Montana’s Deer Hunting areas are split up by “districts” by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. There are lots of districts, and some have different hunting season dates and regulations. For example, in Hunting District 700, Missouri Breaks-Prarie, Sept 3 – Oct 16, white-tailed deer are allowed to be hunted via archery, but only antlerless. Yet over in HD 444 Lower Sun River, either sex whitetail deer may be taken by archers.

2016 Montana Deer Hunting Season Dates

Other than some exceptions as noted above, the whitetail deer hunting season dates are usually as follows:

For complete details, download the 2016 Deer Elk Antelope 2016 regulations.

What is the 2 day youth hunt?

An Apprentice Hunter is a resident or nonresident, 10-17 years of age, certified at an FWP office. This allows the youth to hunt some species, while accompanied by a mentor, without first completing a hunter education course. The “Apprentice Hunter” law was enacted by the 2015 state Legislature creating the opportunity for youth 10-17 years of age to hunt without completing hunter education. Get more information on youth hunting opportunities here.

Out of town?

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks makes it easy for non-resident deer hunters to obtain a temporary license. Many out of town hunters come here to hunt the wildlife using guided tours, if you are going to Whitefish, Glacier National Park, Flathead National Forest, or any other spot looking for trophy whitetails.