Montana Elk Hunting District 215
Plan an elk hunt in Montana Hunting District 215. 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
Find Hunts in 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.
Montana Elk Opportunities in HD 215
Land closures: Spotted Dog WMA Closed Dec. 02-May 15
Early Season
August 15, 2026 – October 23, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Lands And NOT VALID East Of Brown's Gulch Creek. |
Archery Only Season
September 5, 2026 – October 18, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | Archery | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
| Antlerless, Brow Tined Bull | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
General Season
October 24, 2026 – November 29, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Lands And DNRC Lands Outside The National Forest Boundary. NOT VALID On FWP WMAs Or East Of Brown's Gulch Creek. |
| Antlerless | — | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
| Antlerless, Brow Tined Bull | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Eligibility: PTHFV, Youth Resident hunters 75 years old and older may harvest an antlerless elk on private land. |
| Brow Tined Bull | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
Late Season
November 30, 2026 – January 8, 2027
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Lands And DNRC Lands Outside The National Forest Boundary. NOT VALID On FWP WMAs Or East Of Brown's Gulch Creek. |
Heritage Muzzleloader Season
December 12, 2026 – December 20, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | Muzzleloader | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
| Antlerless, Brow Tined Bull | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Eligibility: PTHFV, Youth Resident hunters 75 years old and older may harvest an antlerless elk on private land. |
| Brow Tined Bull | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
License and Permit Options
Elk B License (215-01)
| License | Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk B License | Resident | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | DrawApplication deadline June 1, 2026 | $25.00 |
| Elk B License | Nonresident | — | DrawApplication deadline June 1, 2026 | $275.00Application fee included in price |
Elk B License (215-02)
| License | Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk B License | Resident | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | DrawApplication deadline June 1, 2026 | $25.00 |
| Elk B License | Nonresident | — | DrawApplication deadline June 1, 2026 | $275.00Application fee included in price |
General Elk License
| 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 |
Draw Odds
Estimated first-choice draw odds by bonus points. Counts reflect first-choice applications and successful draws.
Elk B License · 215-01 — Resident · Regular pool
License Quota (2026)250
Total Applicant Count (2026)823
Total Draw Success Count (2026)238
Harvest Stats
Hunter and success statistics include reported years only.
Harvest and Hunter Trends
Harvest Success
Latest Estimated Harvest (2025)346
Latest Estimated Hunters (2024)2,076
Hunter Days (2024)18,232
Days per Hunter (2024)9
Harvest Success (2024)13.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
For Montana HD 215, Elk B License 215-01/215-02 applications are due June 1, 2026, for residents and nonresidents.
The elk harvest success rate in Montana HD 215 was 13.68 percent in 2024.
The license or permit needed to hunt elk in Montana HD 215 depends on the hunt. Big Game Combination License (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Elk B License (codes 215-01 and 215-02; 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 215 includes early season from August 15 through October 23, 2026, 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 January 8, 2027, and heritage muzzleloader season from December 12 through December 20, 2026. Check the current regulations for exact dates and license requirements.
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