Montana Hunting Seasons & Prices
2026 big-game season dates and license/tag prices.
Montana offers 2026 hunting seasons for turkey, black bear, bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goat, pronghorn, elk, mule deer, whitetail, and bison across any method, firearm, and archery methods. Seasons run from April 15, 2026 through February 28, 2027. Nonresident tags range from $115 to $1,250, with resident tags starting around $6.50.
Planning reference only — always confirm dates and prices with the state wildlife agency before applying, buying a license, or hunting.
Season dates
Elk
Mule deer
Whitetail
Pronghorn
Moose
Bighorn sheep
Mountain goat
Bison
| Season | Method | Opens | Closes | Notes | Track |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General | Any method | Nov 15, 2026 | Feb 28, 2027 | 🔔 |
Black bear
License & tag prices
| Species | Resident | Nonresident | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | $20 | $1,112 | NR: Elk Combination |
| Deer | $16 | $760 | NR: Deer Combination |
| Pronghorn | $14 | $200 | |
| Moose | $125 | $1,250 | Draw only — fee due if drawn |
| Bighorn sheep | $125 | $1,250 | Draw only — fee due if drawn |
| Mountain goat | $125 | $1,250 | Draw only — fee due if drawn |
| Bison | $125 | $1,250 | Draw only — fee due if drawn |
| Black bear | $19 | $350 | |
| Turkey | $6.50 | $115 |
License fees shown; prerequisites (conservation/base licenses, AIS pass) are extra. Nonresident big game is sold as combination licenses — a Big Game Combination (deer + elk) is $1,312. Moose, sheep, goat, and bison are draw-only: the fee is due only if drawn.
Source: Montana FWP 2026 License Fees (fwp.mt.gov)
Montana hunt units
Explore harvest history, success rates, and draw odds by unit.
Montana hunting FAQ
- When does elk season open in Montana in 2026?
- Montana's 2026 elk archery season opens September 5 and runs through October 18. Always confirm exact dates with the state wildlife agency before hunting.
- What big-game species can you hunt in Montana?
- In 2026, Montana has hunting seasons for turkey, black bear, bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goat, pronghorn, elk, mule deer, whitetail, and bison.
- How much is a nonresident elk tag in Montana?
- A nonresident elk tag in Montana costs $1,112; the resident price is $20.
📊 Montana harvest trends
How Montana's harvest has moved season to season, from official state reports.