FWP reminder: Black Bear Management Unit 530 opens later for spring hunting than rest of state

BILLINGS – Black bear hunters are advised of a change in Bear Management Units (BMUs) and spring season dates in the Boulder River drainage of south-central Montana.  

BMU 530 was created in 2024 by splitting existing BMU 520. Spring black bear hunting for all other BMUs in Montana begins April 15. In BMU 530, however, the spring black bear season does not begin until May 25. This is the second year of the BMU 530 implementation and season date change; wardens this season will focus more on enforcement rather than education of this change. 

This new BMU and season date change were established by the Fish and Wildlife Commission during the Feb. 16, 2024 meeting, as proposed by Region 5 Commissioner Cebull.

BMUs 510, 520 and 530 all have female harvest quotas. BMU 510 also has a total harvest quota. Hunters are advised that the season for these BMUs may closed before the scheduled date if a quota is reached, and are reminded to check quota status before heading out to hunt. Quota information is available online here.

As a reminder, all successful black bear hunters must personally report their black bear harvest to FWP within 48 hours. Hunters can report harvests by calling 1-877-FWPWILD, 1-877-397-9453, 406-444-0356 or through the MyFWP at fwp.mt.gov. Harvested black bears from regions 2-7 must be inspected by FWP within 10 days of harvest.

For more information on black bear hunting, including regulations, in Montana, visit: fwp.mt.gov/hunt/regulations/black-bear.

Legal descriptions for big game hunting districts can be found online here.