Montana hunting regulations

License year: 2026. Each fact shows its own license year, source and the date we checked it. Always confirm with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before you apply.

Official regulations

When the regulations apply

Validity
2026 regulations were adopted by the F&W Commission on Dec. 4, 2025 (MCA 87-1-301) and are valid March 1, 2026, through Feb. 28, 2027 Source: FWP 2026 Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunting Regulations, p. 8. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

Rules to know

Hunter orange
Firearm hunters, and anyone accompanying a hunter as an outfitter or guide, must wear at least 400 square inches of fluorescent hunter orange above the waist, visible at all times. Archery-only season and archery-only district hunters are exempt Source: FWP 2026 Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunting Regulations, p. 24. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Deer limit
A resident hunter may hold a total of three deer licenses per license year: a general license and two B licenses, or three B licenses (game damage and management B licenses don't count) Source: FWP 2026 Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunting Regulations, p. 15. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Private land mule deer b
Many mule deer B licenses are now restricted to private land only Source: FWP 2026 Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunting Regulations, p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Mobile app
Licenses and E-Tags are available in the MyFWP mobile app Source: FWP 2026 Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunting Regulations, p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

What changed

2026
Over-the-counter Deer B and Elk B licenses go on sale June 15 (date changed) Source: FWP 2026 Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunting Regulations, p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026
Many mule deer B licenses are now restricted to private land only Source: FWP 2026 Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunting Regulations, p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026
Resident deer hunters are limited to three deer licenses per license year Source: FWP 2026 Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunting Regulations, p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

Montana elk and mule deer draw odds by unit: past results from each state agency, with the source for every number.