Plan a mule deer hunt in Montana Hunting District 312. Review season dates, license options, draw odds, and harvest data, then browse available private-land hunts and book directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
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.
September 5, 2026 – October 18, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlered Buck | Archery | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid East Of Springhill/ Rocky Mtn Rd. Permit must be used with a valid General Deer License. Holders may not hunt Antlered Buck Mule Deer in any other HD. |
| Antlerless | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid East Of Springhill/ Rocky Mtn Rd. |
| Antlerless | Archery | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Land. |
| Either-sex | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid West Of Springhill/ Rocky Mtn Rd. |
October 24, 2026 – November 29, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlered Buck | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid West Of Springhill/ Rocky Mtn Rd. |
| Antlered Buck | — | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid East Of Springhill/ Rocky Mtn Rd. Permit must be used with a valid General Deer License. Holders may not hunt Antlered Buck Mule Deer in any other HD. |
| Antlerless | — | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Land. |
December 12, 2026 – December 20, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlered Buck | Muzzleloader | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid East Of Springhill/ Rocky Mtn Rd. Permit must be used with a valid General Deer License. Holders may not hunt Antlered Buck Mule Deer in any other HD. |
| Antlered Buck | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid West Of Springhill/ Rocky Mtn Rd. |
| Antlerless | Muzzleloader | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Land. |
| License | Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer B License | Resident | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | DrawApplication deadline June 1, 2026 | $15.00 |
| Deer B License | Nonresident | — | DrawApplication deadline June 1, 2026 | $80.00 |
| License | Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer Permit | Resident | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | DrawApplication deadline April 1, 2026 | $5.00Application fee $5.00Application fee included in price |
| Deer Permit | Nonresident | — | DrawApplication deadline April 1, 2026 | $5.00Application fee $5.00Application fee included in price |
| License | Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Deer License | Resident | Ages 18–61 | OTC | $16.00 |
| General Deer License | Resident | Disabled hunters | OTC | $8.00 |
| General Deer License | Resident | Ages 12–17 and 62+; Youth and senior hunters | OTC | $8.00 |
| 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 |
| Deer Combination - Drawing | Nonresident | — | DrawApplication deadline April 1, 2026 | $760.00 |
| Deer Combination - College Student | Nonresident | College student | — | $380.00 |
| Deer Combination - Youth (12-17) - Sponsored | Nonresident | Ages 12–17; Youth hunters; Sponsored | — | $380.00 |
| NR Deer Combination License | Nonresident | Native | — | $380.00 |
Estimated first-choice draw odds by bonus points. Counts reflect first-choice applications and successful draws.
License Quota (2026)50
Total Applicant Count (2026)182
Total Draw Success Count (2026)47
Hunter and success statistics include reported years only.
Latest Estimated Harvest (2025)178
For Montana HD 312, Deer Permit 312-50 applications are due April 1, 2026, for residents and nonresidents. Deer B License 312-01 applications are due June 1, 2026, for residents and nonresidents.
The license or permit needed to hunt mule deer in Montana HD 312 depends on the hunt. Big Game Combination License (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Deer B License (code 312-01; resident and nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Deer Combination License (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Deer Permit (code 312-50; resident and nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License, Conservation License, and General Deer License. General Deer 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.
Mule deer season in Montana HD 312 includes archery season from September 5 through October 18, 2026, general season from October 24 through November 29, 2026, and heritage muzzleloader season from December 12 through December 20, 2026. Check the current regulations for exact dates and license requirements.