According to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, “Montana has some of the longest hunting seasons in the West, healthy herds of game and access to millions of acres of public land,” and that in 2019 “Northwest Montana experienced a mild winter…which resulted in good adult and fawn survival for white-tailed deer.
Does Montana have good hunting?
Montana, or Big Sky Country as it is often referred, offers some of the best hunting you can experience anywhere in the United States.
Does Montana have good deer hunting?
While we may be biased as natives of the state, many visitors agree that you’ll find the best deer hunting in Montana. Montana whitetail hunting, in our region especially, offers some of the finest conditions around compared to the rest of the country.
What part of Montana has the best hunting?
The northeastern portion of Montana west of Scobey has copious amounts of state land open to public hunting. Much of this acreage is leased for crops, making it excellent habitat for whitetails. Deer hunting can be good at any time during the season, but the last half of November is favored by many resident hunters.
What is the best animal to hunt in Montana?
The most popular animal to hunt here is elk. In fact, about 50 percent of all Montana’s elk harvest happens in Big Sky. Other popular animals to hunt are black bears, mule deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, moose, and antelope.
How hard is it to get an elk tag in Montana?
The rifle permits have tough odds, but most of the archery permits can be drawn every two to five years as a non-resident. Non-resident hunters must draw a general license in order to be entered into the special drawing.
How much does a deer tag cost in Montana?
Fees: Resident: N/A. Nonresident: $554 (Big Game Combo (Deer & Elk) / $323 (Deer Combo)
How many deer can you shoot in Montana?
General Deer License
Details: License is valid for one deer. Hunters may hold only one general deer license, which can be used for deer as indicated under the “General Deer License” heading on the deer and elk hunting regulations.
Can you buy over the counter deer tags in Montana?
Drawing Applications
That includes deer, elk, antelope, moose, sheep, goat, bison and B licenses. To apply for a special license/permit, hunters can apply online through the Online Licensing System or at an FWP regional office. General licenses can be purchased over the counter at all license providers.
What big game animals live 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.
How much is a elk hunt in Montana?
With the state producing many record-breaking trophies, Montana is one of elk hunting magnets. Resident hunters buy their elk licenses over the counter for a nominal fee of $10-$20. General Combination Non-Resident Licenses for one elk are available only by limited draw, and cost $884; an elk-deer combo costs $1046.
How much public hunting land is in Montana?
Table 1. Total Public Hunting Land Acres Available by State
| State | Total Land Acres (x1000) | Acres Per Person to Hunt |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico | 77,631 | 15.3 |
| Wyoming | 62,140 | 55.7 |
| Montana | 93,149 | 30.4 |
| Colorado | 66,331 | 4.7 |
How many whitetail deer are in Montana?
Montana Whitetail
Montana estimates its whitetail population to be at 212,814. That is 16,660 above the 2020 population estimate and slightly above the 10-year average of 202,033.
What Animals Can you hunt without a license in Montana?
Montana statute defines nongame wildlife as “any wild mammal, bird, amphibian, reptile, fish, mollusk, crustacean, or other animal not otherwise legally classified by statute or regulation of this state” (MCA 87-5-102 (6)).
How much are hunting trips to Montana?
Archery Hunts
| Elk/Deer Combo or Elk – 6 Day Hunt | $4,750 |
|---|---|
| Mule Deer – 5 Day Hunt | $4,500 |
| Antelope – 3 Day Hunt | $2,400 |
| Big Horn Sheep – 6 Day Hunt | Call for Pricing |
What is the hunting like in Montana?
Montana offers rifle and even self-guided archery antelope hunts over water holes in common areas. Hunters can buy over-the-counter antelope licenses and sometimes even surplus licenses area available, but in some areas getting a tag is difficult since so few are offered and they go so fast.
Can a non resident hunt elk in Montana?
For a nonresident to hunt the general license Elk units in Montana, he or she must apply for the Elk Combination License in the general license draw, where the preference point system is used.
Can you buy over the counter elk tags in Montana?
Montana residents get their elk tags over-the-counter for as little as $20 ($10 for minor, disabled, and senior citizens). Non-resident licenses are available only through limited draw. This is before travel cost, or the cost of the outfitter or drop-in camp service.
Do you have to have a guide to hunt elk in Montana?
Getting a tag
Washington, Oregon, Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona have over the counter elk tags that you can simply walk in and buy. Yes, this is true and the cost is quite a bit less than throwing down 6,000 bucks for a guided trip.
How long do you have to live in Montana to hunt?
The member is currently stationed in and assigned to active duty in Montana, has resided in Montana for at least 30 days, and presents official assignment orders and proof of completion of a hunter safety course approved by the department, or a certificate verifying the successful completion of a hunter safety course
Is hunter safety required in Montana?
Who is required to complete hunter education in Montana? According to Montana law, all hunters who were born after January 1, 1985, must complete hunter education certification in order to hunt in Montana.