Montana Hunting Trips — Guided Hunts in Big Sky Country

Montana hunting trips put you in some of the most iconic big game country in North America, with vast public land, healthy wildlife populations, and a true wilderness experience that is hard to match anywhere else. From trophy elk in the Bob Marshall Wilderness to giant mule deer bucks on the Missouri River Breaks, Montana delivers world-class guided hunting for elk, mule deer, whitetail, and antelope.

Western Obsession TV partners with experienced Montana outfitters who hold permits on the state’s best hunting districts. Whether you want a backcountry horseback elk hunt or a prairie mule deer stalk, we will match you with the right outfitter.

Our Montana Hunting Trips

We partner with experienced Montana outfitters for elk, deer, and bear hunts.

Not sure which hunt is right for you? Talk to our team — we’ll match you with the right trip.

Why Hunt Montana

Montana consistently ranks among the top hunting states for good reason:

• Massive public land access — over 30 million acres of public land including national forests, BLM, and state lands
• Diverse species — elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, pronghorn antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, mountain lion, and black bear
• Low hunting pressure — Montana’s vast landscape means you can hunt areas with few other hunters, especially with an outfitter who holds wilderness permits
• Legendary wilderness areas — the Bob Marshall, Absaroka-Beartooth, and Lee Metcalf Wilderness areas offer backcountry hunting experiences found nowhere else
• Strong conservation ethic — Montana’s wildlife management has maintained healthy, huntable populations across the state

Species Available in Montana

Elk

Montana is one of the premier elk hunting destinations in the West. The state holds an estimated 130,000 elk spread across mountain ranges, river bottoms, and open parks. Popular elk hunting areas include:

• Bob Marshall Wilderness — multi-day horseback pack trips into some of the most remote and productive elk country in the lower 48
• Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness — rugged alpine terrain near Yellowstone with strong bull-to-cow ratios
• Southwest Montana — the Bitterroot, Big Hole, and Madison valleys hold excellent elk numbers
• Central Montana — the Snowy Mountains, Big Belt Mountains, and Castle Mountains offer accessible elk hunting

Guided elk hunts in Montana range from $6,000 to $15,000 depending on whether you are hunting wilderness or accessible areas. General elk tags are available for residents, while non-residents enter a draw or can book with outfitters who hold special permits.

Mule Deer

Montana’s eastern plains and river breaks produce outstanding mule deer. The Missouri River Breaks and the CMR (Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge) are legendary for big bucks. The breaks’ rugged coulees and sagebrush draws hold bucks that can reach 190 inches and larger. Guided mule deer hunts in Montana run $4,000 to $10,000.

Whitetail Deer

Montana’s river bottoms, agricultural areas, and western mountain valleys hold strong populations of whitetail deer. The state has become an increasingly popular destination for non-resident whitetail hunters. Guided whitetail hunts using tree stands and spot-and-stalk methods cost $3,000 to $7,000.

Pronghorn Antelope

Montana’s eastern prairies hold one of the largest pronghorn populations in the country. Antelope hunting is fast-paced and fun, with spot-and-stalk and blind hunting as the primary methods. Tags are available through a draw, and guided hunts run $2,500 to $5,000. Antelope hunts are often combined with mule deer hunts for a great two-species trip.

Montana Hunting Seasons

Montana’s general big game season structure includes:

• Archery — early September through mid-October for deer and elk
• General rifle — late October through late November (approximately 5 weeks)
• Muzzleloader — varies by district, often in December
• Antelope — early October through mid-November

Montana also offers special permit seasons for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and specific elk and deer districts. Check Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks for current season dates.

Non-Resident Tag Strategy

Montana’s tag system for non-residents works differently than most western states:

• General deer and elk combo license — available through a draw with about 17,000 licenses issued to non-residents annually
• Outfitter-sponsored permits — some outfitters hold B-10 licenses that allow their non-resident clients to hunt specific areas
• Preference points — Montana does not use preference points for general licenses; it is a random draw
• Special permits — available by draw for specific hunting districts with limited entry

Working with a Montana outfitter is one of the most reliable ways for non-residents to secure hunting access in the state.

What to Expect on a Montana Guided Hunt

Montana guided hunts range from comfortable lodge-based operations to remote wilderness pack trips. Backcountry elk hunts typically involve riding horses into a base camp miles from the nearest road. Prairie hunts for mule deer and antelope are less physically demanding but cover a lot of ground by truck and on foot.

Hunt length is usually 5 to 7 days. Weather in Montana during hunting season can be unpredictable — temperatures can range from 50 degrees to well below zero, and snow is common in the mountains by late October.

Why Book Through Western Obsession

Western Obsession TV has strong relationships with Montana’s best outfitters. We offer:

• Outfitter vetting — every Montana outfitter in our network has been personally evaluated
• Free trip planning — we match your goals, fitness level, and budget to the right Montana hunt
• Tag strategy help — we help you navigate Montana’s draw system and outfitter permit options
• No markup — book at the outfitter’s price with our guidance at no extra cost

Ready to hunt Big Sky Country? Contact us for a free consultation and let our team help you plan your Montana hunting trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a guided hunt in Montana cost?

Guided elk hunts run $6,000 to $15,000. Mule deer hunts cost $4,000 to $10,000. Whitetail hunts run $3,000 to $7,000. Antelope hunts are $2,500 to $5,000. Backcountry wilderness hunts are at the higher end of these ranges.

Is it hard for non-residents to get a Montana hunting tag?

Montana issues about 17,000 general deer and elk combo licenses to non-residents each year through a random draw. Draw odds vary but are generally reasonable. Working with an outfitter who holds B-10 permits can guarantee access regardless of the general draw.

What is the best area to hunt elk in Montana?

The Bob Marshall Wilderness and surrounding areas are considered the best elk hunting in Montana. Southwest Montana’s Bitterroot and Big Hole valleys are also excellent. For accessible hunts, central Montana offers good elk numbers with easier terrain.

When is the best time to hunt in Montana?

Archery elk hunting during the September rut is outstanding. The general rifle season in late October and November is the most popular. For mule deer, the rut in mid to late November is prime time for big bucks.

How physically demanding is a Montana hunting trip?

It depends on the hunt type. Backcountry wilderness elk hunts are very demanding and involve riding horses and hiking at elevation. Prairie mule deer and antelope hunts are moderate. Prepare with a cardio and hiking fitness program before any mountain hunt.