Montana Elk Hunting District 312
Plan an elk hunt in Montana Hunting District 312. Review season dates, license options and harvest data, then browse available private-land hunts and book directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts in 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.
Montana Elk Opportunities in HD 312
Early Season
August 15, 2026 – September 4, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Land. One per hunter. Multi-district license. |
Archery Only Season
September 5, 2026 – October 18, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| One per hunter. Multi-district license. Not valid on National Forest Lands. |
| Antlerless, Brow Tined Bull | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
| Either-sex | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Eligibility: PTHFV, Youth |
General Season
October 24, 2026 – November 29, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| One per hunter. Multi-district license. Not valid on National Forest Lands. |
| Antlerless, Brow Tined Bull | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
| Either-sex | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Eligibility: PTHFV, Youth |
Late Season
November 30, 2026 – February 15, 2027
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Not Valid On National Forest Land. |
| Antlerless | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| One per hunter. Multi-district license. Not valid on National Forest Lands. |
Heritage Muzzleloader Season
December 12, 2026 – December 20, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless, Brow Tined Bull | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
| Either-sex | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Eligibility: PTHFV, Youth |
License and Permit Options
Elk B License: 397-00
| License | Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk B License | Resident | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | OTCAvailable June 15, 2026 | $20.00 |
| Elk B License | Nonresident | — | OTCAvailable June 15, 2026 | $270.00 |
| Elk B License | Nonresident | Native | OTCAvailable June 15, 2026 | $135.00 |
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 |
Harvest Stats
Hunter and success statistics include reported years only.
Harvest and Hunter Trends
Harvest Success
Latest Estimated Harvest (2025)281
Latest Estimated Hunters (2024)1,089
Hunter Days (2024)7,739
Days per Hunter (2024)7
Harvest Success (2024)21.1%
Frequently Asked Questions
The elk harvest success rate in Montana HD 312 was 21.12 percent in 2024.
The license or permit needed to hunt elk in Montana HD 312 depends on the hunt. Big Game Combination License (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Elk B License (code 397-00; resident and nonresident over-the-counter) 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 312 includes early season from August 15 through September 4, 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 February 15, 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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