Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Elk Hunting Montana Elk Question

A couple friends and I just found out that we've drawn Montana general deer and elk licenses. Are those valid for bull elk and buck deer only, or are cows/does legal in Montana on those licenses? This should be a fun trip, as we've no idea what to expect.

Daveman
LOL What you CAN expect is tons of trouble if you show up in Montana without a MUCH better basic understanding of how Montana game laws are structured according to districts and regions. Montna is divided into 7 districts, and each of those districts is divided into several hunting districts, each with its own regs. You need to study some regs.

Fred

Fred, we'll study the regs in great detail, and know them well by the time the season starts. We'll be hunting in Pondera County. I've taken a quick look at the regs, and they are quite unclear as to whether cows and does are legal on general tags, which is why I've asked the question here.

Daveman
If you have looked at the regs, then you you know Pondero County is in region 4 and in that general area are several hunting districts, 406, 400, 403, 441. If you go to page50 to page 52 of the Montana hunting regs, the specic dates and limitations. In area 403 for example, deer season ends Nov 14, instead of N0v 28 like much of the stae, and you can't take an elk on your general license. On the other side of I-15 in HD 400, you can take either sex elk on your general license.
Even us locals have too spend some time pouring over the regs when we hunt a new area.

I'll review the regs for our district. We are going with several locals who are very experienced elk hunters, but I had hoped this would be an easy question, as it is for Missouri deer hunting. It looks like the answer will be much more complicated. Thanks for the insight. We have some homework to do.

Just because they are experienced, it doesn't mean they know or follow the regulations. And it's not that complicated. Know what unit you are in, and the book will tell what is legal.

I think the combo covers Llama's as well

Fernando or Lorenzo?

Well, At least you asked of which you do not know. Seems if your buds are experienced elk hunters, they should have it all figured out before you get to Montana. If they don't, get different buds. mtmuley

Daveman...be glad you have local help. A freindly local made our trip great in 07. We didn't get any elk but we got a few nice Mule Deer most guys would walk a few hundred miles for.

You may want to read on this site what others say about gear and physical fitness.

You need to be in the best shape of your life to elk hunt...unless your friends know a secret spot were elk lounge around all day drinking martini's and smoke cigars!