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Find Hunts in 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.
Montana Elk Hunting Opportunities in HD 217
Early Season
August 15, 2026 – September 4, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Draw |
| Land: Valid On Private Land Only. |
Archery Only Season
September 5, 2026 – October 18, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | Archery | Draw |
| — |
| Antlerless | Archery | — |
| ArchEquip only. |
| Antlerless | Archery | Draw |
| Land: Valid On Private Land Only. |
| Antlerless elk, Brow Tined Bull | Archery | Draw |
| Eligibility: Youth Permit must be used with a valid General Elk License. Holders may not hunt Antlered Bull Elk in any other HDs during this described season. |
| Antlerless elk, Brow Tined Bull | Archery | Draw |
| Permit must be used with a valid General Elk License. Holders may not hunt Antlered Bull Elk in any other HDs during this described season. |
General Season
October 19, 2026 – November 29, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | Archery | — |
| ArchEquip only. |
General Season
October 24, 2026 – November 29, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Draw |
| — |
| Antlerless | — | Draw |
| Land: Valid On Private Land Only. |
| Antlerless | — | — |
| Eligibility: General, PTHFV, Youth Resident hunters 75 years old and older may harvest an antlerless elk on private land. |
| Antlerless elk, Brow Tined Bull | — | Draw |
| Eligibility: Youth Permit must be used with a valid General Elk License. Holders may not hunt Antlered Bull Elk in any other HDs during this described season. |
| Antlerless elk, Brow Tined Bull | — | Draw |
| Permit must be used with a valid General Elk License. Holders may not hunt Antlered Bull Elk in any other HDs during this described season. |
Heritage Muzzleloader Season
December 12, 2026 – December 20, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | Muzzleloader | — |
| Eligibility: PTHFV, Youth |
| Antlerless | Muzzleloader | Draw |
| — |
| Antlerless | Muzzleloader | Draw |
| Land: Valid On Private Land Only. |
| Antlerless elk, Brow Tined Bull | Muzzleloader | Draw |
| Eligibility: Youth Permit must be used with a valid General Elk License. Holders may not hunt Antlered Bull Elk in any other HDs during this described season. |
| Antlerless elk, Brow Tined Bull | Muzzleloader | Draw |
| Permit must be used with a valid General Elk License. Holders may not hunt Antlered Bull Elk in any other HDs during this described season. |
License and Permit Options
Elk B License (217-01)
| Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | DrawApplication deadline June 1, 2026 | $25.00 |
| Nonresident | — | DrawApplication deadline June 1, 2026 | $275.00Application fee included in price |
Elk B License (217-02)
| Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | DrawApplication deadline June 1, 2026 | $25.00 |
| Nonresident | — | DrawApplication deadline June 1, 2026 | $275.00Application fee included in price |
Elk Permit: 217-10
| Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | DrawApplication deadline April 1, 2026 | $9.00Application fee $5.00Application fee included in priceNonrefundable |
| Nonresident | — | DrawApplication deadline April 1, 2026 | $9.00Application fee $5.00Application fee included in priceNonrefundable |
Elk Permit: 217-11
| Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident | Ages 12–15; Youth hunters | DrawApplication deadline April 1, 2026 | $9.00Application fee $5.00Application fee included in priceNonrefundable |
| Nonresident | Ages 12–15; Youth hunters | DrawApplication deadline April 1, 2026 | $9.00Application fee $5.00Application fee included in priceNonrefundable |
General Elk License
| Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident | Disabled hunters | OTC | $10.00 |
| Resident | Ages 12–17 and 62+; Youth and senior hunters | OTC | $10.00 |
| Resident | Ages 18–61 | OTC | $20.00 |
Draw Odds
Modeled first-choice draw odds by bonus points. Estimates are capped at 99.99% and do not represent a guaranteed draw.
Elk B License · 217-01 — Resident · Regular pool
Harvest Stats
Hunter and success statistics include reported years only.
Harvest and Hunter Trends
Harvest Success
Latest Estimated Harvest (2025)105
Latest Estimated Hunters (2024)544
Hunter Days (2024)4,378
Days per Hunter (2024)8
Harvest Success (2024)16.9%
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Montana Elk HDs
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- Montana Elk HD 417
- Montana Elk HD 426
- Montana Elk HD 447
- Montana Elk HD 515
- Montana Elk HD 520
- Montana Elk HD 525
- Montana Elk HD 535
- Montana Elk HD 580
- Montana Elk HD 590
- Montana Elk HD 621
- Montana Elk HD 690
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- Montana Elk HD 701
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- Montana Elk HD 704
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- Montana Elk HD 4 (Turkey)
- Montana Elk HD 5 (Turkey)
- Montana Elk HD 520 (Bear)
- Montana Elk HD 525 (Big Game)
- Montana Elk HD 516
- Montana Elk HD 121
- Montana Elk HD 320
- Montana Elk HD 215
- Montana Elk HD 371 (Antelope)
- Montana Elk HD 291
- Montana Elk HD 400 (Bear)
- Montana Elk HD 413 (Deer)
- Montana Elk HD 413 (Elk)