Elk Hunting in Western Montana

A section of private hunting land in upstate Montana.

Montana is known for its natural wildlife and serene, expansive beauty. For these reasons, the state is a popular hunting and camping destination. The general hunting season for deer and elk in Montana runs from October 23 through November 28, with an extended backcountry season running from September 15 through October 28. There are a number of places to hunt elk and other big game in the western portion of Montana, which offers a number of different packages and services.

Hunting License

Procure a hunting license. Everyone 15 years of age must have a license to hunt in Montana. There are a variety of different license types depending on which animal you wish to hunt. There are a limited number of big game and elk licenses available each year, so be sure to apply for one at least several months before the hunting season begins. Hunting licenses can be applied for over the Internet or at any Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Park Department headquarters. Occasionally, a private hunting facility will offer special weekend or day licenses at a fraction of the cost of a yearly pass.

Hunting Facilities

Locate a private hunting facility or park that allows elk hunting. There are a number of public parks as well as private hunting lodges and preserves that offer a variety of day and weekend packages. Rates, availability and amenities vary by location, and it is strongly recommended making a reservation at least two months in advance.

Hunting Rifles and Crossbows

In the state of Montana, no permit is required to buy or carry a handgun. Hunting rifles and shotguns can be purchased at any gun or sporting goods store after passing an NCIS FBI background check. Your local gun dealer should have all the necessary paperwork on-site. There is no waiting period for buying a gun in the state, and after passing the background check, you will be apply to purchase one right away. A background check is not required to purchase a crossbow.

Apparel and Supplies

Purchase appropriate apparel and supplies. To hunt elk and other big game with a rifle in the state, you are required to wear a vest of fluorescent "hunter orange" that covers at least 400 square inches of the hunter above the waist. These vests and similar caps can be purchased at any gun or sporting good store. There is no "hunter orange" requirement for hunters using crossbows.

Many day and weekend hunting lodges provide accommodations, with a fridge and kitchen, but do not provide food or other supplies. You will likely want to pack a cooler of food, as well as several changes of clothes, as well as blankets and bedding.

Transporting and Processing

Transport your trophy to to a processing facility immediately after your hunting trip is finished. Many private hunting facilities have walk-in freezer storage that can hold your trophy until after you trip is completed; however, most hunting lodges do not have processing or taxidermy facilities on-site. The operators of the hunting lodge should have a working knowledge of the best and closest facilities, and a quick Internet search can alert you to area locations as well.

References

• Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks: Hunting Licenses
• Gunlaws.com: Montana State Laws Information
• bitterrootelk.com: Montana Resident And Nonresident License Requirements
• Montana Fish WIldlife and Parks: Hunting Seasons