Within 10 days of harvesting a black bear, hunters must present to a Montana FWP official the complete bear hide and skull for the purpose of inspection, tagging, and possible removal of a tooth for aging. The hide and skull must be presented in a condition that allows full inspection and tooth collection (i.e. unfrozen).
Transfer possession of harvested game animal that requires mandatory FWP inspection: Download form (PDF)
There is a mandatory 48-hour reporting requirement for black bear hunting in Black Bear Management Units 510, 520, and 700. When the quota is reached or approached in each of these districts, the black bear season in that district will close.
These dates are provided only as a general reference. Check current regulations or use FWP's online Hunt Planner for specific dates.
2021 Black Bear Season Dates
Spring
April 15 – May 31*
*NOTE: Some districts vary; check regulations for more information.
Archery
September 4 – September 14
Fall
September 15 – November 28
Harvest Quota
In Bear Management Units with a harvest quota (BMUs 510, 520, & 700), when a hunting season quota is reached or approached, the black bear hunting season will close upon 48 hours notice.
Black bear harvest quota status information may be obtained:
By calling 1-800-385-7826 or 406-444-1989 for statewide information
A hunter may purchase only one black bear license over the counter per year.
Prerequisite
Hunters must show proof of having passed a free bear identification test before purchasing a black bear license.
Spring Season
Details: A black bear license purchased after April 14 may not be used until 24 hours after the license is issued. Not available to apprentice hunters.
Fees:
Resident: $19
Nonresident: $350
Fall Season
Details: A black bear license purchased after August 31 may not be used until 24 hours after the license is issues. Not available to apprentice hunters.
Fees:
Resident: $19
Nonresident: $350
Bow and Arrow (Archery)
Details: A bow and arrow license, plus the proper hunting license is required during black bear archery-only season or to archery hunt black bear in an Arch-Equip only area or hunting district.
Fees:
Resident: $10
Nonresident: $10
Harvest Quota & Reports
In Bear Management Units with a harvest quota (BMUs 510, 520, & 700), when a hunting season quota is reached or approached, the black bear hunting season will close upon 48 hours notice.
Black bear harvest quota status information may be obtained:
By calling 1-800-385-7826 or 406-444-1989 for statewide information
Trichinellosis, also called trichinosis, is a disease that people can get by eating raw or undercooked meat from animals infected with the microscopic parasite, Trichinella. Infection occurs commonly in certain wild carnivorous animals such as bear or cougar, or omnivorous animals such as domestic pigs or wild boar.
FWP recommends that all bear and lion meat be thoroughly cooked before consumption by humans or pets. For hunters who still desire Trichinella testing, they may send a tissue sample to the Montana Department of Livestock’s diagnostic lab.
Black bears reside across most of Montana. Grizzly bears reside mostly in western Montana but are increasingly roaming into areas where they have not occupied for decades.
All bears are potentially dangerous. The overwhelming majority of bear encounters do not involve conflict. The majority of human-bear conflicts involve bears protecting their young or a food source.
