Deer hunting can be done with a general tag in Unit 304. This district encompasses parts of the Custer Gallatin National Forest and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area. The district is home to a good number of mule deer, with about two-thirds of the population residing on private land. This allows bucks to reach maturity and a few trophy-worthy bucks are harvested in this unit every year.
This general unit is referred to as the Gallatin Valley Weapons Restriction Area and includes the suburban areas around Bozeman, Gallatin Gateway, and Belgrade. Legal weapons for hunting in this district include archery equipment, shotguns, muzzleloaders, traditional handguns, and crossbows, which can be used at any time during the general season. The northwest corner of the district, near the base of the Bridger Mountains, has the highest concentration of mule deer.
This district is divided into two distinct hunting areas: the Bridger Mountains, which require a draw tag for hunting district 312-50, and the rest of the unit, which is a general tag. Located just North of Bozeman, this unit is 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 rivate land can be a big help here. Expect diverse terrain with some steep slopes and timber once you're out of the valley.
This general mule deer 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 this unit offers a good opportunity for hunters to pursue trophy-sized mule deer due to the high amount of private land in the area.
This hunting district lies just north of Yellowstone National Park and runs alongside the Yellowstone River. Hunters can pursue both deer and elk in the same season using general licenses for each species.
This expansive district is located in southwest Montana and encompasses a significant portion of the region. It features several prominent mountain ranges, including the Greenhorn and Gravelly ranges. Mule deer are present int his unit, but in lower numbers than adjacent areas.
Located south of Helena, Unit 335 encompasses the Boulder Mountains and the surrounding foothills west of I-15. This district offers mule deer hunting on an unlimited draw tag. The trophy quality of the deer is generally better on private land, as public land bucks often struggle to reach maturity. Some good mule deer bucks generally come out of the southeast portion of the district.
Unit 380 is a prime location for hunting mature mule deer bucks. It is a permit-only unit, but it boasts impressive harvest numbers and good success rates each year, most of which are harvested later in the year during the rut. Mule deer are widely distributed throughout the district and can be found in good numbers.
Mule deer 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.
Located in central Montana by Canyon Ferry Reservoir, this district provides a diverse hunting experience for all types of hunters. With abundant wildlife populations, excellent access, and a significant amount of public land, it promises a rewarding outing for anyone seeking to hunt in the area.
Mule deer hunting can be done in Unit 393 with a general tag. This district, located in southwest Montana on the east slope of the Bridger Mountains, is renowned for its high population of game animals, both deer and elk. In addition to providing excellent hunting opportunities, it is also renowned for its stunning natural scenery.
This general hunt unit is located in northcentral Montana, with nearly all land being farmed. The best thing about this district is the minimal pressure on wildlife. The land has very little topography; however, some breaks can be found along rivers and creeks.
This district is situated in north-central Montana, bordering Canada. While it predominantly consists of extensive private land, there are also significant areas of public land available. Much of the accessible hunting terrain includes private properties enrolled in Montana's Block Management Program, which can enhance hunting success. This district offers excellent prospects for deer hunting.
This general hunt unit is situated in northcentral Montana, where the majority of the land is used for dryland farming. The terrain is relatively flat, with only slight variations in the form of breaks in the landscape along major rivers and creeks. Despite the relatively unvaried topography, this area is known to be home to a number of good bucks.
This hunt district, which is a general unit for mule deer, is located in the picturesque Missouri River Breaks region. It offers a wealth of hunting opportunities, with a large population of mule deer dispersed throughout the area. The greatest concentration of mule deer can be found on private land.
Located in the Snowy and Little Snowy Mountains of central Montana, south of Lewistown, this hunt district is renowned for its stunning natural scenery as well as its exceptional hunting opportunities. This district is also considered an opportunity area for mule deer, with general populations evenly dispersed throughout the region, with the majority of does and young bucks found on private land at lower elevations.
Hunt District 412, located in central Montana, encompasses the Judith Mountain Range and the North and South Moccasin Ranges. Mule deer can be hunted in this district using a general tag, and the population of these animals has remained strong in recent years.
This district is found in central Montana just south of Great Falls. Excellent opportunities can be found in this district, especially since the unit is a general tag for mule deer. In general, hunters can expect a fun hunt in this district with good chances for a great experience and harvest.
This hunting district is located on the western edge of the Missouri River Breaks, on the south side of the Missouri River. The rugged terrain provides ample opportunities for extensive foot travel and encourages hunters to spend significant time glassing the landscape. Mule deer can be hunted with a general deer license in this district.
This hunt district is situated in the central part of the state, west of Lewistown. It is characterized by long grass plains, with no mountainous terrain. Mule deer can be found throughout the district, with the majority found on private land. This is a general unit for mule deer.
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 well-regarded for its trophy mule deer.
This district is positioned just south of Great Falls in west-central Montana, forming the northern part of the Big Belt Mountain Range. Although the hunting habitat largely consists of private lands, access is notably good thanks to the Block Management Program and willing landowners. However, this area is not specifically managed for trophy-quality animals.
Situated southeast of Great Falls, this unit encompasses the Highwood Mountains. Much like the renowned Big and Little Belt Mountains, this range rises dramatically from the plains to the east of the Continental Divide.
This hunt district, located in south central Montana, is almost entirely composed of private land and is a general unit for deer hunting. There are also good numbers of mule deer in this district.
Unit 515 is situated in south central Montana, northwest of Billings and north of Columbus. This general unit is bordered by the Musselshell River to the north and the Yellowstone River to the south. This district is home to a significant population of mule deer, with a high number of these animals being harvested each year during both the archery and rifle seasons, which are both general seasons. While mule deer numbers are lower than their historical averages, there is still ample opportunity to hunt these animals in any part of the district.
This vast hunt district in southern Montana offers a range of hunting opportunities. Unit 525 can be hunted with a general tag for mule deer. Although good bucks can be found throughout unit 525, the majority of deer are commonly found along the front country of the Beartooth Mountain Range.
Unit 535 is located in central Montana, north of Roundup and south of Winnett. It is bounded by the Musselshell River on the south and east, and is mostly private land. The Big Snowy Mountains are located just to the north, while the Little Snowy Mountains are in the northwest corner of the unit. This unit is a draw unit for mule deer with good opportunities for a buck throughout the unit.
This expansive district is located between the Beartooth Mountains and I-90 in south-central Montana. Most of the area consists of riparian cattle lands and farmland, with limited public hunting options. Deer hunting is accessible with a general tag.
Unit 590 is located east of Billings and south of Roundup, and includes the Bull Mountains to the north of the Yellowstone River and Pine Ridge to the south of the river. The mule deer population in this unit is strong, although the numbers are lower than their historical highs. Mule deer can be found throughout the district and can be hunted with a general tag.
This district is found in north-central Montana, occupying a vast and remote area between Montana Highway 2 to the south and the Canada-US border to the north. Mule deer are present throughout the district, with higher concentrations near private agricultural fields and brushy creek beds. While most of the prime hunting habitat is on private land, access can be quite good for those friendly hunters.
Situated on the north side of the Missouri River, this rugged terrain provides ample opportunities for extensive foot travel and encourages hunters to spend considerable time observing the landscape through their optics.
Unit 630 is a general tag for mule deer hunters. If you are seeking a classic prairie mule deer hunt with good chances of finding a good buck, this district in northeastern Montana may be the perfect place for you. Located just north of the Missouri River Breaks, this district offers an enjoyable hunt with good deer numbers and decent trophy potential.
Located in northeastern Montana, this hunting district provides good hunting opportunities for mule deer and whitetail, with a number of mature bucks taken annually. The region is predominantly agricultural land with some scattered coulees. Unit 640 is a general tag area for deer hunters.
Unit 650 is a general tag area for deer hunters in northeastern Montana. If you are hoping to hunt mule deer in this district, you can expect good chances of success and a decent opportunity to find a trophy buck.
Unit 670 is located in Montana's Hi-Line region and is predominantly made up of prairie and river bottom habitat, which supports a large deer population. This unit can be hunted with a general tag. In past years, some good deer have been taken in this district towards the end of the rifle season. While giant bucks are not common in this region, they can occasionally be found, particularly when the weather is bad in Canada. The district as a whole has good mule deer numbers and overall quality.
This hunting district is located in the northcentral part of the state and includes the Bears Paw Mountain Range, which is located north of the Missouri River and south of the town of Havre. The Rocky Boy Indian Reservation is situated within the district, which presents challenges for both hunters and game managers. There are some good mule deer bucks to be found in the unit, which can be hunted with a general tag.
Hunt District 700 is located in eastern Montana, in the region known as the Missouri River Breaks. This district offers not only excellent hunting opportunities, but also stunning scenery. This general district is known as an opportunity area for mule deer, with a few larger bucks potentially taken each year, due to the high level of hunting pressure on public lands.
This hunting district is situated between the Bighorn River and the Tongue River in southeastern Montana. While the area is predominantly private land, it does support some quality game. Hunters can easily access this unit for day trips from either Billings or Miles City with just a short drive.
This southeastern Montana hunting district offers not only excellent hunting opportunities, but also breathtaking scenery. Both deer and elk can be hunted in both the archery and rifle seasons with a general tag in this region.
Located in the southeast corner of Montana, Hunt District 705 is bordered by the Powder River to the west. This is a general unit for deer hunting. Whitetail and mule deer are scattered throughout the district.