Hunting Seasons and Dates
When Can I Hunt in Montana?
Ready to hit the field? Here’s a look at Montana’s current hunting season dates to help you plan your next outing.
The information provided here reflects the latest updates from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). We’ll continue to update this guide as new details for the 2025–2026 seasons become available.
Keep in mind that regulations, season dates, and bag limits can change. Always double-check the official FWP website to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information before heading out on your hunt.
Deer
- Archery: September 6 – October 19, 2025
- General: October 25 – November 30, 2025
- Muzzleloader: December 13 – 21, 2025
- Shoulder Seasons: August 15, 2025 – February 15, 2026 (dates vary before or after archery and general seasons)
- Youth Deer Hunt: October 16 – 17, 2025
- Backcountry (HD's 150, 280, 316): General September 15 – November 30, 2025
Refer to the Deer, Elk, & Antelope guide for specifics about application dates, quotas, and more before your hunt.
Turkey
- Spring: April 15 – May 31, 2025
- Fall: September 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Elk
Season dates are the same as deer hunting season in Montana.
Antelope
- 900 Series: August 15 – November 9, 2025
- Archery: September 6 – October 10, 2025
- General: October 11 – November 9, 2025
Black Bear
- Spring: April 15 – May 31, 2025 or June 15, 2025
- Hound Training (Spring): May 26 – June 15, 2025
- Archery: September 6 – 14, 2025
- Fall: September 15 – November 30, 2025
Bighorn Sheep
- Archery: September 6 – 14, 2025
- General: September 15 – November 30, 2025
Bison
Apply for the bison license drawing by May 1, 2025.
Season Dates: November 15, 2025 – February 15, 2026
Moose
- Archery: September 6 – 14, 2025
- General: September 15 – November 30, 2025
Mountain Goat
- Archery: September 6 – 14, 2025
- General: September 15 – November 30, 2025
Mountain Lion
- Archery (Without Dogs): September 3 – October 16, 2025
- Fall (Without Dogs): October 25 – November 30, 2025
- Winter: December 1, 2025 – April 14, 2026
- Hound Training Season (Residents): December 2 – April 14
Migratory Birds
Spring Light Goose Conservation Order: March 1 – May 15
Statewide
- Common Snipe (Wilson's): September 1 – December 16, 2025
- Mourning Dove: September 1 – October 30, 2025
- Youth Waterfowl: September 21 – 22
Pacific Flyway
- Ducks (including Mergansers): September 27 – 28, 2025, October 4 – December 28, or December 29, 2025 – January 16, 2026
- Coots: September 27 – 228, 2025 or October 4, 2025 – January 16, 2026
- Geese: September 27 – 28, 2025 or October 4, 2025 – January 16, 2026
Central Flyway
- Ducks (including Mergansers)
- Zone 1: September 27 – 28, 2025 or October 4, 2025 – January 8, 2026
- Zone 2: September 28 – 27, 2025, October 4 – 12, 2025 and October 25, 2025 – January 20, 2026
- Coots
- Zone 1: September 27 – 28, 2025 or October 4, 2025 – January 8, 2026
- Zone 2: September 21 – 28, 2025, October 4 – 12, 2025, and October 25, 2025 – January 20, 2026
- Geese
- Zone 1: September 27 – 28, 2025 and October 4, 2025 – January 16, 2026
- Zone 2: September 27 – 28, 2025, October 4 – 12, 2025, and October 25, 2025 – January 28, 2026
Sandhill Crane
September 1 – 30, 2025 or October 4 – November 30, 2025
Upland Game Birds
- Partridge: September 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Mountain Grouse: September 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Ring-necked Pheasant: October 11, 2025 – January 1, 2026
- Sage Grouse: September 1 – 30, 2025
- Sharp-tailed Grouse: September 1, 2025 – January 1, 2026
Youth Hunt: September 27 – 28, 2025
Swan
- Central Flyway: September 28 – January 2
- Pacific Flyway: October 11 – December 5, 2025
Wolf
- Archery: September 6 – 14, 2025
- General: September 15, 2025 – March 15, 2026
Bobcat (Trapping)
- Regions 1, 2, & 3: December 1 – February 15
- Regions 4, 5, 6, & 7: December 1 – March 1
Coyote
Open year-round
