Resident general deer license |
$16 |
Resident youth general deer license |
$8 |
Nonresident deer combination permit |
$724 |
Nonresident big game combo permit |
$1242 |
Deer permit application fee |
$5 |
Resident bonus point fee |
$2 |
Nonresident bonus point fee |
$20 |
Nonresident preference point fee |
$100 |
Resident general deer license | $16 |
Resident youth general deer license | $8 |
Nonresident deer combination permit | $724 |
Nonresident big game combo permit | $1242 |
Deer permit application fee | $5 |
Resident bonus point fee | $2 |
Nonresident bonus point fee | $20 |
Nonresident preference point fee | $100 |
Montana is not known for high numbers of trophy mule deer, but what it lacks in trophy potential, it makes up for in opportunity. There is plenty of public land to hunt with 40% of Montana’s mule deer found on public land. Montana is no doubt one of the most friendly states when it comes to mule deer hunters. In the trophy permit areas, a few great 200” bucks are taken every year, some within sight of a road, proving that Montana is capable of producing quality deer with proper management.
Bucks harvested on general season tags can reach over 170” each year, but hunters can typically see 130-160” bucks. Finding those older age class deer will take a lot of time. This is also a great state for late-season rut hunts, the season goes well into the rut, so the later part of November is a great chance to glass up a lot of bucks.
The majority of the general deer tags can be drawn by nonresidents their first year of applying, but 2017 saw a change to this. Since Montana’s deer licenses have not sold out during the spring drawing the past few years, this is a great state to think about over-the-counter opportunities. Be sure to pick up the leftover tags early. Some years they are available well into October, but others they sell out during August. Keep in mind that in 2017, tags sold out in the main draw.
Applications are submitted online or by mail
Residents do not acquire preference points
Preference points are for the nonresident general combination drawings
Nonresidents must obtain a Big Game Combination, Elk Combination, or Deer Combination license before applying for a deer permit
Bonus points are for nonresidents and residents
Bonus points are squared to give more of a chance to applicants with more points
Nonresidents are limited to, but not guaranteed, 10% of the license and/or permit quota for a district. Nonresidents are only eligible for a tag when at least 10 tags are offered
Great late season rifle rut hunt
130-160” B&C bucks in most hunting districts
Some special permit hunting districts have unlimited permits
Latest rifle seasons in some districts take place during early rut activity
|
Entries |
Hunt Districts within county |
Ravalli |
17 |
Rosebud |
9 |
Flathead |
7 |
101 / 102 / 103 / 110 / 120 / 132 / 170 |
Lincoln |
6 |
Teton |
6 |