Big Game

While mapping and location preparation are essential for a successful hunt, sometimes you can't beat some old-fashioned field work (i.e., keeping your eyes on the ground to look for scat).

What are hunters doing in September? It's time for elk and big game hunts!

Can I hunt elk with a bow? Yes! And if you're looking for some tips (maybe a little on the unorthodox side) to help you bring home that elk you drew a tag for, we've got John Dudley's insights for you today.

Elk are one of the largest of the deer species. A mature bull may reach heights up to 9 feet tall, including their antlers. Cows and their calves live in herds, while bulls tend to live in bachelor groups or alone.

Montana elk season dates for 2026 feature Archery (September 5 – October 18), General Rifle (October 24 – November 29), and Muzzleloader (December 12 – 20). Additional rules apply for specific backcountry units and shoulder management hunts.

Have you ever hunted moose? They are the largest animal within the deer species, with mature male bulls reaching heights up to seven feet tall with an antler span of six feet wide.

Few hunts draw the kind of dedication and perseverance as those of a western elk expedition. With low success rates, high-density hunting, and an almost guaranteed unfilled tag in popular zones, there's something unique and alluring about these stunning creatures that brings hunters back for more beyond the harvesting of organic meat. 

The Grand Canyon State produces stunning mature elk conditioned in the spectacular Rocky Mountain regions. For many out-of-staters, it's a once-in-a-lifetime hunting destination, meaning preparation (both physical and legal), elite scouting,  research, and a bit of luck in the tag draw all play a part in a successful hunt.

It's hard to go past pronghorn hunting for an authentic introduction to western hunting. While the numbers may be in your favor compared to other big game adventures, hunting this stunning creature still presents unique challenges.

With hungry bears on the move and temperatures increasing, spring bear hunts are the ultimate opportunity to secure a freezer full of tasty game, sharpen your hunting skills, test your gear, and explore stunning hunting locations, from dense forests to rugged mountain slopes. 

With Spring approaching, it's time to start planning some hunts. Bear hunting has seen a late resurgence, drawing back to early frontier days of subsistence hunting, where hunters would utilize every part of the Griz or black bear.

Elk hunting, for many of us, is a captivating pursuit. The opportunity to track one of North America's most majestic, athletic, and fascinating game animals in some of the wildest and most challenging terrain is an irresistible prospect.