Hunting in Montana: 6 Animals To Hunt in the Winter

Montana has about 30 million acres of public land open to hunting, equaling roughly one-third of its total land area. Featuring an extensive variety of wildlife, including numerous species to target during the winter, many consider Montana a must-see destination for hunters

Here are six animals to hunt in Montana during the winter.

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1. Bison
Bison hunting in Montana is permitted from mid-November through mid-February. These large animals are good for novice hunters, as their large size and noticeable back humps make them easier to spot for beginners. The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) notes that bison are the largest North American land animal in existence today.

Once prevalent throughout the country, bison have been heavily hunted and their population has dwindled. The Montana FWP has them listed as a species of concern.

2. Bobcat
From December to mid-February, it’s bobcat season in Montana. They’re the smallest of Montana’s native cats but still twice the size of the regular domestic house cat and quite ferocious. These primarily nocturnal animals are numerous throughout the state and make for a good night hunt, the FWP said.

3. Duck
Ducks are a waterfowl whose hunting seasons are heavily regulated in Montana. They vary from district to district but mostly occur from the beginning of October to mid-January. There are numerous types of ducks in Montana, but the wood duck is the most plentiful native species, according to the FWP.

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4. Mountain Lion
Montana is one of few states that permit mountain lion hunting. This transpires from December through April, with a specific set of alternative dates for hunters who intend to use hounds in their hunt. Mountain lions generally congregate in mountainous regions in the western part of the state.

5. Partridge
Any hunter hoping to test their aim might want to consider hunting the partridge. This small bird is in season from September through January, though they only have a limited distribution in Montana. However, their population recently has been on the rise, the FWP said.

6. Wolf
The Grey Wolf is in season from mid-September to mid-March and provides hunters with the challenge of catching Montana’s largest wild canine. Grey wolves do not have any specific habitat preference, though they tend to stay farther away from roads and human presence, the FWP said. In Montana, hunters can expect to find the grey wolf in the western-most regions of the state.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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