Montana Hunting Guide
Big Sky Country offers world-class elk, deer, and bear hunting on public lands.
Montana Hunting Seasons 2026
| Species | Archery | Firearm |
|---|---|---|
| Elk | Sep 5 - Oct 18, 2026 | General rifle Oct 24 - Nov 29, 2026; shoulder seasons vary by HD |
| Mule Deer | Sep 5 - Oct 18, 2026 | General rifle Oct 24 - Nov 29, 2026 |
* Season dates are approximate and may vary by zone or unit. Always verify with your state wildlife agency for current regulations before hunting.
Hunting Highlights
Key Species in Montana
Public Land Access
Montana has approximately 30 million acres of public land available for hunting, including national forests, BLM land, and state wildlife management areas.
Montana Hunting Articles
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Montana Elk Hunting 2026: Season Dates, Combination License Draw, Costs & Where to Hunt
Montana elk hunting 2026—archery and general rifle season dates, nonresident combination license draw, preference points, license costs, shoulder seasons, top hunting districts, and nonresident guide.
Montana Mule Deer Hunting 2026: Season Dates, Combination License Draw, New Tag Limits & Where to Hunt
Montana mule deer hunting 2026—archery and general rifle season dates, the nonresident Deer Combination license draw, the new 2026 resident 3-tag cap, Deer B license restrictions, license costs, CWD zones, and Missouri River Breaks hunting districts.
Montana Brown Trout Fishing 2026: Bighorn, Big Water, and Night Mice
Montana brown trout in 2026—FWP special regulations on famous tailwaters, big fish ethics, and streamer, nymph, and large-fly tactics.
Montana Kokanee Fishing 2026: Flathead, Placid Trolling, Dodgers
Montana kokanee in 2026—FWP rules for landlocked sockeye, reservoir trolling with small spoons and hoochies, and downrigger and lead-core programs.
Montana Largemouth Bass Fishing 2026: Eastern Prairies, Fort Peck, Docks
Montana largemouth bass in 2026—FWP warm-water and black bass rules, Fort Peck and other prairie impoundments, and shallow flip and deep jig tactics.
Montana Rainbow Trout Fishing 2026: Madison, Missouri, Wild vs Stocked Rules
Montana rainbow trout in 2026—FWP stream regulations, blue-ribbon waters, and nymph, streamer, and dry-fly tactics with gear and season checks.
Montana Walleye Fishing 2026: Fort Peck, Canyon Ferry, Trolling and Jig
Montana walleye in 2026—FWP and shared-border rules, reservoir trolling with crankbaits and live bait where lawful, and spring river spawning runs.
Montana Fishing 2026: Licenses, Blue-Ribbon Trout, and Prairie Reservoirs
Montana fishing 2026—license details, official FWP regulations, blue-ribbon trout rules, river closures, AIS checks, and reservoir planning.
Montana Spring Turkey Hunting 2026: Regions, Tags & Public Land
Montana spring turkey 2026—general and special spring seasons by region, Merriam’s tags, FWP regulations, and mountain scouting.
Montana Spring Black Bear Hunting 2026: Early Season, Safety & Where to Hunt
Montana spring bear 2026—bears emerging early due to mild winter. Season dates, license requirements, grizzly country safety, and best hunting districts.