Here are Important Dates for Montana Hunting Seasons 2023

Growing up in an outdoor-loving family has always been great. While most families get excited about football in the fall, my family is packing up the truck for a trip to the field. For anyone who knows me, you can pretty much assume where I will be when I am not at work between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. I WILL BE OUT HUNTING!

You can almost smell it in the air. Soon the leaves will begin changing color and the cold mornings and cool crips evenings will arrive. Hunting season is something that many outdoorsmen and women daydream about for 9 months a year.

Montana has a long list of Hunting Seasons. Some have already begun.

• Elk "Shoulder Season" is currently underway in parts of Montana and can go as late as February of 2024 in some districts.
• Antelope "archery only" season is also underway in Montana and will continue until November 12th

ARCHERY and UPLAND BIRD 

Archery (September 2nd - October 15th)

Upland Game Bird - Grouse and Turkey (September 1st - January 1 2024)

Traditionally, Montana's big game archery season kicks off Labor Day Weekend. So does uland game bird hunting. Meaning that many Montanans will soon be loading up their sharp sticks and string or chasing sharptail grouse.

MIGRATORY BIRD (Duck and Goose season)

Duck and Goose October 1st

Both Pacific and Central Flyways open on October 1st this year. But, the closing dates change depending on where you are. So make sure to check your regulations here.

PRONGHORN ANTELOPE

September 2nd - November 12th

For those lucky enough to draw an antelope tag, you can begin hunting with archery equipment starting September 2nd. And then switch to rifle starting October 7th through November 12th.

GENERAL RIFLE SEASON

October 21st - November 26th

The most wonderful time of the year. Typically general season arrives in late October and goes thru the Thanksgiving holiday. This year's opening day falls on Saturday, October 21st and will close the Sunday following your Thanksgiving meal.

MUZZLELOADER SEASON

December 9th - December 17th

Muzzleloader season is fairly new to Montana. Even though traditional weapons have been used since the state was born. This short season last only from December 9th through the 17th. Allowing a short extended season for those willing to use traditional weapons to take down game.

Granted there are far more season hunting season dates to consider if you are looking to harvest bear, bison, sheep, etc. Check out the Montana FWP website for all other information and regulations.