Plan an elk hunt in Montana Hunting District 390. Review season dates, license options and harvest data, then browse available private-land hunts and book directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius


Elk hunting can be done in Unit 390 with a general tag. Located in west central Montana just northwest of Bozeman, this district is made up of 90% private lands and can be a challenging place to hunt without prearranged access. The remaining 10% of public opportunities are subject to extreme pressure.
August 15, 2026 – September 4, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| Land: In HD 390, Only Valid On Private Land. Multi-district license. |
September 5, 2026 – October 18, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| Land: In HD 390, Not Valid On National Forest Lands. Multi-district license. |
| Antlerless, Brow Tined Bull | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
| Either-sex | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Eligibility: PTHFV, Youth |
October 24, 2026 – November 29, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| Land: In HD 390, Not Valid On National Forest Lands. Multi-district license. |
| Antlerless, Brow Tined Bull | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
| Either-sex | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Eligibility: PTHFV, Youth |
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 Lands. |
| Antlerless | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| Land: In HD 390, Not Valid On National Forest Lands. Multi-district license. |
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 | 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 |
| 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 |
Hunter and success statistics include reported years only.
Latest Estimated Harvest (2025)162
Latest Estimated Hunters (2024)790
Hunter Days (2024)6,178
Days per Hunter (2024)8
Harvest Success (2024)27.1%
The elk harvest success rate in Montana HD 390 was 27.09 percent in 2024.
The license or permit needed to hunt elk in Montana HD 390 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 390 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.
See the latest Field Notes from properties offering elk hunts in HD 390.








































