2023 Black Bear
Hunting Regulations
Highlights
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NEW 48 hour reporting requirement for all black bear harvests
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NEW black bear season in Region 6
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It is now lawful to use hounds to train and/or hunt for spring
Hunt Planner Map - interactive map with hunting districts, harvest opportunities and more
Drawing Statistics - search drawing statistcs by species
Harvest Reports - search harvest estimates by species
Hunting Licenses - overview of licenses available
Hunting Regulations
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
Hunting Regulations
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.
Trapping and Hunting Regulations
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.
Hunting Regulations
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
Hunting Regulations
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.
Hunting Regulations
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.
Hunting Regulations
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
Hunting Regulations
Turkey regulations are included in the Upland Game Bird Regulations.
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.