- Big game is plentiful within the Glacier region
- Don’t forget a hunting license for the game you’ll be going after
- Hunt the Great Bear or Bob Marshall Wilderness for elk, deer and bear
- Take a weeklong hunting trip into the Flathead National Forest area
Overview
Hunting in northwestern Montana is like no other place in the United States, offering such a wide array of big game. The season for archery starts on the first Saturday in September to the Sunday before elk season opens. Elk season is from the end of October for 37 days until the Sunday after Thanksgiving.
Where to Go Hunting
Although hunting isn’t permitted in Glacier National Park, you’ll find an abundance of areas to go close to the park where you can find bear, elk, whitetail and mule deer and much more.
Flathead Range:
If hunting the Flathead Range, try around the Hungry Horse Reservoir and the South Fork Flathead River drainage. The western side of the Swan Crest Mountains shows promise too, for some great hunting.
Flathead National Forest:
You can find some good hunting in both Flathead National Forest and the Kootenai National Forest.
Bob Marshall and Great Bear Wildernesses:
Within Flathead, there are a number of wilderness areas, such as the Great Bear Wilderness and Bob Marshall Wilderness, covering over a million acres of prime hunting ground, with more than 2,000 miles of trails. You’ll find elk, deer and bear. You can get permits through the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Fees
Northwestern Montana is broken down into districts, and to hunt elk you will need to apply for an elk license within that district in which you’ll be hunting. It costs around $593 for a non-resident elk license. You can check the website of the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks for the prices of various hunting licenses.
Hire a Guide
There are a number of outfitters in the Glacier area that offer hunting trips into the backcountry. You can travel by horseback or hike, bring your own food or get a full-serviced trip with meals and supplies. Take a weeklong trip into the wilderness with a guide to experience the best in northwestern Montana hunting. Discover all the adventure that awaits you by browsing the listings on this page.
