Montana Elk Hunting District 315
Plan an elk hunt in Montana Hunting District 315. 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 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!
Montana Elk Opportunities in HD 315
Early Season
August 15, 2026 – September 4, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless elk | — | 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 elk | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| One per hunter. Multi-district license. Not valid on National Forest Lands. |
| Either-sex elk | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
General Season
October 24, 2026 – November 29, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless elk | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| One per hunter. Multi-district license. Not valid on National Forest Lands. |
| Either-sex elk | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
Late Season
November 30, 2026 – February 15, 2027
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless elk | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| One per hunter. Multi-district license. Not valid on National Forest Lands. |
| Antlerless elk | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Not valid on National Forest Lands. |
Heritage Muzzleloader Season
December 12, 2026 – December 20, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Either-sex elk | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
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)389
Latest Estimated Hunters (2024)1,858
Hunter Days (2024)12,163
Days per Hunter (2024)7
Harvest Success (2024)20.3%
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2024 elk harvest success rate for Montana HD 315 was 20.34%.
To hunt elk in Montana HD 315, you need a Base Hunting License, a Conservation License, and the elk license that applies to your hunt. Residents can purchase a General Elk License over the counter. Residents and nonresidents may also purchase antlerless Elk B License 397-00 over the counter beginning June 15, 2026; it is limited to one per hunter and is valid only in specified districts. Nonresidents seeking general elk privileges can apply for a Big Game Combination or Elk Combination License by April 1, 2026. The discounted Nonresident Native Elk B option requires Nonresident Native certification.
Elk season dates in Montana HD 315 depend on the license. With a General Elk License, archery season runs September 5–October 18, 2026; general season runs October 24–November 29; late season runs November 30, 2026–February 15, 2027; and heritage muzzleloader season runs December 12–20, 2026. Elk B License 397-00 adds an early season from August 15–September 4 and follows the same archery, general, and late season dates. License 397-00 is limited to one per hunter, covers multiple districts, and is not valid on National Forest land during its archery, general, or late seasons.
See the latest Field Notes from properties offering elk hunts in HD 315.
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