no fewer than 120 days per year (days need not be consecutive).
A person is not considered a resident for the purposes of this section if the person:
• Claims residence in any other state or country for any purpose, or
• Is an absentee property owner paying property tax on property in Montana.