Montana Elk Hunting, Moose, Antelope, Deer

Game species in the state of Montana include bison, mule deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, moose, black bear and mountain lion as well as various birds and waterfowl.

Besides having the ability to discover and explore the state's vast landscape during a big game hunting session, you also will inevitably learn a lot about many animals' habitat and behavior. The best way to do this, especially for nonresidents, is to hire an experienced and knowledgeable guide through an outfitter. The many benefits of hiring a local big game hunting guide include familiarity of the surrounding land, history and tracking of specific species and overall safety.

The following is a brief summary of the type of animal that can presently be hunted in Montana. However, rules and regulations that apply to each species are involved and extensive. Be sure to know all rules and regulations prior to planning your hunting adventure.

Bison

• Season: November 15, 2010-February 15, 2011
• Caution: Season dates vary by district, so please check the regulations.
• Interesting Facts/Tidbits: Montana has a tightly managed bison hunt. The hunt is not easy, and it is still controversial and complicated.

Black Bear

• Season: Spring Black Bear season - April 15–May 31, 2010 
  Archery Black Bear season - September 4–September 14, 2010 
  Fall Black Bear season - September 15–November 28, 2010
• Caution: Season dates vary by district, so please check the regulations.
• Interesting Facts/Tidbits: Montana black bear hunting regulations require that all black bear hunters be tested to ensure they can spot the subtle differences between black bears and grizzly bears. A hunter must present a passing certificate from the black bear identification test to purchase a black bear tag.

Deer, Elk, Antelope

• Season: Antelope (900 Series) -August 15–November 14, 2010 
  Antelope (Archery) - September 4–October 8, 2010 
  Antelope (General Season) - October 9–November 14, 2010 
  Deer & Elk (Archery) - September 4–October 17, 2010 
  Deer & Elk (Youth) - October 21–October 22, 2010 
  Deer & Elk (General Season) - October 23–November 28, 2010 
  Deer & Elk (Backcountry) - HDs 150, 151, 280, and 316. 
  Archery: September 4–September 14, 2010 
  General: September 15–November 28, 2010
• Caution: Season dates vary by district, so please check the regulations
• Interesting Facts/Tidbits: Mule Deer run with tail down in bounding leaps, keeping all feet together. When White Tail Deer are when alarmed or running, they are erect and wag their tails, causing white underside to flash. Elk have a strong herding instinct; old cows usually lead summer herds of cows, calves, and yearling bulls.

Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat

• Season: Moose Season - September 15–November 28, 2010 
  Bighorn Sheep Season - September 15–November 28, 2010 
  Bighorn Sheep Archery Season - September 5–September 14, 2010 
  Mountain Goat Season - September 15–November 27, 2010
• Caution: Season dates vary by district, so please check the regulations.
• Interesting Facts/Tidbits: Bull Moose are the largest antlered animal in the world can weigh up to 1200 lbs. Bighorn Sheep are the most sociable of Montana's big game species generally congregating in large herds. In the Mountain Goats, unlike other mammal species, the females dominate over the males.

Mountain Lion

• Season: Archery Mountain Lion Season (without hounds) – Sept. 4–October 17, 2010 
  Fall Mountain Lion Season (without hounds) - October 23–November 28, 2010 
  Winter Mountain Lion Season (with hounds) – Dec. 1, 2010–April 14, 2011
• Caution: Season dates vary by district, so please check the regulations.
• Interesting Facts/Tidbits: Mountain Lions are not overgrown housecats. These predatory animals should be treated with great respect. An adult male weigh 150 to 190 lbs.

Turkey

• Season: Spring Turkey Season - April 10–May 16, 2010 
  Fall Turkey Season - September 1, 2010–January 1, 2011
• Caution: Season dates vary by district, so please check the regulations.
• Interesting Facts/Tidbits: Wild turkeys were introduced to Montana and are now found throughout the state.

Upland Game Birds

• Season: Mountain Grouse – September 1 – December 15, 2010 
  Partridge – September 1, 2010 – January 1, 2011 
  Pheasant – October 10, 2010 – January 1, 2011 
  Sharp-tailed Grouse – September 1, 2010 – January 1, 2011
• Caution: Season dates vary by district, so please check the regulations.

Waterfowl

• Season: 
  Pacific Flyway Ducks: TBD in August 2010; Geese: TBD in August 2010
  Central Flyway Ducks: TBD in August 2010; Geese: TBD in August 2010
• Caution: Season dates vary by flyway and species, so please check the regulations for complete season dates and details.
• Interesting Facts/Tidbits: Swan hunting is allowed in Montana only by holders of a special permit. Snow Geese are one of the most abundant waterfowl in the world.

Wolf

• Season: The 2010 Wolf Hunting Season to be determined by the FWP Commission in July 2010. The hunting season could be canceled if the wolf is relisted as an endangered species.
• Interesting Facts/Tidbits: How to tell a wolf from a coyote:
  Gray wolves are built for travel with narrow bodies, long legs and large feet;
  They can easily cover 10-20 miles in a day;
  Montana wolves can be either gray or black, and sometimes white;
  Montana wolves weigh 70-120 pounds and have a blocky square head;
  Coyotes weigh 25-40 pounds and have a narrow, triangular shaped head.

For further information, contact FWP Headquarters Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks:
1420 East Sixth Avenue
P.O. Box 200701
Helena, MT 59620-0701
(406) 444-2535