Montana · unit by unit

Your First Hunt Your First Hunt, Month by Month You Belong Here

Do I Need a Gun? (Gear & Guns)Rifle, Bow, or Muzzleloader?Getting in Shape Starting Later in Life The First-Timer's Packing List

Choose Your Hunt

Which Animal Should You Hunt First?Where You'll Hunt What a First Hunt Costs Bringing Someone Along

What You Do vs. What Your Guide Does Questions First-Timers Ask

After the Shot: What Happens Next Wild Game Meat: What You'll Do With It

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All Articles Go Deeper

Every figure traces to Montana FWP, USFS, or BLM — named and dated. Season dates are the 2026 cycle and change yearly.

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Tags & Draw

The credibility engine — the real numbers, FWP-cited.

How to Apply for a Montana Elk Tagnonresident
Nonresident Costs & Deadlinesthe full table
Bonus Points, Explainedand why they're squared
Draw Odds & Deadline Calendartool
Draw-Odds Calculatortool

The beginner's guide to your first Montana hunt. Start with no experience, no gear, and no clue — and a licensed guide who has your back.

Facts trace to Montana FWP, USFS, and BLM

Start Here

Start Here Your First Hunt Month by Month You Belong Here

Get Ready

Getting Ready Gear & Guns Rifle, Bow, or Muzzleloader Getting in Shape The Packing List

Your Hunt

Choosing Your First Hunt Which Animal Where You'll Hunt What It Costs Choose an Outfitter

After the Hunt

After the Hunt After the Shot Wild Game Meat Questions

Go Deeper

Everything else Tags & Draw Where to Hunt Access & Land

© 2026 HuntingMT.comNot affiliated with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Season dates and fees are the 2026 cycle and change yearly.