Montana Hunting Regulations

2008 Season Dates

General Elk Season Oct 25 - Nov 30
Archery Elk Season Sep 1 - Oct 9
Backcountry Elk Season Sep 15 - Nov 30
Rifle Deer & Elk Season 5 week period from late Oct - late Nov

Hunting Regulations
As any well prepared sportsmen would tell you, having knowledge and being educated is the first and foremost step you should take before embarking on your hunting trip, or truly before you even book your first Montana Elk Hunting trip. The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission, in an effort to maintain the habitats of the species native to Montana and respectively regulate the species' population, firmly regulates the hunting and fishing of many different types of wildlife found in Montana. Here we've detailed some information on the elk hunting regulations as of the 2008 year. Regulations are subject to change, and you'll want to obtain the proper documents and information booklets available for the current year from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks commission.

In order to hunt Montana elk during the hunting season one must first have the proper license, and in certain cases you may need other special types of hunting licenses and/or certain special hunting permits. To hunt Montana elk you'll need a big game or elk combination license that classifies you as either a Montana in-state resident or an out-of-state hunter as well as specific qualities that identify you as either general or outfitter sponsored. Depending on your hunting trip and needs, you'll specify those choices.

Deadlines to apply for all Montana Elk Hunting licenses, either the big game (elk/deer) combination license or the elk combination license, is March 15th. Special elk hunting licenses (Elk A7, Elk A9 Limited, Elk A9 Unlimited) have a June 1st application deadline and are awarded on a special drawing basis. Per the current Montana Elk Hunting regulations, a general elk hunting license is valid for one elk and hunters may purchase only one general elk license.

Resident and nonresident hunters can buy an unlimited number of $5.00 chances to win a Montana Elk Hunting license Supertag which allows one to hunt in any Montana Hunting district valid for that species. Chances are sold at all FWP License provider locations and via the internet. These Supertags are also available for other species of Montana big game.

Most hunters and those thinking about taking a Montana Elk Hunting trip will have several questions and may need some help in understanding the Montana Hunting regulations and special requirements. At Willow Ranch Outfitters we have been leading Montana Elk Hunting trips for 24 years and can help answer all of your questions regarding licensing and hunting regulations. Contact us for more information on our special packages and book your trip today!


Please click the links below for more information.
Lee Metcalf Wilderness Beaverhead Hunting Hunting Regulations Special Permits
  Gallatin National
Forest Hunting
Montana Wildlife  

If you have any questions about Willow Ranch Outfitters, please contact us at 406-570-6651, email us, or use our online request form.