Montana Bear Hunting
Plan your Montana bear hunt with season dates, license options, and hunting opportunities organized by unit. Browse available private-land hunts and book access directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts by Unit
Browse private-land bear hunts across Montana, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
Montana Bear Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Hound Hunting
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Spring
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Archery
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General
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Montana Bear Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bear License - Resident | OTC | — | $19.00 |
A hunter may purchase only one Black Bear License per year. A free Black Bear Identification Test Certificate is required to obtain a license. Valid for an either-sex black bear in all BMUs. | |||
| Black Bear Permit - Resident | DrawDeadline April 1, 2026 | — | $5.00 |
Black bear permits are allotted by drawing only. Application deadline is April 1. All hunters must hold a black bear license before applying. A permit does not allow the harvest of an additional black bear but does allow a hunter to continue hunting in a harvest-restricted BMU after the harvest quota has been met (during an established season). Bonus points are offered for black bear permit applications. | |||
| Resident Hound Training License | OTC | Ages 12+ | $5.00 |
Available to resident Conservation License holders 12 years of age or older or who will turn 12 years old before or during the season for which the license is issued. Entitles the license holder to use a dog or dogs to aid in chasing/pursuing spring black bears per commission rule. | |||
| Sportsman's with bear | — | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | $79.50 |
Sportsman's Combination Includes Deer, Elk, State Lands, Upland Bird (excluding turkey) & Season Fishing Licenses. $8.00 or $4.00 Conservation License, $10.00 fee for the Base Hunting License and $2.00 AISPP fee are also required. | |||
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Bear License - Nonresident | OTC | — | $350.00 |
A hunter may purchase only one Black Bear License per year. A free Black Bear Identification Test Certificate is required to obtain a license. Valid for an either-sex black bear in all BMUs. | |||
| Black Bear Permit - Nonresident | DrawDeadline April 1, 2026 | — | $5.00 |
Black bear permits are allotted by drawing only. Application deadline is April 1. All hunters must hold a black bear license before applying. A permit does not allow the harvest of an additional black bear but does allow a hunter to continue hunting in a harvest-restricted BMU after the harvest quota has been met (during an established season). Bonus points are offered for black bear permit applications. | |||
| Nonresident Hound License - Spring Bear | DrawMarch 1, 2026 – April 1, 2026 | Ages 18+ | $250.00 |
Required for nonresidents to use dogs to pursue or harvest black bears. Application deadline: April 1. Drawing will be the week of April 7. To be eligible, hunters must have purchased a Black Bear License. Applicant must be 18 or turn 18 by June 15, 2026 (MCA 87-2-519). If unsuccessful in the hound drawing, the department will refund the $250 fee. The hunter can choose to return their Black Bear License for a refund if unsuccessful; spring Black Bear licenses must be returned by April 14 without exception. Exception: nonresident landowners who own 640+ contiguous acres and their nonpaying guests do not need this license. | |||
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