Montana Elk Hunting

Montana elk hunting is pure bliss. With more than 163,000 elk more opportunities are becoming available for hunters. Many hunters say that the southwest part of the state is where most of the elk can be found. But firstly, you need to fulfill the all requirements for hunting especially when you are nonresident.

Elk Hunting Season in Montana

Montana elk hunting offers the longest hunting seasons in the West. The general firearms season runs from late October. Peak elk hunting season is in early November. Elk live at high elevations, resting and building fat reserves for winter until cold or snow pushes them down into the valleys.

Archery	September 7-October 20
Youth Hunt	October 17-18
General Season	October 26 – December 1
Backcountry Archery	September 7-14
General Backcountry	September 15 – December 1

General Elk License in Montana

A general elk license is used only according to the specific regulations of the hunting district in which you hunt but it is available for residents only. For Nonresident can’t buy their general elk license over the fwp counter. They must obtain what’s known as a “combination license”, which includes a general elk license as well as several other licenses. Montana makes 17,000 licenses available every year and demand is greater than supply, to get a combination license, you need to apply in a random lottery drawing for either a:

Big game roughly cost $900 Dollars for deer & elk for getting combination license, which is good for fishing and upland bird hunting, or:
Elk combination license roughly $800 Dollars, which is also good for fishing and upland bird hunting.

From Above, you can apply for only one of these licenses each year. Both nonresident combination licenses include the conservation license and access fee required to hunt in Montana. For Nonresident combination license applications are available each year from mid-January through the mid of March deadline. FWP announces drawing results in mid of April. There are many more licenses are available like Elk B License and Surplus B licenses awarded by lottery.

Moreover, Montana makes up to 10% of all permits available to nonresidents. Nonresident hunters may not apply for permits (due 1^st June) unless they drew a combination license (results announced in mid of April) for that year. Licenses and Permits are labeled with a three-digit number followed by a dash (-) and then a 2 digit number (such as “345-20”). The first three digits identify the hunting district, and the last two digits are FWP codes for additional restrictions related to that permit or license.

Where to Stay Camp or Hotel?

You must figure out where you will spend nights. You need to book rooms in advance at hotels and if you decide to stay at camp then prepare yourself for winter conditions, with snow and freezing temperatures.

Some of the Best Spots to Elk Hunt in Montana

If you ask any hunter in Montana the best spot to hunt you will likely get mixed answers. Many hunters have different experiences. Some hunted elk across western Montana. You should focus in national forest because most Elk live on Public land. Another Spot is west of a line from Billings to Glacier National Park.

Hunting Gear List in Montana

In most hunting areas, cell service does not exist and weather changes can be great and powerful. Below is a good gear list for your hunting in Montana.

Hunting License
Montana Guide if Non-Resident.
Camera or smart phone
Sunglasses and Sunscreen.
Belt, light weight pair gloves
Billed or Brimmed Hat
Waterproof rain jacket.
Waterproof pants.
Fleece / light weight vest
Wool base layer shirts long & short sleeve (No Cotton).
Hiking Boots
Quick drying socks (No Cotton).
Always carry an emergency kit
Lightweight mountaineering tent made by seek.
Elk Meat Need Lightweight Bags.
Lightweight Backpack Rain Cover.
Headlamp
Spotting Scope/Tripod, iPhone adaptor (optional)
Binoculars
Trekking poles
Bow or Rifle
Hunting Knife
Bone Saw
Parachute Cord
Sleeping bag.
Cooking Stove.
Carry lots of water in Cooler.