Skip to main content
Planning Updated Jan 29, 2026

Montana Bear Hunting Season 2025-2026

Complete bear hunting season calendar for Montana.

Montana Bear Season Calendar

Find all bear hunting season dates for Montana including archery, rifle, muzzleloader, and shotgun seasons for 2025-2026.

1 season 1 method Statewide 2025-2026

All Bear Seasons

1 season for Montana bear hunting

Any Legal Method Statewide Closed

Apr 15 - May 31, 2025

Spring bear season

Got your license ready to show?

Store credentials offline in Hunter Passport

Get Started

Hunting Method Legend

Archery Bow & Crossbow
Rifle/Firearm Modern rifles
Muzzleloader Black powder
Shotgun Shotguns only
Any Legal All methods

Important Note for Montana

Montana offers OTC licenses for deer and elk in some districts.

Montana Bear Hunting FAQ

Common questions about bear hunting in Montana

When is bear season in Montana?

Bear hunting in Montana for the 2025-2026 season runs from Apr 15, 2025 through May 31, 2025, depending on the hunting method and zone.

When is bear rifle/firearms season in Montana?

Bear rifle/firearms season in Montana runs from Apr 15, 2025 to May 31, 2025. Spring bear season

Do I need a license to hunt bear in Montana?

Yes, you need a valid Montana hunting license and any required bear tags or permits. Check with the Montana wildlife agency for current license requirements and fees.

Other Species in Montana

More hunting seasons available

Bear Hunting in Other States

Compare bear seasons across states

View All Montana Hunting Seasons

See complete season calendar for all species in Montana.

All Montana Seasons

Done planning? Don't forget your license.

Hunter Passport stores all your licenses, tags, and permits offline — so when a game warden asks, you're ready in 3 seconds flat.