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 2025-2026

please visit http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/seasons/ for hunting season details.

DEER & ELK

2025-2026 SEASON
 

Archery: Sept. 6 – Oct. 19

Youth, deer only: Oct. 16 – Oct. 17

General: Oct. 25 – Nov. 30

Shoulder seasons: Aug. 15 – Feb. 15, varying dates before and/or after the archery and general seasons

Muzzleloader: Dec. 13 – 21
Backcountry – HD’s 150, 280, 316

General: Sept. 15 – Nov. 30
See more information on the Deer Species Guide and Elk Species Guide

Montana Muzzleloader 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

Knight Rifles, America’s Muzzleloader!