Hunting Information

Montana has a rich history of hunting and is considered to have some of the best big game hunting in North America. With its small population size, diverse landscapes and clean air and water, Montana is an ideal place for both wildlife and hunters.

For many Montanans, hunting is a way of life where game meat frequently supplements weekly groceries. In fact, Montana has more hunters per capita than any other US state! Likewise, visitors flock to the abundant game in Montana, infusing millions into Montana's economy.

Residents and visitors alike can find a diversity of game species in Montana. White-tailed deer inhabit low elevation riparian and agricultural areas while bighorn sheep and mountain goats reside in wilderness areas above timberline. Sagebrush habitats in the center and eastern side of the state harbor opportunities to hunt antelope and mule deer. And elk, which are at historic population highs, continue to expand into a variety of forest, grassland and agricultural habitat.

Combine this diversity of species, with long hunting seasons and plenty of open space to hunt and Montana is a hunter's paradise.

Important Links:

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks:

• Buy Your Hunting License Online!
• Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks Hunting Homepage
• Plan Your Hunt
• Hunting and Harvest Reports
• Montana's Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)
• Montana's Animal Field Guide

Find a Hunting Guide:

• Montana Outfitters and Guides Association

Hunting on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Land

Fishing Information

Montana boasts 85 species of fish. Of these, 56 are native to Montana, including the westslope cutthroat, the Yellowstone cutthroat and the bull trout. A number of fish have also been introduced over the past hundred years as sport fish including rainbow trout, brown trout, largemouth bass and walleye. The diversity of Montana's lakes and rivers have also created prime habitat for northern pike, sturgeon, grayling, whitefish, Coho and Kokanee salmon, paddlefish, channel cat, bullhead and ling.

Important Links:

Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks:

• Buy Your Fishing License Online!
• Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks Fishing Homepage
• Montana Fishing Guide
• Find a Family Friendly Fishing Site
• See what the records are for Montana fish!

Find a Fishing Guide:

• Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana
• Montana Outfitters and Guides Association

Fishing on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Land