What license or permit do I need to hunt whitetail in Montana HD 215?

The license or permit needed to hunt whitetail in Montana HD 215 depends on the hunt. Big Game Combination License (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Deer B License (code 215-02; resident and nonresident over-the-counter) 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.

When is whitetail season in Montana HD 215?

Whitetail season in Montana HD 215 includes archery season from September 5 through October 18, 2026, general season from October 24 through November 29, 2026, late season from November 30, 2026 through January 1, 2027, 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 Whitetail Hunting District 215

Plan a whitetail hunt in Montana Hunting District 215. Review season dates, license options 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 215

The East Deer Lodge district encompasses parts of Deer Lodge, Silver Bow, and Powell Counties. It is situated east of Interstate 90, stretching from the community of Garrison in the north to Butte in the south. The eastern third of the district is covered by Helena National Forest, extending from U.S. Highway 12 to Interstate 90. Whitetails are prevalent throughout the area. The western third is largely privately owned, although thousands of acres of public access are available through Wildlife and Block Management Areas.

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Montana Whitetail Opportunities in HD 215

Archery Only Season

September 5, 2026 – October 18, 2026

Opportunity	Method	Availability	License or Permit	Additional Details
Antlerless	Archery	Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC	Deer B License (215-02)	Land: Valid Outside The National Forest Boundary And NOT Valid On FWP WMAs Or BLM Lands.
Either-sex	Archery	Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw	General Deer License	—

General Season

October 24, 2026 – November 29, 2026

Opportunity	Method	Availability	License or Permit	Additional Details
Antlerless	—	Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC	Deer B License (215-02)	Land: Valid Outside The National Forest Boundary And NOT Valid On FWP WMAs Or BLM Lands.
Either-sex	—	Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw	General Deer License	—

Late Season

November 30, 2026 – January 1, 2027

Opportunity	Method	Availability	License or Permit	Additional Details
Antlerless	—	Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC	Deer B License (215-02)	Land: Only Valid On Private Lands Outside The National Forest Boundary And NOT Valid On FWP WMAs Or BLM Lands.

Heritage Muzzleloader Season

December 12, 2026 – December 20, 2026

Opportunity	Method	Availability	License or Permit	Additional Details
Antlerless	Muzzleloader	Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC	Deer B License (215-02)	Land: Valid Outside The National Forest Boundary And NOT Valid On FWP WMAs Or BLM Lands.
Either-sex	Muzzleloader	Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw	General Deer License	—

License and Permit Options

Deer B License (215-02)

License	Residency	Eligibility	Availability	Price
Deer B License	Resident	Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters	OTCAvailable June 15, 2026	$10.00
Deer B License	Nonresident	—	OTCAvailable June 15, 2026	$75.00
Deer B License	Nonresident	Native	OTCAvailable June 15, 2026	$37.50

General Deer License

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