Plan a mule deer hunt in Montana Hunting District 417. 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 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.
September 5, 2026 – October 18, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlered Buck | Archery | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| 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: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Land. |
October 24, 2026 – November 29, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlered Buck | — | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| 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 |
| Permit must be used with a valid General Deer License. Holders may not hunt Antlered Buck Mule Deer in any other HD. |
| Antlerless | Muzzleloader | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Land. |
| License | Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer B License: 417-00 | Resident | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | DrawApplication deadline June 1, 2026 | $15.00 |
| Deer B License: 417-00 | Nonresident | — | DrawApplication deadline June 1, 2026 | $80.00 |
| License | Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer Permit: 417-50 | 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: 417-50 | Nonresident | — | DrawApplication deadline April 1, 2026 | $5.00Application fee $5.00Application fee included in price |
Estimated first-choice draw odds by bonus points. Counts reflect first-choice applications and successful draws.
License Quota (2026)25
Total Applicant Count (2026)34
Total Draw Success Count (2026)20
Hunter and success statistics include reported years only.
Latest Estimated Harvest (2025)93
Yes. Mule deer tags for these hunts in Montana HD 417 require a draw. Available draw licenses include Deer B License and Deer Permit for residents and nonresidents. Applications are due April 1, 2026 and June 1, 2026.
For Montana HD 417, Deer Permit 417-50 applications are due April 1, 2026, for residents and nonresidents. Deer B License 417-00 applications are due June 1, 2026, for residents and nonresidents.
The license or permit needed to hunt mule deer in Montana HD 417 depends on the hunt. Deer B License (code 417-00; resident and nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Deer Permit (code 417-50; resident and nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License, Conservation License, and General Deer License. Check the current regulations for the license and hunt you plan to pursue.
Mule deer season in Montana HD 417 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.