Insider These are 7-day combo hunts for both deer and elk. A general elk license in Montana is a license that allows an individual to hunt elk in Montana. The license includes a few different options for how the individual can hunt, including a limited number of days, seasons, and areas. Along with the great public land options, hunters will also find cool opportunities to hunt private land through Montanas Block Management Program. A lot of outfitters in Montana rely on access to private land rather than landowners tags to secure their clients. Hunting District(s) Elk Management Unit (EMU) Elk Plan Objective Objective Range Most Recent Elk Count Year of Count Status - Over, At or Below Objective 100 PURCELL 300 240-360 138 2009 Below 101 SALISH 102 SALISH . Non-residents are permitted to apply for rifle permits every two to five years, while residents must obtain a general license to be eligible for a special drawing. If you fail in this years drawing, you will still receive an additional base bonus point for the drawing next year. The remaining hunts have a max group size of two hunters per week. Even with limited draw, if youre dead set on hunting elk in Montana you will hunt elk in Montana. Archery Elk Hunt Playing the points game can help you improve your chances of scoring an elk hunt if you want to expand your elk hunting horizon or add some quality to your hunting. Montana general season elk narrowing down your choices - GOHUNT Get unlimited access to over ten years of historical drawing and harvest data for over 1,700+ hunt units. Hunting is popular in Region 4, which is a popular hunting area in North America. Here, they can burn some points and draw a tag that will generally take under five points or continue to hang onto their points in hopes of getting lucky in the random odds on a top-tier unit. The Combination General Non-Resident Elk License costs $884, and if you (like most hunters) want a mule or whitetail deer tag, too, the Combination General Deer/Elk Non-Resident License is priced at $1046. Elk Hunting in Montana HD 314 Portion - North of Big Creek You cannot apply for a permit or combination license and purchase a separate point in the same year. Unlock the secrets of limited license lotteries and discover drawing and harvest trends to create a better hunt planning strategy. There may be a discount for Montana residents 62 and up. There are over-the-counter elk tags available for purchase in Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and Arizona, which are simple to obtain. Due to Montanas harvest data collection practices, it can be very difficult to find reliable data when researching hunts. Applicants at the high tier point levels will generally be focusing on hunts in HDs 310, 380, 410 and 690 although some great rifle hunts can also be had in any of Missouri Breaks HDs (620, 621, 622 and 630). MT Hunting Districts Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Bison, Bear, Deer/Elk/Mountain Lion, Fisher, Wolf, Moose, Mountain Goat, Trapping, Turkey, Migratory Bird, Upland Bird, and Swan Hunting Districts. Our Western Montana elk hunts are located south of Missoula, near Hamilton, Montana. Some of our hunting areas include vast open ridges with timbered draws and old burns, making up some of the best elk habitat in the west. For hunters looking for unique hunting experiences outside of general units while not having to wait years to pull a top-tier unit, this can be an excellent option. MT WMAs & State Lands Open for Hunting MT Gray Wolf Mgmt Units 2018-2019 Species coverage includes Antelope, Bison, Deer, Bighorn Sheep, Moose, Lion, Black Bear, Bear, Gray Wolf, Elk, and Turkey. Hunting elk in Montana can be an . 2: Sun River Wildlife Management Area. Rains will be vital throughout the spring and early summer months and will be something to keep an eye on. Montana Hunting Districts - Maps, Regulations & Land Access Everything you need to get afield Hunting, Today Current and hot topics about hunting in Montana Season Setting FWP is holding meetings and collecting feedback on biennial hunting season process Learn more > Public Comment Elk hunters interested in how FWP manages elk can weigh in on new draft elk management plan Comment by July 31 > Elk hunting in Montana on a general license is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and have a chance at harvesting a trophy animal. Hours. To hunt a cow, a bull bull of some kind, or a branch-antlered bull, a special permit is required, which is available only by lottery. There are also special shoulder seasons that open earlier and close later than the regular season, but they are set only for certain units, are antlerless only, and typically take place on private land. ***Rates based on a 2x1 hunter to guide ratio for a 1x1 hunt please double the hunt price. Rifle Elk Hunt Pricing 5 Day Bull Elk Hunt $8,500 Per Person***Rates based on a 2x1 hunter to guide ratio for a 1x1 hunt please double the hunt price. Hunt includes food, lodging and travel to and from the hunt area. but most hunters have a chance at 5x5 and 6x6 bulls. Once you have considered these factors, you should have a good idea of where to start your search for the perfect hunting spot. The capture of any animal that cannot be lawfully trapped, including domestic animals, must be reported to FWP within 24 hours. Non-residents in most cases must get their licenses by limited draw. Discover the Best Elk Units in Montana - LandTrust Rules for hunting on B type licenses vary greatly from unit to unit; for some units they are available over the counter, for others only through limited draw. For $8, residents aged 17 and up, disabled residents aged 62 and up, and those with a disabled resident conservation license can purchase this license. Bears should not be taken for sport or entertainment, and they should not be taken for personal gain. BOOK YOUR MONTANA ELK HUNT TODAY! The majority of Montanas elk herd is concentrated in the states west and south-west regions. Hunting elk in Montana can be an enjoyable experience, but if you want the best chance of success, you should speak with a guide. *Data is based on the 2021 season. Outfitters who do have access to private lands in such units will usually not have any problems finding clients. Different HDs in Montana allow hunters to take seven different combinations of age/sex/antlered/antlerless elk with General Elk Licenses during rifle seasons (see Table 1) and has five different combinations for archery hunters. Again, this is another no-brainer, but locating areas with less road activity will increase the likelihood of finding elk. 4064295601 kiehl@midrivers.com. Users are responsible for verifying information from this application before hunting, using access programs, or pursuing other recreational opportunities by referring to current FWP regulation booklets and website. With the preference points, the group goes into the draw with the exact average of points for the group. The remaining 25% of the tags are then put into a random draw with the remaining applicants who have not purchased any preference points. There are also so-called B tags for antlerless elk, for a limited number of units. Elk are most commonly found in national forests on public lands. A good chunk of elk found in that district will be residents, but later in the year particularly with heavy snows this area becomes a massive migration corridor and new elk will continually pour in. The Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Commission has authorized the agency to issue elk hunting access agreements (EHA) to landowners in exchange for providing them with an elk license, permit, or combination of elk licenses, permits, and combinations in accordance with a signed agreement. However, these areas will also attract other hunters and those with livestock. Every year, several bulls over 380 will be taken particularly on the archery hunt with 400 bulls not entirely uncommon. Source:National Resources Conservation Service, Montana snow water equivalent update from March 16, 2022. HUNTERS. There are some guaranteed mule deer tags for units 204 and 240. However, nonresidents will now see a few more districts available with 100% odds, which can be an attractive use of points. FWP has many programs to help landowners manage public hunting access, assist with game damage, and encourage public hunting on private land. Unlike limited entry permits, the combination licenses are distributed through a preference point system where 75% of the tags are reserved for the highest point holders. Those who draw the permit can hunt both the archery and rifle seasons if desired. However, if you are interested in hunting during the spring or summer months, you may want to choose an area that is a little bit further away from where the elk are likely to be concentrated. Prices vary depending on Outfitter. Looking for the best outfitter to put me on some trophies. I will utilize trails from time to time; however, if my true destination includes a trail in the immediate area, Ill cross it off the list. This system heavily favors those with the most points; however, every applicant at every point level has a chance of drawing a tag every year. Combining OTC opportunities with limited draw hunts can be a great way to balance opportunity and quality. Over 150,000 elk have been documented in Montana. Additionally, nonresidents can purchase combination license preference points from July 1 to Dec. 31 for $100. Some of our hunting areas include vast open ridges with . Preference and bonus points are available for purchase for nonresidents who did not apply in the general drawing for a fee. Federal frameworks do not allow a Conservation Order in the Pacific Flyway. Become an Insider member to gain access to this article, plus all of GOHUNT's research and mapping tools. Everything you need is always in one place at GOHUNT. Guided Elk Hunts Montana Big Game Outfitters Hi, John, we honestly cant give preference to any of the outfitters that offer Montana deer and elk hunts on BookYourHunt.com. 371 Kiehl Ranch Road, Winnett, MT 59087, United States. In Montana, the number of tags for hunting elk has decreased, but the number of hunters is increasing. Winterkill has been at a fairly normal rate for the past few years and elk objective numbers are looking great across the state. Montana grants nonresidents up to 10% of a districts tag quota; however, the 10% is not guaranteed. Colorado has the most elk in the country, with a population of 300,000, but there are plenty of other options if you want to hunt them. Airport Pickup - Arrangements can be made upon request. A general hunting license is required in order to enter the special drawing for non-residents. Archery Elk Hunt Pricing5 Day Bull Elk Hunt $8,500 Per Person. Elk Hunting in Montana's HD 323 - Wall Creek - HuntScore Grizzlies are extending their range, and are now seen in places where they havent been living in many decades, so youd better be prepared. Even if something looks incredible on your map, its always important to keep one thing in mind when in the field: Elk are where you find them. Stay flexible while hunting. PDF Montana 2021 Elk Counts We still have spots available but these hunts book up quickly, please inquire today to get started on your hunt of a lifetime. Zone 1 includes all other counties in the Central Flyway portion of Montana. Baiting is illegal in Montana, and violators face serious consequences. Theres always the opportunity to stumble into a giant. The late season hunts are conducted out of nice lodge with great food and hospitality. MT FWP Hunt Planner and at regional offices. Book here Flatwillow Creek Outfitters, LLC. Nonresidents must also obtain a big game or deer combination license as a condition of employment. No more notepads getting lost or headaches when trying to remember what units caught your eye during your research! Elk Hunting in Montana - Rates for Guided Montana Elk Hunts - Sunday Mainly, do you plan on hunting Montana on general tags or are you only interested in building points to use later? It is possible to obtain an elk tag in Montana, but it is not always easy. These giants can weigh in excess of a thousand pounds. Lazy J Bar O Elk Hunts a license holder can hunt elk in any of the units designated as "general" and can hunt both the available archery and rifle seasons. FWCO Elk Hunts are conducted in Hunting District 410, right in the middle of the famed Missouri River Breaks! All these predators may want to mess with you, especially with the carcass of the elk that youve killed, but by far the most dangerous encounters are with the brown bear. Elk combination license: elk, conservation license, state lands, upland bird (excluding turkey), base hunting, aquatic invasive species prevention pass (AISPP) and season fishing license. 2 Hunters - 1 Guide. ALASKA; BISON; BLACK BEAR; BROWN BEAR; CARIBOU; DALL SHEEP; ELK; MOOSE; . The hunting on this ranch is truly spectacular, hunters can expect to see and hear bugling bulls every day of their hunt. Military personnel who live in Montana but are stationed elsewhere may purchase a hunting license. An elk permit is a document issued by a state or provincial wildlife agency that allows the holder to hunt a specific number of elk during a specified hunting season. Additionally, each district also offers a rifle only permit valid only in that unit. Unlock the secrets of limited license lotteries and discover drawing and harvest trends to create a better hunt planning strategy. ***Rates based on a 2x1 hunter to guide ratio for a 1x1 hunt please double the hunt price. Deer combination license: deer, conservation, state lands, upland bird (excluding turkey), base hunting, AISPP and season fishing license. Essentially, if anyone is willing to front the extra $100, they can apply with at least one preference point every year. Elk hunting is one of the best activities in Montanas Northwest. You should be aware of the requirements for each state as you plan your hunt. hunting license Elk Network Conservation License Required to Access Most Montana State Nearly every district in the eastern half of the state is at or above the objective with the exception of the northern Missouri Breaks Hds (620, 621, 622 and 630), which have seen a dip in numbers. Only one point per species can be accumulated per year. If youre going elk hunting, youll need to know how to stay safe and avoid predatory wildlife. As we operate on public land, we provide an excellent fair chase, spot and stalk hunt. Source:UnitedStates Drought Monitor. 2021 late Season Combo hunts. An elk population estimated between 4,800-6,000 animals . Currently, hunting seasons across the West are still on hold for grizzly bears. Except the mountains are bigger, the hunts can be longer, and packing them out of the mountains is tougher. Most hunters should expect that the general opportunity on a bull elk will be younger raghorns. We limit the ranch to two hunters per week to minimize pressure and maximize success. The 2022/2023 winter has been fairly normal for Montana and most of the state is hovering around average for snowfall. Anyone who wants to hunt elk in Montana must understand the difference between an elk license and an elk permit. hunting Here are a few tips to help you choose the best place to hunt elk in Montana on a general license. Tough Tags: Montana's 5 hardest elk permits to draw Additionally, elk populations may be too heavy on other districts so the state issues unlimited permits in an attempt to entice a larger crowd of hunters. If you wish to hunt other states, you can simply purchase the preference point and bonus point and move on. When you apply in the draw, your accrued points are squared to increase the odds exponentially for the applicants with more accrued points. Many hunters are looking forward to the upcoming hunting season in Montana, and they are wondering what permits will be required to take advantage of the states numerous hunting opportunities. Private lands and ranches will generally provide the best opportunity for trophy bulls; however, there is an incredible amount of public and roadless lands available in the state for those willing to put in the work. Preference points are lost if the applicant does not apply for a nonresident combination license in consecutive years, or if you are successful at obtaining a combination license. There is a good deal of roadless country there for hunters willing to work for it although many of the largest bulls will be taken on private land every year. Hunting areas can become crowded in general units; however, those willing to put in some effort can largely escape any outside hunting pressure. Successfully drawing a limited entry permit does not grant a second animal, but does augment the general tag to include new areas for hunters. FWP :: Montana Hunt Planner Your IP: HD 590: This area is largely private and hunters will find the best odds of success particularly on big bulls on these private pieces. The F&W Commission reserves the authority to amend the Hunting District Boundaries herein if deemed necessary for wildlife management purposes. When applying for or selecting an Oregon Preference Point, you must bring a $160.50 hunting license. Elk can be found in every national forest west of a line from Yellowstone National Park to Glacial-cier National Park in Montana. Elk can be found in prairie areas and foothills of mountain ranges. 2022 Chart (PDF) 2021 Chart (PDF) 2020 Chart (PDF) 2019 Chart (PDF) 2018 Chart (PDF) 2017 Chart (PDF) You can also purchase an unlimited number of additional chances to draw the license at $5 each. The two zones have different season dates. Montana 2021 Elk Counts No wintering elk No numerical objective. In Montana, nonresidents seeking to hunt the general license Elk units must first apply for the Elk Combination License under the general license draw, in which preference points are used. Elk spotted at Black Ranch near Bozeman, MT. Typically, these adjustments are minor from year to year. There is nothing wrong with that, but hunters will often walk past elk to find elk. Winterkill should be mostly minimal this year, but the main attention will be turning to available feed on the landscape throughout the spring months. With three to four points both residents and nonresidents will see very few additional districts (compared to those with zero to two points). This will give you a better chance of encountering them while they are on the move. Mountain lion license structures have changed. In some areas of the state, elk densities are lower so the state puts limits on the number of hunters in the field. Rates for 2023. DESIGNED BY: ROCKY RIDGE DIGITAL ADVERTISING. Last but not the least, you would want the effort, skills and experience of a good guide when it comes to field processing and taking out your harvest, especially if you consider human-predator conflict. This will give you the opportunity to glass for elk from a distance, as well as stalk them in closer quarters. In some cases, you will have to pay the full tag fee in advance, and you will be refunded or at least partially refunded if you do not draw. Hunt tactics include a mixture of ground blinds, calling, and spot and stalk hunting. Elk permits are usually issued through a lottery system, and preference is often given to residents of the state or province in which the hunt will take place. There is no fee for applying for an elk license with or without a hunting license in the state of Pennsylvania, but nonresidents must pay around $102. You can purchase a point in some states without actually purchasing it. MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS MONTANA FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS . For a nonresident to hunt the general license Elk units in Montana, he or she must apply for the Elk Combination License in the general license draw, where the preference point system is used.