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 onlyOct. 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 SEASONS
HUNTING REGULATIONS
HUNT PLANNER MAP

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