Montana
During the Montana Muzzleloader Hunting Season, a muzzleloader must not be capable of being loaded from the breech of the barrel and may not be loaded with any pre-prepared paper or metallic cartridges; must be charged with black powder, pyrodex, or an equivalent; must be ignited by a percussion, flintlock, matchlock, or Wheelock mechanism; must be a minimum of .45 caliber; may have no more than two barrels; and must only use plain lead projectiles, not sabots or similar projectiles.
Montana Muzzleloader Hunting Season 2023-2024
Montana has recently adopted a muzzleloader season, to be the last state in the US to adopt a separate muzzleloader season. Their muzzleloader season is from December 19-17, 2023.
please visit http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/seasons/ for hunting season details.
DEER & ELK
2023-2024 SEASON
Archery: Sept. 2 – Oct. 15
Youth, deer only: Oct. 19 – Oct. 20
General: Oct. 21 – Nov. 26
Shoulder seasons: Aug. 15 – Feb. 15, varying dates before and/or after the archery and general seasons
Muzzleloader: Dec. 9 – 17
Backcountry – HD’s 150, 280, 316*
Archery: Sept. 3 – Sept. 14
General: Sept. 15 – Nov. 27
*HD 316 does not have an Archery-only Season
See more information on the Deer Species Guide and Elk Species Guide
Montana Muzzleloader Hunting Season Regulations
- The hunt is open to elk and deer licenses or permits valid for the general season.
- The hunt does not supersede other hunting seasons taking place during that time such as game damage hunts or elk shoulder seasons.
- Only traditional single or double-barrel muzzleloaders with iron sights, a minimum of .45 caliber and traditional designs such as flintlock, percussion cap or matchlock are allowed.
- Modern muzzleloaders with scopes are prohibited.
- Hunter orange will be required.
This information is subject to change, for more information visit: http://fwp.mt.gov/
Additional Links
HUNTING SEASONSHUNTING REGULATIONS
HUNT PLANNER MAP
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