Plan a whitetail hunt in Montana Hunting District 304. Review season dates, license options and harvest data, then browse available private-land hunts and book directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Deer hunting can be done with a general tag in Unit 304. This district encompasses parts of the Custer Gallatin National Forest and the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area. Whitetails tend to favor creeks and river bottoms on private lands. The Madison and Gallatin Rivers also both have numerous creeks that flow into them, providing ideal home ranges for mature bucks.
September 5, 2026 – October 18, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| One per hunter. Valid in all Region 3 HDs. |
| Antlerless | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| One to three B licenses per hunter may be offered for purchase. Multi-district license. |
| Either-sex | Archery | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
October 24, 2026 – November 29, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| One per hunter. Valid in all Region 3 HDs. |
| Antlerless | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| One to three B licenses per hunter may be offered for purchase. Multi-district license. |
| Either-sex | — | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
December 12, 2026 – December 20, 2026
| Opportunity | Method | Availability | License or Permit | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antlerless | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| One per hunter. Valid in all Region 3 HDs. |
| Antlerless | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| One to three B licenses per hunter may be offered for purchase. Multi-district license. |
| Either-sex | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: Draw |
| — |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Hunter and success statistics include reported years only.
Latest Estimated Harvest (2025)110
The license or permit needed to hunt whitetail in Montana HD 304 depends on the hunt. Big Game Combination License (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Deer B License (codes 003-00 and 398-00; 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 304 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 whitetail hunts in HD 304.


