Your base camp is set. Now get your tags.
The Big Hole Valley is one of the premier big game hunting regions in the lower 48 states. Your cabin sits on property that borders the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest—3.3 million acres of pristine wilderness directly behind your door. This is serious hunting country.
The region offers opportunities for elk, mule deer, whitetail deer, pronghorn antelope, black bear, and mountain lion. September's elk archery season brings bugling bulls into the high meadows. October's general rifle season opens up more abundant mule deer and whitetail hunting. As a cabin guest, you'll wake up with coffee on the porch and walk into some of Montana's best hunting within minutes.
But before you pack your rifle, you'll need to understand Montana's hunting license system and tag application process. This guide walks you through every step a nonresident hunter needs to know.
Follow these steps in order. Each one is required before the next.
Required first. A conservation license is mandatory before you can do anything else. Valid for the entire calendar year.
Buy at fwp.mt.gov
Required before tags. This is your foundation license. You cannot draw tags without first purchasing this.
Buy at fwp.mt.gov
Deadline typically April 1. Applications use a preference point drawing system. Apply for the specific tags you want before the deadline.
Elk Combo $1,112 | Deer Combo $760 | Both $1,312
If you don't draw. Accumulate preference points for future years. Buy points annually if you don't get tags.
Each point increases your odds in future drawings
Final requirement. Montana requires an Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) pass for all hunting licenses.
Buy with your license or separately
Hunt district specific. Different districts have different seasons, limits, and weapon restrictions. Review the 2025-26 regulations for your exact hunt area.
Available at fwp.mt.gov/hunt/regulations
| License Type | Who Needs It | Cost | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conservation License | Everyone (first step) | $8 | fwp.mt.gov |
| Base Hunting License | All hunters (required before tags) | $50 | fwp.mt.gov |
| General Elk Combo | Elk hunters | $1,112 | Application drawing (March 1–April 1) |
| General Deer Combo | Deer hunters | $760 | Application drawing (March 1–April 1) |
| Big Game Combo | Hunters wanting both elk & deer | $1,312 | Application drawing (March 1–April 1) |
| Preference Point | Improve future drawing odds | $100 | fwp.mt.gov |
| AIS Prevention Pass | Required for all hunters | $2 | fwp.mt.gov |
March 1 – April 1
Submit your tag applications during this window. This is when the Montana FWP accepts applications for elk, deer, and big game combination licenses. Missing this deadline means waiting until over-the-counter tags (if available).
Typically June
Montana draws and announces results in June. You'll learn if you drew a tag. If not, you have the option to buy preference points for next year and apply again.
Early September – Late September
Archery season opens in early September. This is when bulls start bugling. Prime time for hearing elk and a thrilling challenge for archers.
October – Mid-November
General rifle season for elk typically runs from early October through mid-November, depending on the specific hunt district. Peak activity follows the September rut.
October – November
Mule deer and whitetail seasons overlap with elk general rifle season. October is prime for bucks in velvet-shedding phase through the rut.
After drawing results
After the drawing in June, any remaining tags may be available over-the-counter. Availability varies by species and district. Not guaranteed.
Everything you need to apply, understand regulations, and plan your hunt.
Montana FWP's dedicated page for nonresident hunters explaining all requirements.
Learn More →Complete hunting seasons, limits, and district-specific rules for this year.
View Regulations →Montana FWP's comprehensive elk hunting guide including seasons and best practices.
Elk Guide →Premium hunting maps showing public land, private property, and terrain. Essential planning tool.
onX Maps →onX's detailed walkthrough for applying in Montana, including Big Hole Valley strategy.
Application Guide →Lessons from hunters who know the Big Hole Valley.
"Book your cabin first. September and October weeks fill up fast during the rut. Reserve your dates as soon as you draw your tag."
"The property borders the national forest. You're literally hunting from the door. No long drives to a trailhead. Walk out in the dark and be glassing elk by sunrise."
"Consider hiring a local guide for your first Montana elk hunt. They know the draws, the water sources, and where elk congregate during different phases of the rut. Worth every penny."
"Pack in early. Elk are vocal at first light and last light in September. Being on the mountain before dawn is non-negotiable for bugling success."
"A Montana Conservation License is valid for the entire calendar year. Get it early in March so you're ready to apply for tags the moment the window opens."
"The Big Hole is tough hunting. Success rates for draw tags are lower than over-the-counter units elsewhere. That's why guides are so valuable and why you need preference points for repeat chances."
Book your cabin first. Get your tags second. We'll handle the accommodations—you focus on the adventure.
Reserve Your Dates