Does hunting mule deer in Montana HD 535 require a draw?

Not always. Montana HD 535 has both draw and over-the-counter mule deer opportunities. Available draw licenses include Deer B License and Deer Permit for residents and nonresidents. Applications are due April 1, 2026 and June 1, 2026. Over-the-counter licenses include General Deer License for residents.

What application dates apply to mule deer opportunities in Montana HD 535?

For Montana HD 535, Deer Permit 535-50 applications are due April 1, 2026, for residents and nonresidents. Deer B License 535-00 applications are due June 1, 2026, for residents and nonresidents.

What license or permit do I need to hunt mule deer in Montana HD 535?

The license or permit needed to hunt mule deer in Montana HD 535 depends on the hunt. Big Game Combination License (for nonresidents) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Deer B License (code 535-00; resident and nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Deer Combination License (for nonresidents) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Deer Permit (code 535-50; 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.

When is mule deer season in Montana HD 535?

Mule deer season in Montana HD 535 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.

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Montana Mule Deer Hunting District 535

Plan a mule deer hunt in Montana Hunting District 535. Review season dates, license options, draw odds, and harvest data, then browse available private-land hunts and book directly from landowners.

Last updated October 17, 2026 by Aricin Rotarius

Find Hunts in HD 535

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.

Only 5 Hunts Offered

Mule Deer Buck Hunt in HD 535: Permit Area | 1 Hr from Billings

19,850 Acres at Lewis Ranch South in Lavina, MT

Starting Price $1,050 / Guest

1 Guest

3 Days

Lodging

Only 5 Hunts Offered

Mule Deer Buck Hunt | HD 535: Deer Permit Area w/ Buck Potential

29,500 Acres at Lewis Ranch North in Lavina, MT

Starting Price $1,050 / Guest

1 Guest

3 Days

RV Friendly

Only 3 Hunts Offered

HD 535 Mule Deer Buck Hunt | Permit Draw Area in Central MT

3,980 Acres at Moseman 75 Inc | South in Lavina, MT

Starting Price $175 / Guest

1 Guest

1 Day

RV Friendly

View All Properties

Montana Mule Deer Opportunities in HD 535

Archery Only Season

September 5, 2026 – October 18, 2026

Opportunity	Method	Availability	License or Permit	Additional Details
Antlered Buck	Archery	Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw	Deer Permit (535-50)	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: —	General Deer License	Eligibility: Youth Land: Only Valid On Private Land.
Antlerless	Archery	Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw	Deer B License (535-00)	Land: Only Valid On Private Land.

General Season

October 24, 2026 – November 29, 2026

Opportunity	Method	Availability	License or Permit	Additional Details
Antlered Buck	—	Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw	Deer Permit (535-50)	Permit must be used with a valid General Deer License. Holders may not hunt Antlered Buck Mule Deer in any other HD.
Antlerless	—	Resident: OTC Nonresident: —	General Deer License	Eligibility: Youth Land: Only Valid On Private Land.
Antlerless	—	Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw	Deer B License (535-00)	Land: Only Valid On Private Land.

Heritage Muzzleloader Season

December 12, 2026 – December 20, 2026

Opportunity	Method	Availability	License or Permit	Additional Details
Antlered Buck	Muzzleloader	Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw	Deer Permit (535-50)	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	Deer B License (535-00)	Land: Only Valid On Private Land.
Antlerless	Muzzleloader	Resident: OTC Nonresident: —	General Deer License	Eligibility: Youth Land: Only Valid On Private Land.

License and Permit Options

Deer B License (535-00)

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

Deer Permit (535-50)

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

General Deer License

License	Residency	Eligibility	Availability	Price
General Deer License	Resident	Ages 12–17 and 62+; Youth and senior hunters	OTC	$8.00
Big Game Combination - Youth (12-17) - Sponsored	Nonresident	Ages 12–17; Youth hunters; Sponsored	—	$656.00
Deer Combination - Youth (12-17) - Sponsored	Nonresident	Ages 12–17; Youth hunters; Sponsored	—	$380.00