Plan a mule deer hunt in Montana Hunting District 701. 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
Located in east central Montana on the northern side of Miles City, this general hunting district offers good opportunities for mule deer hunting, with high numbers of deer and some nice bucks taken each year. This district has one of the highest mule deer harvests in the state, with over 500 animals taken annually. Bucks with four points or more on each side are common, and the trophy potential is good.
September 5, 2026 – October 18, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlered Buck | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
| Antlerless | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Lands. |
| Antlerless | Archery | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Lands. Valid In All Region 7 HDs |
October 24, 2026 – November 29, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlered Buck | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
| Antlerless | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Lands. |
| Antlerless | — | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Lands. Valid In All Region 7 HDs |
December 12, 2026 – December 20, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlered Buck | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
| Antlerless | Muzzleloader | Resident: Draw Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Lands. Valid In All Region 7 HDs |
| Antlerless | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| Land: Only Valid On Private Lands. |
| 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)1,000
Total Applicant Count (2026)795
Total Draw Success Count (2026)795
Hunter and success statistics include reported years only.
Latest Estimated Harvest (2025)920
For Montana HD 701, Deer B License 007-03 applications are due June 1, 2026, for residents and nonresidents.
For Montana HD 701 in 2026, modeled first-choice draw odds for the Deer B License 007-03 with zero bonus points are 50 percent for nonresident landowner applicants, 8.02 percent for nonresident regular applicants, 60 percent for resident landowner applicants, and 62.85 percent for resident regular applicants. These are modeled estimates, not guaranteed results.
The license or permit needed to hunt mule deer in Montana HD 701 depends on the hunt. Big Game Combination License (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Deer B License (code 007-03; 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 701 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.
See the latest Field Notes from properties offering mule deer hunts in HD 701.
