Montana is well-known for elk hunting, as it boasts a large number of almost all kinds of elk. In 2020, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks reported 170,000 elk population, and to prevent the imbalance of ecology, they allow both residents and non-residents to hunt elk annually. It can be said that Montana is a dreamland for avid elk hunters. If you’re also one of them and don’t want to miss your target even from a long distance, you can visit scopesreviews.com for honest and detailed reviews of the scopes of almost every brand.
Elk Hunting Licenses or Tags in Montana
There are two kinds of tags that you can get in Montana, namely tag “A” and tag “B”. Tag “A” allows you to hunt both antlered and antlerless elk, whereas tag “B” allows you to only hunt antlerless elk. Both tags can be bought over the counter as well, and this makes it even more convenient and the best destination for elk hunters.
However, it’s important to note that non-residents mostly need to get their licenses by the limited draw, which usually comes with a March deadline for applications. If you are fond of hunting bull elk, you must know that Montana gives a limited number of permits for it in some districts.
Another thing to keep in mind is that even if you are not successful in getting a permit through draw, you don’t have to give up on your dreams, as the bonus point program keeps increasing your points every year to help you get your turn the next year.
On the other hand, you will be lucky enough if you’re a resident of Montana because they can easily get elk tags over the counter and don’t have to deal with the fuss of draws.
Hunting Seasons
The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks offers two different seasons for two types of hunters. One season is for bow hunters, and it runs from 2nd September through 15th October.
Whereas, the other season is specifically for the ones who hunt with rifles and it starts on the 21st of October and ends around the 26th of November.
Where to Hunt in Montana
You shouldn’t solely base your research because of the number of harvests in a certain region. However, you should also take into consideration other factors as well when deciding where to hunt in Montana State.
You obviously need to have a legal hunting license first, and then you can apply in certain districts to hunt in Montana. Each hunting locale is divided into different districts and each district comes with different rules and regulations.
Hence, it’s important to know the regulations of each district by visiting the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks website and assess which one matches your preference. For instance, one district may allow you to hunt elk only, while another may allow you to hunt bison only.
How Much Does It Cost to Hunt Elk in Montana?
Elk hunting in Montana can be pretty heavy on your wallet unless you’re a resident. The Combination General Elk License for Non-residents is priced at $884, and you can get around a 50% discount if you are a former resident of Montana.
Whereas, for residents, Elk tags can be bought for just $20 while for disabled and senior citizens this price becomes as little as $10.
Stay Safe in Montana While Hunting
Montana is inhabited with plenty of predators that can be quite dangerous if you don’t take precautions. Along with elk, you can also find mountain lions, wolves, and bears. Most of the hunters who had an opportunity to hunt in Montana reported being attacked or harassed by these animals.
Most of the danger comes from grizzlies, therefore, you must keep a bear spray with you. You should also thoroughly research some tips on what to do when you encounter a bear before leaving for Montana to ensure you remain safe and sound there.