Plan a mule deer hunt in Montana Hunting District 315. 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 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.
September 5, 2026 – October 18, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlered Buck Mule Deer | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
| Antlerless Mule Deer | Archery | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Valid On Private Land Only. |
October 24, 2026 – November 29, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlered Buck Mule Deer | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
| Antlerless Mule Deer | — | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Valid On Private Land Only. |
December 12, 2026 – December 20, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlered Buck Mule Deer | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
| Antlerless Mule Deer | Muzzleloader | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Valid On Private Land Only. |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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)70
Total Applicant Count (2026)138
Total Draw Success Count (2026)67
Hunter and success statistics include reported years only.
Latest Estimated Harvest (2025)316
For Montana HD 315, Deer B License 315-02 applications are due June 1, 2026, for residents and nonresidents.
For Montana HD 315 in 2026, modeled first-choice draw odds for the Deer B License 315-02 with zero bonus points are 15 percent for nonresident regular applicants and 16.38 percent for resident regular applicants. These are modeled estimates, not guaranteed results.
The license or permit needed to hunt mule deer in Montana HD 315 depends on the hunt. Big Game Combination License (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Deer B License (code 315-02; resident and nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Deer Combination License (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation 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 315 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.