Things to Know About Montana Elk Hunting Shoulder Season

The latest shoulder season has been underway for a couple of weeks, but we're thinking you haven't had too many opportunities yet.

But things have to get cooler (and wetter) eventually, right? So we thought maybe a little refresher course might be good for you Montana elk hunters looking to bag some game this late-summer/early-fall.

Elk hunters have been able to try to fill their tags since August 15, and seasons can run in some areas as late as February 15, depending on the hunting district. While most shoulder seasons focus on antlerless elk harvests on private land, a few are meant to address problematic distribution of elk.

Hunters are reminded that permission is always required to hunt on private land. The success of shoulder seasons in Montana will require the participation and cooperation of everyone. And not every hunter agrees with the policy. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks does not intend for shoulder seasons to replace or reduce harvest during existing archery or 5-week general firearms season.

So Montana hunters, if you have concerns like that and want to express them, or if you want to get the latest on fire/drought related hunting conditions, it's always good to pay a visit to the FWP site.

Be safe and best of luck if you're out there working the shoulders!

DB