Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
MT
Deer Hunting in Montana: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Montana starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $16 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $760 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Sep 6 – Oct 19 Archery
Draw Required? Resident general deer; nonresident combination draw Nonresident combination applications typically run Mar 1-Apr 1; resident and B-license rules vary by district
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Montana Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Montana deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Nonresident combination applications typically run Mar 1-Apr 1; resident and B-license rules vary by district
Archery; also check General Rifle.
For Montana deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: Res $16 general deer; NR $760 deer combo (draw); NR cap reduced 2,500 tags for 2026. Because this page lists mixed access, confirm the exact tag type, zone, and application rule before planning travel. CWD has been detected in Montana, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Montana
Montana deer access splits sharply between resident general-license planning and nonresident combination-license planning. Residents can buy the general deer license after the required conservation and base licenses, while nonresidents normally apply for a Deer Combination or Big Game Combination license through the annual draw. Deer B licenses and district-specific permits add a second access layer that can be draw, leftover, or district-specific depending on the year. CWD management uses sampling priorities and carcass-disposal rules, but hunters should verify the current hunting district instructions instead of relying on broad statewide shorthand.
Species present: White-tailed DeerMule Deer
SEASONS
Montana Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Montana offers 3 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Montana Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$16
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$760
Access depends on hunt type or residency.
Res $16 general deer; NR $760 deer combo (draw); NR cap reduced 2,500 tags for 2026
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Montana deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Montana license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Compare Montana with other deer options
Use shortlist pages when you are deciding between states instead of reviewing each deer page one by one.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Montana
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
Rotating Priority Sampling Areas. 2024 saw 7 new HDs positive (170, 403, 404, etc.)
CWD Testing / Transport
Required in listed zones
Zones: Rotating Priority Sampling Areas. 2024 saw 7 new HDs positive (170, 403, 404, etc.)
Strict carcass transport restrictions apply. Whole carcasses generally cannot leave CWD zones or be imported from positive states.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 3 total (max with B tags)
2026 regulation: 3 deer limit per year; mule deer and whitetail combined
Allowed Weapons
Rifle, muzzleloader, bow
Access Planning
Access: Resident general deer; nonresident combination draw
Deadline: Nonresident combination applications typically run Mar 1-Apr 1; resident and B-license rules vary by district
Points system: Yes
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Montana — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Montana?
Montana uses rotating priority sampling areas and district-specific CWD guidance. Hunters should check the current FWP instructions for testing, carcass disposal, and whether any special local requirement applies.
What are the antler restrictions?
A legal buck is defined as having an antler at least 4 inches long. Montana generally avoids Antler Point Restrictions (APRs) because studies showed they negatively impacted herd age structures.
Do I need a draw to hunt deer in Montana?
Residents can generally buy a Montana general deer license after the required base items, but nonresidents normally need a Deer Combination or Big Game Combination license through the annual draw. Deer B licenses and leftovers vary by district.
What deer species can I hunt in Montana?
Montana is home to White-tailed Deer and Mule Deer. Allowed weapons include rifle, muzzleloader, bow.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Montana?
Yes, non-residents can hunt deer in Montana, but the standard deer access path is the nonresident Deer Combination draw license, not an OTC deer tag. Budget the $760 combination license plus the required conservation and base-license pieces.