Highlights

• NEW 48 hour reporting requirement for all black bear harvests

• NEW black bear season in Region 6

• It is now lawful to use hounds to train and/or hunt for spring

Highlights

• Quota ranges have been added to the hunting district specific tables for each species. These ranges are approved by the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission and FWP can adjust annual quotas within these ranges. The annual quota adjustments are based primarily on survey data from our biologists in the field. Typically, these adjustments are minor from year to year.

Corrections

• Corrections to the printed regulations (PDF)

Highlights

• Trapper education is required for any resident trapper who has not purchased a trapping license for three years in their lifetime (does not need to be consecutive). This does not apply to those trapping for the purposes of livestock or property protection.

• The capture of any animal that cannot be lawfully trapped, including domestic animals, must be reported to FWP within 24 hours.

Highlights

• Hunters should be aware that there may be very few opportunities to harvest light geese in the spring in the Central Flyway due to very few birds being present or available.

• Light goose conservation order opportunity only available in the Central Flyway (see map on page 4). Federal frameworks do not allow a Conservation Order in the Pacific Flyway

Highlights

• Quota ranges have been added to the hunting district specific tables for each species. These ranges are approved by the Montana Fish & Wildlife Commission and FWP can adjust annual quotas within these ranges. The annual quota adjustments are based primarily on survey data from our biologists in the field. Typically, these adjustments are minor from year to year.

Highlights

• The Central Flyway is divided into two “zones” in order to increase opportunity (see map on page 8). The two zones have different season dates. Zone 2, includes Big Horn, Carbon, Custer, Prairie, Rosebud, Treasure and Yellowstone counties. Zone 1 includes all other counties in the Central Flyway portion of Montana.

• Be aware of split seasons and carefully note closed and open days for hunting and note zone differences. All split seasons have been eliminated except for Central Flyway Zone 2.

Highlights

• Mountain lion license structures and license names have changed. Review regulations carefully before you apply or purchase a license

• Even though the 2023 mountain lion season extends into the 2024 license year, the deadline to purchase 2023 licenses is February 29, 2024

Highlights

• Turkey regulations are included in the Upland Game Bird Regulations.

Regulations are adopted by the Fish & Wildlife Commission

• These Hunting District Boundaries were adopted by the F&W Commission on February 4, 2022, under the authority granted in MCA 87-1-301 and are valid March 1, 2022, through February 29, 2024. The F&W Commission reserves the authority to amend the Hunting District Boundaries herein if deemed necessary for wildlife management purposes. Hank Worsech, Director.