Plan a whitetail hunt in Montana Hunting District 312. Review season dates, license options and harvest data, then browse available private-land hunts and book directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Being a general whitetail unit located just North of Bozeman makes this unit extremely convenient for folks flying in to Bozeman or even driving along I-90. However with that convenience, comes increased pressure at the limited access points of the Bridger Range. Private land or accessing public land through rivate land can be a big help here. Expect diverse terrain with some steep slopes and timber once you're out of the valley. You'll find the the majority of the whitetail population in agricultural fields and river bottoms west of the Bridger Mountains.
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 to three B licenses per hunter may be offered for purchase. Multi-district license. |
| Antlerless | Muzzleloader | Resident: OTC Nonresident: OTC |
| One per hunter. Valid in all Region 3 HDs. |
| 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)417
The license or permit needed to hunt whitetail in Montana HD 312 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 312 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.