The whitetail deer in Montana are impressive as they often surpass 140” Boone and Crockett. Most of the quality whitetail deer hunting takes place on the eastern side of the state. Private lands, including large ranch properties, hold the majority of the quality whitetail hunting in eastern Montana. Arranging private land access will be a major benefit if you choose to hunt the east side of the state. Outfitters sell hunts that will provide access, and there is also a Block Management program in place that will allow hunters to access participating private lands. Some of the Block Management properties have produced respectable bucks.
Whitetail also live in the timber and mountainous western side of the state. Public access is much better, but the number and quality of whitetail are not as good as the east side. Be prepared physically if you do choose to hunt the mountain whitetail on the western half of the state.
Nearly all of the whitetail hunting can be done with a general deer tag. If you are after a deer hunting opportunity, Montana has you covered.
License Costs
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 |
News, notes and alerts
Applications are submitted online or by mail
Highlights
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 opportunity to fill the hunting calendar with a general tag
Montana only has one permit area for whitetail bucks. HD 455-60 is open for hunting on a general deer license during archery season, but you must apply for the permit to hunt for whitetails in the rifle season. Apply for this permit in the March application season
Boone and Crockett entries
Boone and Crockett entries: Typical
Boone and Crockett entries: Nontypical
|
Entries |
Hunt Districts within county |
Lincoln |
9 |
Flathead |
8 |
101 / 102 / 103 / 110 / 120 / 122 / 132 / 140 / 141 / 150 / 151 / 170 |
Missoula |
6 |
130 / 201 / 202 / 203 / 204 / 210 / 240 / 260 / 282 / 283 / 285 / 292 |
Richland |
5 |
651 / 703 |
Fergus |
4 |
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