Montana Elk Hunting
Plan your Montana elk hunt with season dates, license options, and hunting opportunities organized by hunting district. Browse available private-land hunts and book access directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts by Unit
Browse private-land elk hunts across Montana, organized by hunting district, and book directly with landowners.
HD 121
Hunt District 121 encompasses a vast region in western Montana, with the Clark Fork River running through its center and the Idaho state line marking its western boundary. In this area, hunters have the option to either backpack into secluded spots or utilize existing logging roads for access.
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HD 215
The East Deer Lodge district encompasses parts of Deer Lodge, Silver Bow, and Powell Counties. It is situated east of Interstate 90, stretching from the community of Garrison in the north to Butte in the south. The eastern third of the district is covered by Helena National Forest, extending from U.S. Highway 12 to Interstate 90. Elk are prevalent throughout the area. The western third is largely privately owned, although thousands of acres of public access are available through Wildlife and Block Management Areas.
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HD 217
Located in west-central Montana, this district is about an hour east of Missoula. Established as a small sub-unit for the 2016 season, it primarily aims to manage deer and elk populations on private lands. Most tags for antlered animals are allocated through a drawing, while some "B" tags for antlerless deer and elk are available over the counter. The area is largely dominated by private land and ranches, which can present significant challenges for hunters. However, there is still public land available, offering excellent hunting opportunities.
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HD 291
Located just north of Highway 90, between Drummond and Garrison Junction.With a general elk license, hunters can pursue brow-tined bulls during all seasons.
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HD 301
Nestled in the stunning Gallatin Valley, this unit is bordered by the Gallatin River to the west. It offers fantastic hunting opportunities, with breathtaking views. Hunters with this general tag elk license have an excellent chance to get into elk during both the residential archery season and the migratory rifle season.
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HD 312
Being a general elk unit located just North of Bozeman makes this unit extremely convenient for folks flying in to Bozeman or even driving along I-90. However with that convenience, comes increased pressure at the limited access points of the Bridger Range. Private land or accessing public land through private land can be a big help here. Expect diverse terrain with some steep slopes and timber once you're out of the valley.
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HD 315
This general elk unit covers the west slope of the Crazy Mountains and many hunters find success in the area every year. Access to the national forests can be difficult in certain areas, but a large portion of the elk in this unit spend time on the adjacent ranches. The balance of public and private provides good opportunities on mature bulls!
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HD 317
This hunting district lies just north of Yellowstone National Park and runs alongside the Yellowstone River. Hunters can pursue both deer and elk in the same season using general licenses for each species.
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HD 320
This district is situated in the southwest region of the state, encompassing the eastern Tobacco Root Mountain range. Located south of the Jefferson River and northwest of Ennis, the Tobacco Roots feature steep and rugged terrain. Elk are abundant in this area, with good trophy potential for those using general tags. Most elk winter on private lands, making them largely inaccessible to hunters during the rifle season. Harvesting bulls is restricted to brow-tined bulls, which contributes to an older age class within this general district.
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HD 323
This expansive district is located in southwest Montana and encompasses a significant portion of the region. It features several prominent mountain ranges, including the Greenhorn and Gravelly ranges. Elk populations in this area are among the highest in the state.
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HD 335
Located south of Helena, general elk Unit 335 encompasses the Boulder Mountains and the surrounding foothills west of I-15. This district has numerous roads and trails running through elk habitat, which means a lot of pressure. Hunting for elk in this area will be generally better on private land.
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HD 380
Montana elk unit 380 is known as a management unit for trophy elk, and hunters frequently harvest impressive bulls from this unit each year. If you are fortunate enough to draw a tag for this unit, your chances of encountering a mature bull are higher compared to surrounding units.
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HD 390
Elk hunting can be done in Unit 390 with a general tag. Located in west central Montana just northwest of Bozeman, this district is made up of 90% private lands and can be a challenging place to hunt without prearranged access. The remaining 10% of public opportunities are subject to extreme pressure.
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HD 391
Located in central Montana by Canyon Ferry Reservoir, this district provides a diverse hunting experience for all types of hunters. With abundant wildlife populations, excellent access, and a significant amount of public land, it promises a rewarding outing for anyone seeking to hunt in the area.
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HD 393
Elk hunting can be done in Unit 393 with a general tag. This district, located in southwest Montana on the east slope of the Bridger Mountains, is renowned for its high population of game animals, both deer and elk. In addition to providing excellent hunting opportunities, it is also renowned for its stunning natural scenery.
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HD 400
Located in north-central Montana, east of the Rocky Mountains, this area is predominantly agricultural, situated in the heart of Montana's wheat-producing "Golden Triangle." The landscape is mostly flat, with minimal elevation changes except for some breaks along the major rivers and creeks.
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HD 410
Located in the stunning Missouri River Breaks region, this hunt district is highly coveted for its excellent elk hunting opportunities. It is known for its impressive elk population, with some of the finest bulls in eastern Montana found in this area. The district's rugged terrain, featuring steep, wooded breaks and open ridges, as well as the presence of two rivers with cottonwood bottoms, provides ample opportunities for spot-and-stalk hunting. Drawing a tag in this unit is extremely competitive, making it a highly sought-after destination for elk hunters.
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HD 411
Located in the Snowy and Little Snowy Mountains of central Montana, south of Lewistown, this hunt district is renowned for its stunning natural scenery as well as its exceptional hunting opportunities. It is considered one of the premier districts in the state for elk, although obtaining a permit can be challenging.
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HD 412
Hunt District 412, located in central Montana, encompasses the Judith Mountain Range and the North and South Moccasin Ranges. Elk hunting in Unit 412 requires a draw permit and can be challenging due to the mix of private and public land in the district.
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HD 413
This district is found in central Montana just south of Great Falls. Excellent opportunities can be found in this district, especially since the unit is a general tag for elk. In general, hunters can expect a fun hunt in this district with good chances for a great experience and harvest.
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HD 417
This hunting district is located on the western edge of the Missouri River Breaks, on the south side of the Missouri River. The rugged terrain provides ample opportunities for extensive foot travel and encourages hunters to spend significant time glassing the landscape. Bull elk requires a draw for both archery and rifle seasons.
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HD 426
This district is situated in central Montana, just south of the Missouri River and west of the renowned “Missouri River Breaks.” While it isn’t officially part of the “Breaks,” it shares similar habitat characteristics, albeit with more agricultural land compared to the neighboring districts to the east. The landscape features extensive agricultural fields and cattle pastures, interspersed with long, rugged drainages that descend into expansive river bottoms. This area is experiencing a growing elk population.
View HD 426 detailsHD 515
Unit 515 is situated in south central Montana, northwest of Billings and north of Columbus. This general unit is bordered by the Musselshell River to the north and the Yellowstone River to the south. This district is home to a significant population of elk, with a high number of these animals being harvested each year during both the archery and rifle seasons, which are both general seasons.
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HD 525
This vast hunt district in southern Montana offers a range of hunting opportunities. While the majority of the district can be hunted with a general tag for elk, a small portion in the southeast corner requires a limited draw elk tag. Trophy bulls can be found in the remote areas of the district as well as on private lands with restricted access.
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HD 535
Unit 535 is located in central Montana, north of Roundup and south of Winnett. It is bounded by the Musselshell River on the south and east, and is mostly private land. The Big Snowy Mountains are located just to the north, while the Little Snowy Mountains are in the northwest corner of the unit. This unit is a draw unit for elk. The elk population is primarily concentrated in the Little Snowy Mountains.
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HD 580
This Hunt District is situated in south-central Montana, north of Big Timber and south of Harlowton. It encompasses the northern and eastern sides of the Crazy Mountains. The area is predominantly private land, making access challenging. It is advisable to secure permission before hunting this unit.
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HD 590
Unit 590 is located east of Billings and south of Roundup, and includes the Bull Mountains to the north of the Yellowstone River and Pine Ridge to the south of the river. This unit offers a chance to hunt for branch antlered bulls, but hunters can also use a general tag to hunt for antlerless or spike deer.
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HD 621
Situated on the north side of the Missouri River, this rugged terrain provides ample opportunities for extensive foot travel and encourages hunters to spend considerable time observing the landscape through their optics.
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HD 690
This hunting district is located in the northcentral part of the state and includes the Bears Paw Mountain Range, which is located north of the Missouri River and south of the town of Havre. The Rocky Boy Indian Reservation is situated within the district, which presents challenges for both hunters and game managers. The Bears Paws are known for producing some of the top trophy bull elk in the state, with giant bulls being taken and trophy-class bulls being found every year. This is a very competitive draw unit for elk.
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HD 700
Hunt District 700 is found in eastern Montana, within the renowned Missouri River Breaks region. This district provides excellent hunting opportunities along with stunning landscapes.
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HD 701
This hunting district is located in east-central Montana, just north of Miles City. The area features a mix of state, BLM, and private lands, making access challenging; however, many ranches participate in Montana’s Block Management program, allowing hunters entry to private properties. The average elk harvested is typically a raghorn. While competition can be intense, the large game populations mean that knowledgeable hunters should have little trouble filling their tags. Elk hunting for branch-antlered bulls is restricted to permit holders in the southwestern corner of the district, while spikes and cows are available on a general tag throughout the area.
View HD 701 detailsHD 702
This hunting district is situated between the Bighorn River and the Tongue River in southeastern Montana. While the area is predominantly private land, it does support some quality game. Hunters can easily access this unit for day trips from either Billings or Miles City with just a short drive.
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HD 704
This hunting district is situated between the Tongue and Powder Rivers. It offers a stunning landscape for hunting, featuring rolling prairies, expansive sagebrush flats, wooded buttes, and steep river breaks.
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Montana Elk Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Early
–
Backcountry Archery
–
backcountry – HDs 150, 280, 316; HD 316 does not have an Archery Only Season
Archery
–
Backcountry General
–
General
–
Late
–
Heritage Muzzleloader
–
Montana Elk Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elk B License | OTCOpens June 15, 2026 | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | $20.00 |
Over-the-counter. Antlerless only. Valid in specific district(s). Purchase beginning June 15. | |||
| Elk B License | DrawDeadline June 1, 2026 | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | $25.00 |
Drawing only. Antlerless only. | |||
| Elk Permit | DrawDeadline April 1, 2026 | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | $9.00Includes $5.00 application fee |
Drawing only. Residents must have current year General Elk License to apply. A permit must be used in conjunction with a General Elk License. Elk permits are nonrefundable. Application fee is nonrefundable. | |||
| General Elk License | OTC | Ages 18–61 | $20.00 |
| General Elk License | OTC | Disabled hunters | $10.00 |
| General Elk License | OTC | Ages 12–17 and 62+; Youth and senior hunters | $10.00 |
| 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. | |||
| Sportsman's without bear | — | Ages 18–61; Disabled hunters | $64.50 |
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. | |||
| Sportsman's without bear | — | Ages 12–17 and 62+; Youth and senior hunters | $32.25 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Game Combination - Drawing | DrawDeadline April 1, 2026 | — | $1,312.00 |
Big Game Combination: Includes General Deer, General Elk, Upland Bird (excluding turkey), and Season Fishing licenses. For information call 406-444-2950. | |||
| Big Game Combination - College Student | — | College student | $656.00 |
Certification required for nonresident students attending a Montana college full-time. For information call 406-444-2950. License available at any FWP office beginning Sep. 9. | |||
| Big Game Combination - Youth (12-17) - Sponsored | — | Ages 12–17; Youth hunters; Sponsored | $656.00 |
For information, call 406-444-2950. | |||
| NR Big Game Combination License | — | Native | $656.00 |
The NR Big Game Combination includes General Deer, General Elk, Upland Bird (excluding turkey), and Season Fishing Licenses. For information, call 406-444-2950. | |||
| Elk B - Drawing | DrawDeadline June 1, 2026 | — | $275.00 |
Antlerless elk - includes drawing fee. | |||
| Elk B (OTC) | OTCOpens June 15, 2026 | Native | $135.00 |
Antlerless elk. Must first be certified as a Nonresident Native to receive discounted price. | |||
| Elk Combination - Drawing | DrawDeadline April 1, 2026 | — | $1,112.00 |
Elk Combination: Includes General Elk, Upland Bird (excluding turkey), and Season Fishing licenses. For information call 406-444-2950. | |||
| Elk Combination - College Student | — | College student | $556.00 |
Certification required for nonresident students attending a Montana college full-time. For information call 406-444-2950. License available at any FWP office beginning Sep. 9. | |||
| Elk Combination - Youth (12-17) - Sponsored | — | Ages 12–17; Youth hunters; Sponsored | $556.00 |
For information call 406-444-2950. | |||
| NR Elk Combination License | — | Native | $556.00 |
The NR Elk Combination has everything except Deer (includes General Elk, Upland Bird excluding turkey, and Season Fishing Licenses). For information, call 406-444-2950. | |||
| Elk Permit - Drawing | DrawDeadline April 1, 2026 | — | $9.00Includes $5.00 application fee |
Nonresidents must also apply for an Elk License when applying for an Elk Permit. A permit must be used in conjunction with a General Elk License. Elk permits are nonrefundable. Application fee is nonrefundable. | |||
Other Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deer and Elk Combination License (without bear) | — | Ages 0–17; Youth hunters; Under 18; Terminally ill | $0.00 |
Free one-time license under MCA 87-2-805. Minimum age and hunter education requirements may be waived for this license. | |||
| SuperTag | DrawDeadline June 30, 2026 | — | $5.00 |
Resident and nonresident hunters can buy an unlimited number of $5 chances to win a Montana hunting license for antelope, bighorn sheep, bison, deer, elk, moose, mountain goat, and mountain lion. Deadline to purchase SuperTag chances is June 30. Each SuperTag license allows one to hunt in any Montana hunting district valid for that species, even if the quota for that district has been met. | |||
| SuperTag License | DrawDeadline June 30, 2026 | — | $5.00 |
Each SuperTag License allows one to hunt in any Montana hunting district valid for that species. Chances are sold electronically at all FWP License Ambassadors or via fwp.mt.gov. Unlimited number of $5 chances per species may be purchased by June 30. | |||
| SuperTag License | Draw | — | $5.00 |
Resident and nonresident hunters can buy an unlimited number of $5 chances to win a Montana hunting license for antelope, bighorn sheep, bison, deer, elk, moose, mountain goat, and/or mountain lion. An individual may be successful in winning one or a combination of these SuperTags per year. Each SuperTag license allows one to hunt in any Montana hunting district valid for that species. Chances are sold electronically at all FWP license ambassadors or via the internet. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Residents can purchase a General Elk License over the counter. Some Elk B Licenses also go on sale over the counter to residents and nonresidents beginning June 15, 2026, depending on the hunt. A Base Hunting License and Conservation License are required, and some nonresident Elk B Licenses also require Nonresident Native certification. Check the current regulations for the license and hunt you plan to pursue before purchasing.
Yes. Nonresidents can apply for a Big Game Combination or Elk Combination License through the draw by April 1, 2026; both require a Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Some Elk B Licenses are available through a June 1 draw, while certain Elk B Licenses go on sale over the counter on June 15. Elk Permits also have an April 1 deadline and require a General Elk License in addition to the base licenses. The license or permit available to you depends on the hunt, so check the current regulations before applying or purchasing.
Elk Permit applications are due April 1, 2026, and Elk B License applications are due June 1, 2026. These deadlines apply to residents and nonresidents when the corresponding draw is available. Elk Permits require a General Elk License in addition to the Base Hunting and Conservation licenses; Elk B Licenses require the two base licenses. Check the specific hunt because availability and restrictions vary.
Montana’s 2026 elk season calendar runs approximately from August 15, 2026, through February 15, 2027, but the dates depend on the season and hunting district. Early season runs August 15–September 4; archery runs September 5–October 18; backcountry archery runs September 5–14; backcountry general runs September 15–November 29; general season runs October 24–November 29; heritage muzzleloader runs December 12–20; and late season runs November 30–February 15. Check the regulations for your unit because these dates are approximate and individual hunts may differ.
See the latest Field Notes from properties offering elk hunts in Montana.
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- Montana Elk HD 121
- Montana Elk HD 215
- Montana Elk HD 217
- Montana Elk HD 291
- Montana Elk HD 301
- Montana Elk HD 312
- Montana Elk HD 315
- Montana Elk HD 317
- Montana Elk HD 323
- Montana Elk HD 335
- Montana Elk HD 380
- Montana Elk HD 390
- Montana Elk HD 391
- Montana Elk HD 393
- Montana Elk HD 400
- Montana Elk HD 410
- Montana Elk HD 411
- Montana Elk HD 412
- Montana Elk HD 413
- Montana Elk HD 417
- Montana Elk HD 426
- Montana Elk HD 447
- Montana Elk HD 515
- Montana Elk HD 516
- Montana Elk HD 525
- Montana Elk HD 535
- Montana Elk HD 580
- Montana Elk HD 590
- Montana Elk HD 621
- Montana Elk HD 690
- Montana Elk HD 700
- Montana Elk HD 701
- Montana Elk HD 702
- Montana Elk HD 704
- Montana Elk HD 320
- Montana Elk HD 413 Elk
- Montana Elk HD 400 Bear