Complete Montana Game Season Calendar 2025-2026: Your Essential Outdoor Guide
Montana’s vast wilderness and diverse ecosystems make it one of North America’s premier destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned local hunter or planning your first adventure in Big Sky Country, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the 2025-2026 game calendar. From trophy elk in the backcountry to waterfowl on prairie potholes, we’ll walk through dates, permits, zones, and essential regulations to help you plan your next outdoor excursion.
Both residents and visiting sportsmen should review these details carefully before heading afield. Montana’s wildlife management areas span millions of acres, and understanding the specific rules for each district can make the difference between a successful trip and disappointment. Let’s dive into what this year’s regulations have in store.
📅 Quick Highlights
Here’s your at-a-glance summary of major species and their key dates for the upcoming game year:
Big Game Highlights:
- Archery Season: September 6 – October 19 (deer/elk)
- General Rifle: October 25 – November 30 (deer/elk)
- Heritage Muzzleloader: December 13 – December 21
- Antelope Archery: September 6 – October 10
- Antelope General: October 11 – November 9
Small Game & Birds:
- Upland Birds: September 1 – January 1 (most species)
- Pheasant General: October 11 – January 1
- Waterfowl: October 4 start (varies by flyway/zone)
- Youth Pheasant: September 27 – September 28
Key Application Deadlines:
- Deer/Elk Permits: April 1, 2025
- Antelope & B Licenses: June 1, 2025
- Over-the-counter B licenses available starting June 15
🦌 Big Game Overview
Montana’s big game opportunities are legendary, with some of the largest elk herds and most diverse deer populations in the lower 48. Here’s what you need to know:
| Species | Archery | General Rifle | Muzzleloader | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitetail/Mule Deer | Sep 6 – Oct 19 | Oct 25 – Nov 30 | Dec 13 – Dec 21 | Youth hunt Oct 16-17 |
| Elk | Sep 6 – Oct 19 | Oct 25 – Nov 30 | Dec 13 – Dec 21 | Backcountry areas start earlier |
| Pronghorn Antelope | Sep 6 – Oct 10 | Oct 11 – Nov 9 | N/A | 900 series runs Aug 15 – Nov 9 |
Backcountry Special Areas (HDs 150, 280, 316):
- Archery: September 6 – September 14
- General: September 15 – November 30
- Note: HD 316 does not offer an archery-only period
Many districts operate on a permit system, requiring successful draw applications submitted by April 1st. However, general licenses and some B tags (for antlerless animals) remain available over-the-counter. The popular B license purchase date has shifted to June 15th this year, so mark your calendars accordingly.
For trophy hunters, shoulder seasons in select districts extend opportunities into winter months. These special hunts help manage population levels while providing additional chances for harvesting mature animals. Check individual district regulations for specific dates and restrictions.
🦃 Turkey Dates
While turkey seasons aren’t fully detailed in the upland bird regulations, hunters need an Upland Game Bird License to purchase turkey tags. Montana offers both spring and fall opportunities, with spring seasons typically focused on male birds and fall seasons allowing harvest of either gender depending on the area.
Turkey populations have been expanding their range in recent years, providing new opportunities in districts where they were previously absent. For current turkey season dates and specific area regulations, consult the latest Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announcements.
🦝 Furbearer Opportunities
Montana’s furbearer seasons provide year-round action for trappers and predator hunters:
| Species | Season Dates | Methods | License Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | Year-round | Hunt/Trap | None (residents) |
| Bobcat | Dec 1 – Feb 15/Mar 1* | Hunt/Trap | Bobcat or Trapping License |
| Beaver | Nov 1 – Apr 15** | Trap only | General Trapping License |
| Wolf | Sep 15 – Mar 15 | Hunt/Trap | Wolf License + certification |
| Marten | Dec 1 – Feb 15 | Trap only | General Trapping License |
*Regions 1-3: Feb 15; Regions 4-7: Mar 1
**Regions 4-7: Sep 1 – May 31
Important Notes:
- Wolf trapping has geographic restrictions based on court orders
- Bobcat seasons have regional quotas and per-person limits
- Mandatory reporting within 24 hours required for certain species
- Pan tension minimums and snare specifications apply in lynx protection zones
Coyote remains unprotected statewide, making it an excellent option for new trappers to gain experience. However, if you’re targeting quota species like bobcat or fisher, understanding harvest reporting requirements and season closure procedures is crucial.
🐦 Small Game Section
Montana’s upland bird seasons offer diverse opportunities from September through January:
| Species | Season | Bag Limit | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ring-necked Pheasant | Oct 11 – Jan 1 | 3 cocks daily | Youth season Sep 27-28 |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse | Sep 1 – Jan 1 | 4 daily | Closed west of Continental Divide |
| Sage Grouse | Sep 1 – Sep 30 | 2 daily | Free supplemental permit required |
| Mountain Grouse | Sep 1 – Jan 1 | 3 daily (aggregate) | Blue, ruffed, Franklin’s |
| Hungarian Partridge | Sep 1 – Jan 1 | 8 daily (with chukar) | Carbon County to Jan 10 |
Key Regulations:
- Evidence of sex requirements: Keep one fully-feathered wing attached until birds reach your permanent residence
- For pheasant: One leg and foot must remain attached for roosters
- Sage grouse hunting requires a free supplemental permit – don’t forget to obtain this before your hunt
- Youth hunters (15 and under) get special early pheasant opportunities with proper adult supervision
The September 1st opener for most upland species coincides with excellent weather and strong bird populations. Early season hunters often find the best success, as birds haven’t yet experienced hunting pressure and weather conditions remain favorable for dog work.
🦆 Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Montana straddles two major flyways, creating unique opportunities but also complex regulations:
Pacific Flyway (Western Montana)
| Species | Season | Bag Limit | Youth Hunt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks/Mergansers | Oct 4 – Dec 28, Dec 29 – Jan 16* | 7 daily | Sep 27-28 |
| Geese | Oct 4 – Jan 16 | 20 white + 5 dark | Sep 27-28 |
| Coots | Oct 4 – Jan 16 | 25 daily | Sep 27-28 |
*Scaup season closes December 28
Central Flyway (Eastern Montana)
Zone 1: Most eastern counties
Zone 2: Yellowstone River drainage counties
| Species | Zone 1 Season | Zone 2 Season | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducks/Mergansers | Oct 4 – Jan 8 | Oct 4-12 & Oct 25 – Jan 20 | 6 daily |
| Geese | Oct 4 – Jan 16 | Oct 4-12 & Oct 25 – Jan 28 | 20 white + 5 dark |
| Coots | Oct 4 – Jan 8 | Oct 4-12 & Oct 25 – Jan 20 | 15 daily |
Federal Requirements:
- All waterfowl hunters 16+ must carry a signed federal duck stamp
- Harvest Information Program (HIP) registration mandatory
- Non-toxic shot required on all federal refuges and production areas
The split season in Zone 2 provides a migration break, often resulting in fresh birds during the late October reopener. Plan your scouting accordingly, as bird distribution can shift dramatically between these periods.
🐗 Other Available Game
Beyond the major species, Montana offers opportunities for specialized hunters:
| Species | Season | Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson’s Snipe | Sep 1 – Dec 16 | 8 daily, 24 possession | Statewide |
| Mourning Dove | Sep 1 – Oct 30 | 15 daily, 45 possession | Statewide |
| Sandhill Crane | Sep 1 – Oct 30 | Varies by area | Special drawing required |
| Mountain Lion | Varies by district | See big game regs | Quota system |
Sandhill Crane Opportunities:
Special drawing areas offer limited tags with 1-2 bird seasons, while Central Flyway areas provide over-the-counter permits for a 3-bird daily bag. The October 4 – November 30 general season in crane areas coincides with peak migration, offering spectacular hunting when birds are moving.
Snipe hunting provides excellent wing-shooting practice and can extend your small game season well into December. These challenging targets frequent marshy areas and irrigation ditches throughout the state.
🗺️ Wildlife Management Areas and Public Access
Montana boasts over 1.2 million acres of Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) plus millions more acres of accessible public land through the Block Management Program. The Hunt Planner Map provides interactive access to district boundaries, land ownership, and harvest data.
Key Resources:
- Block Management Areas: Private lands open to public hunting through cooperative agreements
- Wildlife Management Areas: State-owned properties managed specifically for wildlife habitat
- National Forest Lands: Vast acreage available for public hunting
- Bureau of Land Management: Additional public access opportunities
Always verify current access agreements and boundary locations before your hunt. Some Block Management areas require check-in procedures or have specific restrictions on vehicle use, camping, or hunting methods.
🎟️ Permits, Tags & Licenses Details
Understanding Montana’s license structure is essential for legal compliance:
Base Requirements (All Hunters)
| License Type | Resident | Nonresident | Youth (12-17) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation License | $10 | $10 | $5 |
| Base Hunting License | $10 | $25 | $5 |
Species-Specific Add-ons
| License/Permit | Resident | Nonresident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer/Elk Combination | $20 | $634 | General license |
| Antelope | $20 | $271 | Plus application fee |
| Upland Game Bird | $10 | $65 | Required for all upland species |
| Migratory Bird | $10 | $65 | Doves, snipe, waterfowl |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $25 | $25 | Required ages 16+ |
Special Considerations
- Military Personnel: Active duty receive resident rates with proper documentation
- Disabled Hunters: Special permits available for qualified individuals
- Apprentice Hunters: Reduced requirements for first-time participants
- Senior Citizens: Some license reductions for residents 62+
Application Timeline:
- April 1: Deadline for deer/elk permits and nonresident combination licenses
- June 1: Antelope and B license applications due
- June 15: Over-the-counter B license sales begin
- June 30: Super Tag applications close
The shift to June 15th for B license over-the-counter sales represents a significant change from previous years. These antlerless tags are crucial for population management and provide excellent opportunities for meat hunters and youth. Unlike neighboring Colorado hunting seasons, Montana maintains relatively liberal tag availability for residents.
❓ Montana Game Calendar Quick FAQ
Q: When do I need to apply for limited entry permits?
A: Deer and elk permit applications are due April 1st, while antelope applications close June 1st. Don’t wait – popular units fill quickly and preference points matter for drawing odds.
Q: Can nonresidents hunt during archery seasons?
A: Yes, but nonresidents face restrictions starting in 2026. Beginning that year, nonresidents on public land or Block Management areas must wait 10 days after season opener for most species (mountain grouse excepted).
Q: What’s required for wolf hunting?
A: Wolf hunters need a base license, conservation license, and wolf license. Trappers must complete wolf trapping certification. All wolves require mandatory check-in within 10 days for skull and hide tagging.
Q: Are there any weapons restrictions?
A: Most seasons allow firearms, archery, and crossbows. Some areas restrict to archery-only during early periods. Wolf hunting specifically permits rifles, handguns, muzzleloaders, shotguns with slugs, and archery equipment.
Q: How do I know which flyway zone I’m in?
A: The Continental Divide generally separates Pacific (west) from Central (east) flyway areas. Specific county lists are available in regulations. When in doubt, GPS coordinates can help determine your zone.
Q: What happens if I harvest a quota species?
A: Species like bobcat, fisher, and marten require immediate reporting (within 24 hours) and physical check-in within 10 days of season end. Failure to comply can result in significant penalties.
Q: Can I use electronic calls?
A: Electronic calls are legal for predators like coyote and wolf on private land after October 1st. However, they’re prohibited for big game and most other species. Always check specific regulations for your target species.
🔗 Related Guides and Resources
For hunters planning multi-state adventures, consider reviewing regulations in neighboring states. Idaho hunting seasons offer similar big game opportunities with different timing and tag structures.
Essential Montana Resources:
- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (fwp.mt.gov)
- Hunt Planner Interactive Map
- Drawing Statistics Database
- Harvest Report System
- Block Management Directory
Federal Resources:
- National Weather Service mountain forecasts
- Forest Service access updates
- BLM recreation area information
- Migratory bird harvest surveys
Planning your calendar around Montana’s diverse opportunities requires understanding overlapping seasons and travel logistics. Many hunters combine elk archery with upland birds in September, or follow deer rifle season with late-season waterfowl opportunities.
Conclusion
Montana’s 2025-2026 game schedule offers something for every outdoor enthusiast, from September’s early upland action through winter furbearer seasons extending into March. The key changes this year include the June 15th B license availability date and upcoming 2026 restrictions on nonresident access timing.
Success in Big Sky Country depends on thorough preparation – understanding district-specific regulations, securing proper licenses well before seasons open, and respecting the incredible wildlife resources that make Montana special. Whether you’re chasing trophy bulls in the backcountry or enjoying family pheasant hunts on prairie grasslands, these regulations provide the framework for ethical, sustainable outdoor traditions.
Take time to study district maps, submit applications early, and consider purchasing licenses as soon as they’re available. Popular areas and limited tags disappear quickly, and having backup plans ensures you’ll spend time afield rather than waiting for next year’s opportunities.
Remember to bookmark this guide and check for updates as seasons approach. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks occasionally adjusts dates or quotas based on wildlife conditions, and staying informed helps ensure your adventures remain both legal and successful. Here’s to a fantastic year of outdoor memories in America’s last best place!
