Montana Elk and Deer Tags Explained: A Nonresident Strategy Guide

Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. We earn from qualifying purchases.

Montana is a hunter’s playground. From elk to mule deer to pronghorn and more, the Big Sky country is game-rich, and its beauty unparalleled. Like many Western states, Montana is loaded with public access. With over 2 million acres of National Forest, 8.3 million acres of BLM, and loads of Block Management Land (more to come on this), hunters have room to chase their big-game dreams.

Montana, as is the case with every state out West, operates off a tag draw system. You must take part in this system if you want to chase big-game animals like deer, elk, and pronghorn. What makes Montana unique is that the state offers limited entry and general hunting permits, meaning you can hunt deer and elk in Montana as a non-resident, typically, every other year if you go the general tag route. If you opt to apply for a limited-entry tag, your wait will typically be longer.

Opportunities to Hunt

Units that offer general tags for deer and elk are spread throughout the state’s western half. This portion of the state has the most public ground, and though many of the units in this region require extreme physical effort, the chances of success, especially for elk, are high. And though general areas are not specifically managed for trophy potential, Montana has excellent elk genetics, and world-class bulls are harvested in general units each year. While mule deer numbers are down and quality isn’t what it once was, general deer tags include whitetail, which are found in many areas of Montana.

Whitetail go highly overlooked by most western hunters, rifle and bow. Current Montana FWP studies show a population over 200,000 white-tailed deer. Though that number is down slightly from the early 2000s, the outlook for Treasure State whitetails is high and hunt pressure is low.

Big-Game Combo

Another draw attraction and something every hunter should consider is Montana’s Big Game Combination License. Hunters who draw an elk/deer combo pay $1,278, which saves some greenbacks. This tag also allows Montana hunters to harvest a deer (mule or whitetail) and an elk in a general unit. However, my good friend and Montana resident, Yahsti Perkinskiller, tells me hunters should do their pre-hunt research before trying to draw a combo.

“Mule deer numbers are down,” said Perkinskiller. “Get online and make some phone calls to see how mule deer are doing in the general unit you’re thinking about hunting. There are also some great apps out there. Elk are doing great throughout most of the state, but there’s no sense in getting a combo if deer numbers are down or if you’re only targeting a mature buck and the area isn’t known for mature deer.”

Montana’s general tags are also unique because they allow hunters to bowhunt, and if unsuccessful, continue hunting in a general area during rifle season. Non-resident tags are expensive, and when you draw a general tag in Montana, you get more time to fill your tag, which is a great thing.

Limited-entry tags are used in areas with both private and public access. If you’re hoping to draw a limited-entry tag in an area known for big bulls or bucks, expect a seven to 10-year wait. However, if you apply for a limited-entry tag and are unsuccessful, you can opt for a general tag. Just remember that while a general tag won’t take your Bonus Points, it does cost you your Preference Points. Be sure to read through everything on your application before submitting payment.

Points System

As a non-resident, you can accumulate up to three Preference Points before the state makes you cash those points in. If you’re putting in for general tags, this isn’t a problem. You will draw your general tag at or before the three-year mark. Bonus Points are different. You can buy Bonus Points each year, and you can accrue as many as you want. Bonus Points don’t go toward a general tag draw. I use GoHunt, and now, onX Hunt, to weigh my draw odds options. With an Elite Membership, onX goers now have access to the Hunt Research Tool. The tool is straightforward and walks you through state, species, and unit.

When I’m certain I’ve obtained the necessary Bonus Points to draw a limited-entry tag, I apply. Remember, you will need Preference Points and Bonus Points to draw a limited-entry tag. Again, can only gather three preference points before the state takes those points, so KEEP that in mind.  For this reason, remain at two preference points until you’re certain you’re going to draw the limited-entry tag you want.

Overlooked Access

Over the past few years, Montana’s Block Management Program has become a big deal for hunters. Montana has partnered with more than 1,200 landowners and enrolled 7.1 million acres of private land in the Block Management Program. This program provides the public with free access to private land. Some Block Management Program areas require online reservations, while others allow you to sign in upon arrival. As with the draw system, do your research when planning a Block Management hunt.

Every hunt region in Montana offers Block Management, which means you can do your research via the state's Block Management Access Guide to find areas where the species you're hunting likely lurk.

2026 Montana Application Details

Application Deadlines:

• April 1, 2026: Deer, Elk, and Non-resident Combination Licenses.
• May 1, 2026: Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, and Bison.
• June 1, 2026: Pronghorn (Antelope).
• June 30, 2026: Super Tags (Multi-species lottery).
• Sept 30, 2026: Deadline to purchase Bonus Points only (if you didn't apply).
• Dec 31, 2026: Deadline to purchase Non-resident Preference Points only.
• Big Game Species: Elk, Mule Deer, Whitetail Deer, Pronghorn Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Shiras Moose, Mountain Goat, Bison, Black Bear, and Mountain Lion.

Concerning pronghorn, populations are holding steady. Unlike deer and elk, Montana does not offer a general antelope season. Tags are unit specific. A plus side to chasing pronghorn is that many of the units speed goats call home offer excellent public land opportunities. You can draw an archery tag for pronghorn about every other year. Rifle tags will take about five years to draw.

That’s it; you’re all set. Remember, if you want to enter Montana’s big-game playground, you’ll need to enter the yearly draw. Applications for deer and elk can be submitted starting on March 1, 2026 and has a deadline of April 1st, at 11:45 pm MST. Pronghorn antelope has a deadline of June 1st, at 11:45 pm MST.

---