Montana Bag Limits
Complete daily limits, possession limits, and season limits for hunting and fishing in Montana.
Montana Bag Limits
Complete guide to daily limits, possession limits, season limits, and size restrictions for hunting and fishing in Montana. Updated for the current season.
Big Game
7 species
Game Birds
7 species
Fish Species
3 species
Total Species
17
Big Game
7 species in Montana
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elk | 1 | - | Per license held | General and special permit hunts |
| Mule Deer | 1 | - | Per license held | General tags available |
| White-tailed Deer | 1 | - | Per license held | Abundant in western valleys |
| Pronghorn | 1 | - | 1 per year | Eastern MT prairie |
| Moose | 1 | - | 1 per lifetime | Limited permits; popular draw |
| Black Bear | 1 | - | 1 per year | Spring and fall |
| Mountain Lion | 1 | - | Per license | District quotas |
Upland Birds
5 species in Montana
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wild Turkey | 1 | - | 1 per season | - |
| Pheasant | 3 | 9 | - | Eastern MT farmland |
| Sharp-tailed Grouse | 4 | 8 | - | - |
| Sage Grouse | 2 | 4 | - | Limited areas |
| Hungarian Partridge | 8 | 24 | - | - |
Fish
3 species in Montana
| Species | Daily | Possession | Season | Size Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rainbow Trout | 5 | - | - | - | Varies by water |
| Brown Trout | 5 | - | - | - | Blue-ribbon streams |
| Walleye | 10 | - | - | Varies by reservoir | - |
Montana Special Notes
Montana combines hunting and fishing licenses. Research specific hunting district regulations.
Got your license ready to show?
Store credentials offline in Hunter Passport
Montana Regulations Overview
State wildlife agency and regulations information
- Species Covered
- 17 species with regulations
- Big Game Species
-
- Elk
- Mule Deer
- White-tailed Deer
- Pronghorn
- Moose
- Black Bear
- Wildlife Agency
- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
Montana Bag Limits FAQ
Common questions about harvest limits in Montana
What is the deer bag limit in Montana?
In Montana, the daily deer limit is 1 with a season limit of Per license held. Abundant in western valleys
What is the difference between daily and possession limits?
Daily limit is the maximum you can harvest in one day. Possession limit is the maximum you can have at any time, typically 2-3 times the daily limit. In Montana, possession limits help ensure hunters don't stockpile beyond reasonable personal use.
What big game can I hunt in Montana?
Montana offers hunting for: Elk, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer, Pronghorn, Moose, Black Bear. Each species has specific limits and regulations - always verify current rules before hunting.
What are the fishing limits in Montana?
Montana fishing limits include: Rainbow Trout: 5/day; Brown Trout: 5/day; Walleye: 10/day (Varies by reservoir). Water-specific regulations may override general limits.
Where can I find official Montana bag limits?
For official and current bag limits, check your Montana wildlife agency website. Regulations can change annually, and specific areas may have different rules. Always carry current regulations while hunting.
Are there special regulations I should know about in Montana?
Montana combines hunting and fishing licenses. Research specific hunting district regulations.
Other States
View bag limits for more states
Need a Montana Hunting or Fishing License?
Store your MT licenses in Hunter Passport for instant offline access in the field.