Montana Elk Hunting District 525
Plan an elk hunt in Montana Hunting District 525. 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 525
This vast hunt district in southern Montana offers a range of hunting opportunities. While the majority of the district can be hunted with a general tag for elk, a small portion in the southeast corner requires a limited draw elk tag. Trophy bulls can be found in the remote areas of the district as well as on private lands with restricted access.
Montana Elk Opportunities in HD 525
Land closures: Silver Run WMA Closed To All Hunting Dec 2-May 14.
Early Season
August 15, 2026 – September 4, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Land. |
| Antlerless | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Land. |
Archery Only Season
September 5, 2026 – October 18, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| Land: Not Valid On National Forest Lands. |
| Either-sex | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
General Season
October 24, 2026 – November 29, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| Land: Not Valid On National Forest Lands. |
| Either-sex | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
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 Lands Or FWP WMAs. |
| Antlerless | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| Land: Not Valid On National Forest Land Or FWP WMAs. |
Heritage Muzzleloader Season
December 12, 2026 – December 20, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| Land: Not Valid On National Forest Lands. |
| Either-sex | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
License and Permit Options
Elk B License (005-00)
| 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)421
Latest Estimated Hunters (2024)1,874
Hunter Days (2024)13,939
Days per Hunter (2024)7
Harvest Success (2024)27.3%
Frequently Asked Questions
The elk harvest success rate in Montana HD 525 was 27.32 percent in 2024.
The license or permit needed to hunt elk in Montana HD 525 depends on the hunt. Big Game Combination License (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Elk B License (code 005-00; 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 525 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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