Montana hunters, nature lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts—gear up for the 2025 season with the latest dates for hunting big game, upland birds, and more. This handy season date card delivers all the key information at a glance. For accurate planning, always double-check the full regulations on the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) website.
Big Game Hunting Seasons
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Antelope (900 Series): August 15 – November 9
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Archery: September 6 – October 10
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General: October 11 – November 9
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Bighorn Sheep, Moose, Mountain Goat
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Archery: September 6 – September 14
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General: September 15 – November 30
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Bison: November 15 – February 15, 2026
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Black Bear
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Spring: Begins April 15 (end dates vary by region)
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Archery: September 6 – September 14
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Fall: September 15 – November 30
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Deer & Elk
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Archery: September 6 – October 19
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Youth (deer only): October 16 – October 17
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General: October 25 – November 30
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Backcountry (HD 150, 280, 316)
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Archery: September 6 – September 14
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General: September 15 – November 30
(Note: HD 316 has no archery-only season)
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Mountain Lion
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Archery: September 6 – October 19
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Fall: October 25 – November 30
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Winter: December 1 – April 14, 2026
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Wolf
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Archery: September 6 – September 14
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General: September 15 – March 15, 2026
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Upland Game Birds & Additional Seasons
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Spring Light Goose Conservation Order: March 1 – May 15
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Mountain Grouse: September 1 – January 1, 2026
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Partridge: September 1 – January 1, 2026
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Ring‑necked Pheasant: October 11 – January 1, 2026
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Sage Grouse: September 1 – September 30
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Sharp-tailed Grouse: September 1 – January 1, 2026
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Turkey
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Spring: April 15 – May 31
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Fall: September 1 – January 1, 2026
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Why This Season Date Card Matters
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Quick Planning at a Glance — Consolidates critical season dates for multiple species in one print-ready, easy-to-reference format.
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Crucial for Hunters — Ideal for scheduling applications, tagging, scouting, and coordinating hunts.
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Versatile for Outdoor Enthusiasts — Helps photographers, wildlife observers, and educators sync their trips with wildlife activity and legal access periods.
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Compliance & Preparedness — Offers a snapshot of permissible times—helping hunters stay legal and well-informed. But remember, for district-specific details and regulation nuances, always refer to official sources.
