Montana is home to two main species of deer – mule deer and white-tailed deer. In Big Sky Country, the deer season offers excellent opportunities for hunters to chase these magnificent animals. Here is a detailed guide with all the information you want for the Montana deer season 2023-2024.
Montana Deer Hunting Dates
Deer season in Montana normally lasts from early September until late November. The following dates are crucial for Montana’s 2023 deer season:
Deer Season
| Deer Seasons 2023 | Season Start Dates | Season End Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | 2-Sep | 15-Oct |
| Youth, deer only | 19-Oct | 20-Oct |
| General | 21-Oct | 26-Nov |
| Shoulder seasons | 15-Aug | 15-Feb |
| Muzzleloader | 9-Dec | 17-Dec |
Antelope Season
| Antelope Hunt | Season Start Date | Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| General | 7-Oct | 12-Nov |
| Archery | 2-Sep | 6-Oct |
| 900 series | 15-Aug | 12-Nov |
Elk Season
| Elk Seasons 2023 | Season Start Dates | Season End Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | 2-Sep | 15-Oct |
| General | 21-Oct | 26-Nov |
| Shoulder seasons | 15-Aug | 15-Feb |
| Muzzleloader | 9-Dec | 17-Dec |
Elk Shoulder Season
| OTC/Limited Draw | Season Start Date | Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Limited Draw Elk B License (HD-101) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Limited Draw Elk B License (HD-121) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Unlimited OTC Elk B License (HD-204) | 27-Nov | 8-Jan |
| Limited Draw Elk B License (HD-210, 211, 212, 216, 217, 291, 293) | N/A | N/A |
| Limited Draw Elk B License (HD-213, 215) | 27-Nov | 8-Jan |
| Limited Draw Elk B License (HD-240) | 27-Nov | 15-Jan |
| Unlimited OTC Elk B License (HD-262) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Limited Draw Elk B License (HD-290, 298) | 27-Nov | 8-Jan |
| Limited Draw Elk B License (HD-292) | N/A | N/A |
| General Elk License (HD-309, 311, 390, 393) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Unlimited OTC Elk B License (HD-309, 311, 390, 393) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Unlimited OTC Elk B License (HD-312) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Limited Draw Elk B License (HD-313, 317) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| General Elk License (HD-314) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Limited Draw Elk B License (HD-314) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Limited Draw Elk B License (HD-410) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| General Elk License (HD-411) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Limited Draw Elk B License (HD-411) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Unlimited OTC Elk B License (HD-411) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| General Elk License (HD-412, 445, 446, 447, 451, 452) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Unlimited OTC Elk B License (HD-412, 445, 446, 447, 451, 452) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| General Elk License (HD-417, 419) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Unlimited OTC Elk B License (HD-417, 419) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| General Elk License (HD-204) | 1-Jan | 15-Feb |
| Unlimited OTC Elk B License (HD-204) | 1-Jan | 15-Feb |
| General Elk License (HD-422) | 1-Jan | 15-Feb |
| Limited Draw Elk B License (HD-422) | 1-Jan | 15-Feb |
| Unlimited OTC Elk B License (HD-422) | 1-Jan | 15-Feb |
| General Elk License (HD-502, 515, 525, 540, 575, 580, 590) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Unlimited OTC Elk B License (HD-502, 515, 525, 540, 575, 580, 590) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| General Elk License (HD-535) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Unlimited OTC Elk B License (HD-535) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Limited Draw Elk B License (HD-535) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Limited Draw Elk B License (HD-620, 621, 622, 690) | 15-Dec | 15-Feb |
| General Elk License (HD-702, 704, 705) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
| Limited Draw Elk B License (HD-702, 704, 705) | 27-Nov | 15-Feb |
Deer Bag Limits
- The usual deer bag restriction in most places is one deer, antlered or not.
- In certain areas, Deer B permits let you kill one extra antlerless deer. You may buy up to 7 Deer B permits.
Licenses and permits for deer
In order to shoot deer in Montana, you need the necessary permits and to abide by the rules. The following are some prerequisites:
| License/Permit | Resident Cost | Nonresident Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Base Hunting License | $10 | $15 |
| Conservation License | $8 | $10 |
| General Deer License | $16 | Varies |
| Bow and Arrow License | $10 | $10 |
Regulations and License Requirements
When shooting deer in Montana, there are many license and permit choices available:
- General Deer License: In most places, this license enables you to take one deer. Statewide application.
- Deer Permit: Allows harvesting of deer in certain areas. a prize obtained via a lottery.
- Deer B License: In certain areas, this license permits the hunting of one extra antlerless deer. able to buy numerous.
- Youth Deer License: 12 to 17-year-old residents and non-residents are eligible for a discounted license.
- Deer Combo Licenses: Non-resident packages that contain a deer license or tag, a bird license, and fishing privileges.
- A certificate in hunter safety if you were born after January 1, 1985
For any licenses or permits with a restricted draw, apply early. Deer permits and Deer B licenses normally have deadlines of April 1 and June 1, respectively.
Chronic Wasting Disease in Montana
All around Montana, Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been seen in the herds of deer and elk. When hunting, abide by all rules regarding the transport and disposal of carcasses to avoid the spread of illness. If CWD is suspected, get animals tested.
What to Do After Harvest
- After harvest, immediately tag the animal.
- Go to the check station or electronically verify the tag and the corpse within the allotted period.
- If you go hunting in a CWD Management Zone, abide by all carcass transit regulations.
- Debone the flesh from the spinal column and skull or have the animal properly prepared.
- Properly dispose of the spleen, lymph nodes, eyes, brain, and spinal cord.
Field Care
- Quickly field dress an animal and rapidly lower its core temperature
- When handling brain or spinal tissues, put on latex gloves.
- Reduce handling and transport of the spleen, lymph nodes, eyes, brain, and spinal cord
- Clean your hands after handling and sanitize your equipment.
Penalties
When shooting deer in Montana, it’s crucial to adhere to all rules and reporting requirements. There are severe consequences for violations:
- Hunting without the necessary permissions or licenses: Misdemeanor: varying fines
- Loss of hunting rights and up to a $1,000 punishment for failing to properly tag an animal
- Taking a trophy deer ill-gottenly: Knowingly giving false information on surveys or to check stations is a felony punishable by a fine of up to $50,000 or five years in jail. Misdemeanor: $1,000 maximum fine and loss of hunting rights
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some FAQs related to Montana Deer Season 2023-2024:
When does the general deer season open in Montana for 2023?
In Montana, the general deer season will begin on Saturday, October 21, and end on Sunday, November 26, in 2023. In accordance with the permit type and rules for the hunting district, hunters may harvest either antlered or antlerless deer during the general season using rifles, bows, muzzleloaders, or other authorized weapons.
If I get a deer permit through the drawing, can I still hunt during general season?
Yes, holding a deer permit for a restricted draw district does not prevent you from using your general deer license to hunt during the open season. While your general tag permits deer hunting outside of that area and on days other than the permit season dates, the permit enables you to hunt in the restricted district during the designated time period. Just be sure to abide by all rules on the minimum size of antlers and the sorts of deer permitted in each area.
What is the deadline for applying for deer permits in Montana for the 2023 season?
For the 2023 hunting season in Montana, the application deadline for limited draw deer licenses is April 1, 2023. Applications for deer licenses must be received by this date in order to be included in the drawing. Hunting is permitted in specific areas with a set quota. Apply early to improve your chances.
Can I use a crossbow during archery season in Montana?
Crossbows may be used to hunt all recognized large game and deer species during the state of Montana’s archery-only seasons. In addition to the necessary hunting permits, everyone who hunts with a crossbow must also obtain a bow and arrow license.
Where can I find out if chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected in deer in the area I want to hunt?
Areas where CWD has been found in the state are shown on an interactive map provided by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Before requesting restricted draw permits or planning your hunt, check the map to verify whether your hunting area is located inside a recognized CWD Management Zone. Within these zones, certain guidelines and corpse transport requirements are in effect.
What is the bag limit for the number of deer I can harvest in Montana during the 2023 season?
In the majority of hunting districts in Montana, the usual deer bag restriction is one deer per person. However, you may lawfully tag up to 7 deer in most places by acquiring multiple Deer B permits, which permit the hunting of antlerless deer. Consult the rules that apply to your particular hunting region.
Does my kid have to complete a hunter safety course before using a gun to hunt deer in Montana if they are under 14 years old?
If they are with an adult who is at least 18 years old, children under the age of 14 are not needed to finish a hunter safety course in order to hunt with a rifle in Montana. Although it is recommended to have kids 12 or older take the hunter safety certification, the accompanying criteria are fairly stringent.
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