If you are a hunter who wants to hunt elk every year, you need to have Montana in your rotation. If you play the preference point game, most hunters will hunt Montana every other year. The general season units cover most of the western portion of the state, with a handful of units scattered across the eastern side of the state. New this year, we have included maps on what general units you can hunt for elk. Check out our 2025 General Districts maps on pages 102-103. These maps will give hunters a good idea of the units they can hunt either archery or rifle elk with a general tag. These maps are based on the 2025 regulations.
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A great thing about Montana’s general elk license is the liberal season dates that come along with it. It is a great opportunity for a hunter with a lot of time as it gives you over 12 weeks to hunt throughout the archery, rifle, and muzzleloader season dates. The archery season is September 6 - October 19, rifle season is October 25 - November 30, and muzzleloader season is December 13-21. The archery season dates will allow you to hunt all phases of the rut. Opening weekend of rifle season can be crowded, but then, most of the resident hunters wait for snow to push the elk down into lower, more accessible country. The muzzleloader season may be the best hunt right now as there are really not many hunters hunting during that season. It is a great opportunity to hunt wintering bulls in the middle of December.
Non-resident hunters must draw a general license in order to be entered into the special drawing. Non-resident hunters who draw a general license and are not successful in drawing a special, limited-entry permit will still have options. The first option is that hunters may turn their general license back into the state for an 80% refund, if done so by August 1st, or a 50% refund before the general season starts. Keep in mind that your preference points will not be reinstated if you return your general license for a refund. The second option is to hunt elk in one of the general units. Remember that these general units are all over-the-counter licenses for residents and do receive a fair amount of hunting pressure.
There are also a number of limited-entry units that have the potential to produce bigger bulls, with most of these units located on the eastern half of the state. The rifle permits have tough odds, but most of the archery permits can be drawn every three to five years as a non-resident. Take a look at our archery and rifle elk tables for the better limited-entry elk hunts.
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The Missouri Breaks units are limited-entry units and continue to produce good bulls. The elk population in most of the Breaks units are below objective. The exception being in units 417 and 690, which are within objective.
If you draw an elk permit, you can only hunt elk in that unit while your season is open. An example is that if you draw unit 410-21, which is an archery-only elk permit, you can only hunt archery elk in unit 410. You cannot hunt a general elk unit. Once your archery season is over, you could hunt the rifle or muzzleloader elk season in the general units. Another example is that if you drew unit 380-20, which is an elk permit that is valid for archery, rifle, and muzzleloader seasons, you would not be able to hunt elk anywhere else in the state as the permit you drew is valid for all three seasons.
Montana will always be a good place to hunt elk. If you are willing to put in the work, you can have a good elk hunt with a bow, rifle, or muzzleloader. If you have any questions regarding Montana’s general elk hunting, give us a call as most of the Hunt Advisors have spent years hunting Montana elk. If you are interested in a guided hunt, the Huntin’ Fool Adventures team works with the best outfitters in the state.
| Season | Dates |
|---|---|
| Archery | September 6th - October 19th |
| General Rifle | October 25th - November 30th |
| Muzzleloader | December 13th - December 21st |
| Shoulder Seasons | Check Regs |
Over the last 20+ years, we've collected hunting research and data, so join Huntin' Fool today and access the best research tools for hunting Elk in Montana including Draw Odds, Consultations, and much more. Go on more hunts with better information!
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Search our database for Montana Elk opportunities.
The Montana Application Deadline For Elk is April 1, 2025.
Our magazine, which is available in print and online, has everything in one location - application info, draw details and odds, fees, hunter requirements, point structure, age restrictions, youth information, weapon restrictions, other tag opportunities, hunt planning, and much more. If you would like access to all of our research join today!
| Licenses & Permits | Fee |
|---|---|
| Big Game Combination License (Elk & Deer) | $1,315.50 |
| Elk Combination License | $1,115.50 |
| Youth Big Game Combination License | $671.50 |
| Youth Elk Combination License | $571.50 |
| Special Elk Permit Application | $9 |
| Bow and Arrow License (mandatory for all archery hunts) | $10 |
| Preference Point Fee for Combination License (optional) | $100 |
| Outfitter Preference Point Fee for Combination License (optional but must hunt with an outfitter) | $100 |
| Bonus Point Fee per Species (optional) | $20 |
| *All Combination License prices include the required Base Hunting License, Conservation License, Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass, and Application Fees. |
Additional Resources:
> Navigating Montana's Elk and Deer Draw System
> Montana General Elk and Deer
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