Montana archery season offers you one of the most diverse destinations for big and small game, with plenty of species. Hunting in “Big Sky Country” gives you one of the best experiences in the United States. Antelope, bison, black bear, elk, and mountain lion are all available.
Montana (MT) Archery Season, 2022-2023
Montana is a hunter’s paradise spanning over 147,000 square miles, split by the Continental Divide into eastern and western regions. The Montana Block Management program encourages private land to permit free hunting for the public.
When does Archery Season Start in MT?
Montana Antelope Seasons
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Archery September 3-October 7
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General Season October 8-November 13
Montana Bighorn Sheep Seasons
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Archery September 3-14
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General Season September 15-November 27
Montana Bison Seasons
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General Season November 15-February 15
Montana Black Bear Seasons
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Fall General Season September 15-November 27
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Fall Archery Season September 3-14
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Spring General Season April 15-June 15*
*Season dates vary by region.
Montana Deer Seasons
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Archery September 3-October 16
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Youth Hunt October 20-21
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General Season October 22-November 27
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Backcountry Archery September 3-14
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General Backcountry Season September 15-November 27
*Backcountry dates vary by area.
Montana Elk Seasons
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Archery September 3-October 16
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Youth Hunt October 20-21
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General Season October 232-November 27
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Backcountry Archery September 3-14
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General Backcountry Season September 15-November 27
*Backcountry dates vary by region.
Montana Wild Turkey Seasons
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Fall General Season September 1-January 1
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Spring General Season April 15-May 31
Montana Moose Seasons
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General Season September 15-November 27
Montana Mountain Goat Seasons
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General Season September 15-November 27
Montana Wolf Seasons
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Archery September 3-14
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General September 15-March 15
Montana Small Game Seasons
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Mountain Grouse September 1-January 1
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Partridge September 1-January 1
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Swift Fox November 1-March 1
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Mountain, Sharp-tailed Grouse September 1-January 1
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Sage Grouse September 1-30
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Marten December 1-February 15
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Wolverine December 1-February 15
*Special seasons, bag limits, and hunting regulations vary based on seasons and animals.
What are the Legal Hunting Hours in Montana?
Authorized hunting hours start 30-minutes before sunrise to 30-minutes after sunset.
Hunting Licenses and Permits in MT
Visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website for more details on purchasing your hunting licenses and permits. Permits and licenses are also available at businesses throughout Montana. Non-residents can buy combination licenses for elk and deer hunting. Permits are available to salvage deer, moose, elk, and antelope accidentally killed by vehicle collisions.
Montana Residents
A resident is a person who has lived in the state permanently for 180 days. All residents aged 12 or older must have a Base Hunting License and Conservation License.
Non-Residents
Non-residents over 12 must purchase the Base Hunting and Conservation Licenses when applying for or purchasing hunting licenses and permits. Non-residents can apply for a Come Home to Hunt License for hunting deer and big game. Non-residents can hunt if they have a resident family member acting as a sponsor.
Youth Hunting Licenses
Montana residents and non-residents aged 12 to 17 are eligible for a reduced-fee hunting license. Residents and non-residents aged 10 to 17 qualify for participation in the Apprentice Youth Program.
Senior Hunting Licenses
Montana residents aged 62 or older can buy a reduced-fee license.
Disability Licenses
Montana only offers reduced-fee disabled hunting licenses for military personnel.
Veteran and Military Licenses
Active-duty military personnel stationed in Montana for a minimum of 30 days can buy a resident hunting license. Additionally, active-duty military personnel that is Montana residents but stationed in other states don’t need to buy a hunting license while on leave. Purple Heart recipients and veterans with a 70% disability qualify for a reduced-fee hunting license.
Migratory Waterfowl Requirements
Hunters aged 16 or older must buy a Montana Migratory Bird Permit and Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. The permit is proof of participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).
License Expiration
Montana hunting licenses are valid until the end of February of the following year.
Check out our guide 30+ Hunting Rules to Keep You Safe while bowhunting in the wild.
