Montana Whitetail Hunting District 217
Plan a whitetail hunt in Montana Hunting District 217. Review season dates, license options and harvest data, then browse available private-land hunts and book directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts in HD 217
Located in west-central Montana, this district is about an hour east of Missoula. Established as a small sub-unit for the 2016 season, it primarily aims to manage deer and elk populations on private lands. Most tags for antlered animals are allocated through a drawing, while some "B" tags for antlerless deer are available over the counter. The area is largely dominated by private land and ranches, which can present significant challenges for hunters. However, there is still public land available, offering excellent hunting opportunities.
Montana Whitetail Opportunities in HD 217
Archery Only Season
September 5, 2026 – October 18, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| Land: Valid Outside The National Forest Boundary. NOT Valid On BLM Lands. Up to two per hunter. |
| Either-sex | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
General Season
October 24, 2026 – November 29, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| Land: Valid Outside The National Forest Boundary. NOT Valid On BLM Lands. Up to two per hunter. |
| Either-sex | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
Late Season
November 30, 2026 – January 1, 2027
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| Land: Valid Outside The National Forest Boundary. NOT Valid On BLM Lands. Up to two per hunter. |
Heritage Muzzleloader Season
December 12, 2026 – December 20, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Either-sex | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
License and Permit Options
Deer B License: 217-01
| License | Residency | Eligibility | Availability | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer B License: 217-01 | Resident | Ages 12–17, 18–61, and 62+; Youth, senior, and disabled hunters | OTCAvailable June 15, 2026 | $10.00 |
| Deer B License: 217-01 | Nonresident | — | OTCAvailable June 15, 2026 | $75.00 |
| Deer B License: 217-01 | 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 |
Harvest Stats
Hunter and success statistics include reported years only.
Harvest and Hunter Trends
Latest Estimated Harvest (2025)98
Frequently Asked Questions
The license or permit needed to hunt whitetail in Montana HD 217 depends on the hunt. Big Game Combination License (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Deer B License (code 217-01; 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.
Whitetail season in Montana HD 217 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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