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.

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Boone and Crockett entries: Typical

Boone and Crockett entries: Nontypical