When is bear season in Montana BMU 317?

Bear season in Montana BMU 317 includes spring season (Archery/Crossbow/Handgun/Muzzleloader/Shotgun) from April 15 through June 15, 2026, archery-only season from September 5 through September 14, 2026, and general season (Archery/Crossbow/Handgun/Muzzleloader/Shotgun) from September 15 through November 29, 2026. Check the current regulations for exact dates and license requirements.

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Montana Bear Unit 317

Plan a bear hunt in Montana Unit 317. Review season dates, license options, then browse available private-land hunts and book directly from landowners.

Last updated October 26, 2026 by Aricin Rotarius

Find Hunts in BMU 317

Only 3 Hunts Offered

5-Day/5-Night Spring Black Bear & Turkey Hunt: Close to Ennis

379 Acres at Fire Tower Ranch in Virginia City, MT

Starting Price $2,800 / Guest

1 Guest

5 Days

Lodging

Only 1 Hunt Offered

5-Day/5-Night Spring Combo Bear and Shed hunt: 2 Hunter Minimum

379 Acres at Fire Tower Ranch in Virginia City, MT

Starting Price $3,000 / Guest

2 Guests

3 Days

Lodging

View All Properties

Montana Bear Opportunities in BMU 317

Spring Season

April 15, 2026 – June 15, 2026

Opportunity	Method	Availability	License or Permit	Additional Details
Spring Season	Archery, Crossbow, Handgun, Muzzleloader, Shotgun	—	Other opportunitiesCould not find purchase options for this license.	Check Restricted Area Descriptions (p 13): Poindexter Slough FAS south of Dillon, restricted to ArchEquip, shotgun, traditional handgun, muzzleloader, or crossbow only.

Archery-only Season

September 5, 2026 – September 14, 2026

Opportunity	Method	Availability	License or Permit	Additional Details
Archery-only Season	Archery, Crossbow, Handgun, Muzzleloader, Shotgun	—	Other opportunitiesCould not find purchase options for this license.	Check Restricted Area Descriptions (p 13): Poindexter Slough FAS south of Dillon, restricted to ArchEquip, shotgun, traditional handgun, muzzleloader, or crossbow only.

General Season

September 15, 2026 – November 29, 2026

Opportunity	Method	Availability	License or Permit	Additional Details
General Season	Archery, Crossbow, Handgun, Muzzleloader, Shotgun	—	Other opportunitiesCould not find purchase options for this license.	Check Restricted Area Descriptions (p 13): Poindexter Slough FAS south of Dillon, restricted to ArchEquip, shotgun, traditional handgun, muzzleloader, or crossbow only.