Plan an elk hunt in Montana Hunting District 121. Review season dates, license options, draw odds, and harvest data, then browse available private-land hunts and book directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
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.
Land closures: Bull River WMA Closed Dec 02-May 15., Mount Silcox WMA Closed Dec 02-Apr 01.
September 5, 2026 – October 18, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | Archery | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Land. |
| Brow Tined Bull | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
October 24, 2026 – November 29, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Land. |
| Brow Tined Bull | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
November 30, 2026 – February 15, 2027
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Land. |
December 12, 2026 – December 20, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | Muzzleloader | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Land. |
| Brow Tined Bull | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
| License | Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk B License: 121-00 | Resident | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | DrawApplication deadline June 1, 2026 | $25.00 |
| Elk B License: 121-00 | Nonresident | — | DrawApplication deadline June 1, 2026 | $275.00Application fee included in price |
| License | Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk B License: 121-01 | Resident | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | DrawApplication deadline June 1, 2026 | $25.00 |
| Elk B License: 121-01 | Nonresident | — | DrawApplication deadline June 1, 2026 | $275.00Application fee included in price |
| License | Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Elk License | Resident | Ages 18–61 | OTC | $20.00 |
| General Elk License | Resident | Disabled hunters | OTC | $10.00 |
| General Elk License | Resident | Ages 12–17 and 62+; Youth and senior hunters | OTC | $10.00 |
| Big Game Combination - Drawing | Nonresident | — | DrawApplication deadline April 1, 2026 | $1,312.00 |
| Big Game Combination - College Student | Nonresident | College student | — | $656.00 |
| Big Game Combination - Youth (12-17) - Sponsored | Nonresident | Ages 12–17; Youth hunters; Sponsored | — | $656.00 |
| NR Big Game Combination License | Nonresident | Native | — | $656.00 |
| Elk Combination - Drawing | Nonresident | — | DrawApplication deadline April 1, 2026 | $1,112.00 |
| Elk Combination - College Student | Nonresident | College student | — | $556.00 |
| Elk Combination - Youth (12-17) - Sponsored | Nonresident | Ages 12–17; Youth hunters; Sponsored | — | $556.00 |
| NR Elk Combination License | Nonresident | Native | — | $556.00 |
Estimated first-choice draw odds by bonus points. Counts reflect first-choice applications and successful draws.
License Quota (2026)150
Total Applicant Count (2026)801
Total Draw Success Count (2026)142
Hunter and success statistics include reported years only.
Latest Estimated Harvest (2025)237
Latest Estimated Hunters (2024)2,041
Hunter Days (2024)17,685
Days per Hunter (2024)9
Harvest Success (2024)12.1%
For Montana HD 121, Elk B License 121-00/121-01 applications are due June 1, 2026, for residents and nonresidents.
The elk harvest success rate in Montana HD 121 was 12.05 percent in 2024.
The license or permit needed to hunt elk in Montana HD 121 depends on the hunt. Big Game Combination License (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Elk B License (codes 121-00 and 121-01; resident and nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Elk Combination License (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. General Elk License (resident over-the-counter) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Check the current regulations for the license and hunt you plan to pursue.
Elk season in Montana HD 121 includes archery season from September 5 through October 18, 2026, general season from October 24 through November 29, 2026, late season from November 30, 2026 through February 15, 2027, and heritage muzzleloader season from December 12 through December 20, 2026. Check the current regulations for exact dates and license requirements.