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Find Hunts in HD 426
This district is situated in central Montana, just south of the Missouri River and west of the renowned “Missouri River Breaks.” While it isn’t officially part of the “Breaks,” it shares similar habitat characteristics, albeit with more agricultural land compared to the neighboring districts to the east. The landscape features extensive agricultural fields and cattle pastures, interspersed with long, rugged drainages that descend into expansive river bottoms. This area is experiencing a growing elk population.
Montana Elk Hunting Opportunities in HD 426
Archery Only Season
September 5, 2026 – October 18, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | Archery | — |
| — |
| Antlerless | Archery | OTC |
| Land: Not Valid On National Forest Lands, FWP WMAs, Or CMR Refuge. Valid In All Region 4 HDs Except HDs 410 And 455 As Listed Under Each HD. |
| Either-sex | Archery | Draw |
| 1st and only choice. Permit must be used with a valid General Elk License. Holders may not hunt Antlered Elk in any other HD during these described season dates. |
| Either-sex | Archery | Draw |
| 1st and only choice. Only valid in HDs 417 and 426. Permit must be used with a valid General Elk License. Holders may not hunt Antlered Elk in any other HD during these described season dates. |
| Either-sex | Archery | Draw |
| 1st and only choice. Only valid in HDs 417 and 426. Permit must be used with a valid General Elk License. Holders may not hunt Antlered Elk in any other HD during these described season dates. |
General Season
October 24, 2026 – November 29, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | — |
| — |
| Antlerless | — | OTC |
| Land: Not Valid On National Forest Lands, FWP WMAs, Or CMR Refuge. Valid In All Region 4 HDs Except HDs 410 And 455 As Listed Under Each HD. |
| Either-sex | — | Draw |
| 1st and only choice. Permit must be used with a valid General Elk License. Holders may not hunt Antlered Elk in any other HD during these described season dates. |
Heritage Muzzleloader Season
December 12, 2026 – December 20, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | Muzzleloader | OTC |
| Land: Not Valid On National Forest Lands, FWP WMAs, Or CMR Refuge. Valid In All Region 4 HDs Except HDs 410 And 455 As Listed Under Each HD. |
| Antlerless | Muzzleloader | — |
| — |
| Either-sex | Muzzleloader | Draw |
| 1st and only choice. Permit must be used with a valid General Elk License. Holders may not hunt Antlered Elk in any other HD during these described season dates. |
License and Permit Options
Elk B License (004-00)
| Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | OTCAvailable June 15, 2026 | $20.00 |
| Nonresident | Native | OTCAvailable June 15, 2026 | $135.00 |
| Nonresident | — | OTCAvailable June 15, 2026 | $270.00 |
Elk Permit (417-21)
| 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 (426-20)
| 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 |
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 Permit · 426-20 — Resident · Regular pool
Harvest Stats
Hunter and success statistics include reported years only.
Harvest and Hunter Trends
Harvest Success
Latest Estimated Harvest (2025)122
Latest Estimated Hunters (2024)319
Hunter Days (2024)2,106
Days per Hunter (2024)7
Harvest Success (2024)27.9%
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Montana Hunting Units
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Montana Elk HDs
- Montana Elk HD 4
- Montana Elk HD 292
- Montana Elk HD 312
- Montana Elk HD 315
- Montana Elk HD 317
- Montana Elk HD 323
- Montana Elk HD 335
- Montana Elk HD 380
- Montana Elk HD 390
- Montana Elk HD 391
- Montana Elk HD 393
- Montana Elk HD 400
- Montana Elk HD 410
- Montana Elk HD 411
- Montana Elk HD 412
- Montana Elk HD 413
- Montana Elk HD 417
- 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
- Montana Elk HD 700
- Montana Elk HD 701
- Montana Elk HD 702
- Montana Elk HD 704
- Montana Elk HD 301
- 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 217
- Montana Elk HD 291
- Montana Elk HD 400 (Bear)
- Montana Elk HD 413 (Deer)
- Montana Elk HD 413 (Elk)