2021 BLACK BEAR - Montana State Parks
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2021 BLACK BEAR
MONTANA FWP HUNTING REGULATIONS
Black Bear Ursus americanus Photo by Alec Pinero
TURN IN POACHERS: CALL 1-800-TIP-MONT
fwp.mt.gov
See page 2 for highlights and remindersHighlights/Reminders at an FWP office. A fee of $5 per license will be charged for each
duplicate license.
• 48 hour reporting requirement for black bear hunting in Bear
Management Units (BMUs) 510, 520 & 700. • It is unlawful to:
• All of Administrative Region 4 is included in single BMU 400. See –– Swear or affirm to a false statement in order to obtain a duplicate
boundary description and restricted areas. license.
• Your bear license is only one license to be validated and attached to –– Possess an original as well as a duplicate license(s). If the original
the carcass, just like your deer, elk or other game animal licenses. There is found, it must be returned to FWP at any regional office.
are no longer separate carcass and hide tags. –– Allow a license of any type to be used by another person.
Regulations Adopted by F&W Commission Residency
Regulations for season dates, structures, and restrictions were It is unlawful to swear to or to affirm a false statement in order to
adopted by the Fish & Wildlife Commission on February 4, 2021, obtain an original or duplicate resident hunting and/or fishing license
under the authority granted in MCA 87-1-301 and are valid March OR to assist an unqualified applicant in obtaining a resident license
1, 2021 through February 28, 2022. The F&W Commission reserves (MCA 87-6-302).
the authority to amend the seasons, limits and regulations herein if Resident (MCA 87-2-102)
deemed necessary for wildlife management purposes. Statutes and • To be a legal Montana resident and eligible to purchase any Montana
other information, including other agencies’ restrictions, are provided resident fishing, hunting, and trapping license you must:
as a courtesy and do not fall under commission authority. Henry “Hank” –– have been physically living in Montana for at least 180 consecutive
Worsech, Director. days immediately prior to purchasing a resident license;
Discrimination Prohibited – State and Federal laws, Title VI of Civil –– register your vehicle(s) in Montana;
Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, –– be registered to vote in Montana if you’re registered to vote at all;
Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age –– not possess current (or have applied for any) resident hunting,
Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments fishing, or trapping privileges in another state or country;
of 1972, prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age,
–– file Montana state income tax returns as a resident, if you are
religion, national origin, or disability. Anyone believing he or she has
required to file.
been discriminated against (as described above) in any FWP program,
activity, or facility may write to FWP Human Resources, 1420 East • To purchase an annual resident Conservation License you will be
Sixth Avenue, PO Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701 or the office required to show a valid Montana Driver’s License (MDL), a valid
of Equal Opportunity, U.S. Department of the Interior, Washington, Montana Identification Card (MIC) or a valid Tribal Identification Card.
D.C. 20240. Any changes made to this printed publication can be • If your MDL or MIC has been issued for less than six months, you may
found on the MTFWP website or by inquiring at any local FWP office. be required to show additional proof of residency. An out-of-state
driver’s license is NOT an acceptable form of ID for resident license
License Chart purchases. Contact your local FWP office for specifics.
Cost • Once you have established your residency, you must continue to
License Non- Stipulations meet all these requirements and physically reside in Montana as
Resident your principal or primary place of abode for not less than 120 days
resident
Base Hunting $10 $15 Required prerequisite for hunting. per year (days need not be consecutive).
• A person is NOT considered a resident for the purposes of this
Conservation section if the person:
12-17 and 62+ $4 $10 Required prerequisite. –– claims residence in any other state or country for any purpose; or
years
–– is an absentee property owner paying property tax on property
Conservation
$8 $10 Required prerequisite.
in Montana.
18-61 years Nonresident
Spring and Fall License Purchase Restrictions: • Nonresident unmarried minors are considered a resident for
• Spring Season: A Black Bear License purpose of obtaining hunting and fishing licenses if the minor’s
purchased after April 14 may not be parents, legal guardian, or parent with joint custody, sole custody,
used until 24 hours after the license or visitation rights is a legal resident of Montana.
Black Bear $19 $350 is issued.
• Fall Season: A Black Bear License
Armed Forces
purchased after August 31 may not A member of the regular armed forces of the United States, a
be used until 24 hours after the member’s spouse or dependent as defined in 15-30-2115, who resides
license is issued. in the member’s household, or a member of the armed forces of a
A Bow and Arrow License, plus the foreign government attached to the regular armed forces of the
proper hunting license is required United States is considered a resident for Montana hunting, fishing,
Bow and Arrow during black bear Archery-only and trapping licenses if:
$10 $10 -the member is a Montana resident as listed above and continues
(Archery) Season or to archery hunt black bear
in an Arch-Equip only area or hunting to meet the residency criteria of income tax filing and voter
district. registration, the member is not required to meet the other residency
criteria in MCA 87-2-102 and may hold resident licenses in another
Obtain a License state or country; or,
• A hunter may purchase only one Black Bear License per year. A Black - the member is currently stationed in and assigned to active
Bear License purchased after April 14 for the spring season or after duty in Montana, has resided in Montana for at least 30 days, and
August 31 for the fall season may not be used until 24 hours after the presents official assignment orders and a certificate verifying
license is issued. A free Black Bear Identification Test Certificate is successful completion of an approved hunter safety course from
required to obtain a license. A hunter must take and pass a “Black any state or province.
Bear Identification test” before purchasing a Black Bear hunting Hunter Education
license. A hunter must present a certificate of completion issued by
FWP at the time of purchase. The test is available online at: Hunter Education for Firearm and Archery (MCA 87-2-105)
fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/bear-identification • If you were born after January 1, 1985, you are required to show proof
• The licenses listed in the license chart are available at FWP offices, of completing a Montana hunter safety and education course (or an
the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov, and FWP license providers. approved hunter education course from any other state or province)
• Replacements of lost, stolen or destroyed licenses may be purchased prior to applying for or purchasing a hunting license, whether the
at FWP offices and FWP License Providers. A second duplicate license hunting license is for the rifle or archery season.
for the same species within a two-year period may only be purchased • Montana law requires members of the armed forces and their
2 Turn In Poachers. Enough is Enough! Make the call: 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668)dependents stationed in Montana to present a Montana hunter The length of the arrow is measured from the rearward point of the
education certificate or similar certificate from any state or province nock to the tip of the broadhead.
when purchasing any Montana hunting license. –– A broadhead is mounted on the fore end.
• Duplicates – Montana certificates of completion for the Montana –– The arrow shall weigh no less than 300 grains with the broadhead
hunter education and/or bowhunter education courses may be attached.
obtained from FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter. –– Arrows must have broadheads with at least two cutting edges and
Bowhunter Education Requirements (MCA 87-2-105) be at least 7/8 inches at the widest point. Expandable broadheads
• To purchase a Montana Bow and Arrow License, a hunter must: are legal as long as when expanded they are at least 7/8 inches at
–– provide a certificate of completing the National Bowhunter the widest point, and weigh no less than 70 grains.
Education Foundation course, or The following are not considered a hunting bow or legal archery
–– provide any prior year’s bowhunting/archery stamp, tag, permit, equipment during the Archery-only Season or in an Archery
or license from any state or province. Equipment Only area or hunting district:
Youth Hunter: –– crossbow
• A resident or nonresident youth 12 years of age or older may hunt –– any device with a gun-type stock or incorporating any device
any game species for which their license is valid. Those who will or mechanism that holds the bowstring at partial or full draw
reach 12 years of age by January 16, 2022, may hunt any game without the shooter’s muscle power
species for which their license is valid after August 15 of the 2021 –– any bow for which a portion of the bow’s riser (handle) or any
license year. Proof of hunter education must be presented at the track, trough, channel, or other device that attaches directly to
time of purchase. the bow’s riser contacts, supports, and/or guides the arrow from
• In order to carry or use a firearm for any reason, a youth under 14 years a point rearward of the bow’s brace height. This is not intended
of age must be accompanied by a person having charge or custody to restrict the use of standard overdraw systems.
of the youth, or be under the supervision of a qualified firearms safety –– electronic or battery-powered devices attached to a hunting bow
instructor or an adult 18 years of age or older who has been authorized or arrow that aides in the taking or locating of any game animal
by the youth’s parent or guardian, MCA 45-8-344. or game bird. Exception: Camera devices attached to bows for
the sole purpose of filming are allowed.
Laws and Rules –– a bow sight or arrow which uses artificial light, luminous
chemicals such as tritium, or electronics. Exception: an arrow
Aircraft- Unlawful use (MCA 87-6-208) may have a lighted nock.
• It is unlawful for a person to shoot a game animal from an aircraft. Artificial Light (MCA 87-6-401)
• It is unlawful for a person to use an aircraft for the purpose of
concentrating, pursuing, driving, rallying, or stirring up any game animal. It is unlawful for anyone to take or attempt to take any game animal or
• Aircraft may not be used to locate game animals for the purpose of: game bird with the aid of projected artificial light. Use of rifle scopes that
project an artificial light to illuminate the target or project infra-red light
--hunting those animals during the same hunting day after a person visible only with specialized optics to illuminate the target are unlawful
has been airborne; or for the taking of game animals.
--providing information for another person for the purpose of hunting
those animals within the same hunting day after being airborne. Baiting (MCA 87-6-401, CR)
• It is unlawful for anyone to hunt or attempt to hunt by the aid of or
Archery Equipment (MCA 87-6-401, CR) with the use of any bait, salt lick, trap, snare or set gun.
• It is unlawful to use any chemical or explosive device attached to • Baiting shall mean the placing, exposing, depositing, distributing,
an arrow to aid in the taking of game animals. or scattering of food sources or salt so as to constitute a lure or
• The following criteria define Archery Equipment. It is unlawful to attraction.
possess, while hunting game during any Archery-only Season and Black Bear Specific Regulations (CR)
in Archery Equipment Only areas, archery equipment that does • It is unlawful to harvest/take black bear cubs. Cubs are defined as
not meet the following criteria: bears less than one year old.
Hunting Bow: A hunting bow for game animals shall be a longbow, • It is unlawful to harvest/take a female black bear with cubs.
flatbow, recurve bow, compound bow, or any combination of these
designs. Check Stations (MCA 87-6-218)
--The bow must be a device for launching an arrow, which derives All hunters are required by law to stop as directed at all designated
its propulsive energy solely from the bending and recovery of check stations on their way to and from hunting areas, even if they
two limbs (includes bows with split limbs). have no game to be checked.
--The bow must be hand drawn by a single and direct uninterrupted Dogs (MCA 87-6-404)
pulling action of the shooter. The bowstring must be moved from It is unlawful for a person to use dogs to chase game animals.
brace height to the full draw position by the muscle power of the Dogs may be utilized to recover or locate wounded game animals
shooter’s body. The energy used to propel the arrow shall not but handlers shall maintain physical control of the dog at all
be derived from any other source such as hydraulic, pneumatic, times by means of a maximum 50-foot lead attached to the
mechanical, or similar devices. These limitations shall not exclude dog’s collar or harness.
the mechanical leverage advantage provided by eccentric wheels Evidence of Sex (MCA 87-6-406)
or cams, so long as the available energy stored in the bent limbs
of the bow is the sole result of a single, continuous, and direct A person who kills a game animal in this state shall retain
pulling effort by the shooter. evidence of sex of the animal with the carcass until it is processed.
The provisions of this section do not apply to a game animal
--The bow must be hand-held. One hand shall hold the bow and the harvested using a license with which either sex of the animal
other hand draw the bowstring. The bowstring must be moved and/ may be taken. Evidence of sex does not need to be naturally
or held at all points in the draw cycle entirely by muscle power of attached. A person who kills a game animal in a hunting district
the shooter until release. The bowstring must be released as a direct where the harvest is limited by the animal’s antler point or horn
and conscious action of the shooter, either relaxing the tension of the size shall retain the antlers or horns until the carcass is processed.
fingers or triggering the release action of a hand-held release aid.
▪▪ Exception: Physically disabled bowhunters certified by FWP Firearms
with the Permit To Modify Archery Equipment (PTMAE) are • Firearms, including rifles, handguns, shotguns with 0, 00, or slugs,
exempted from the requirement of holding or shooting the and muzzleloaders; archery equipment; and crossbows are lawful
bow with their hands. for taking game animals. All other methods of take are prohibited.
–– A bow is considered legal if it is at least 28 inches in total length. • There is no rifle or handgun caliber limitation or magazine/round
–– The nominal percent of let-off for hunting bows shall be a capacity restrictions for the taking of game animals.
maximum of 80 percent as advertised by the manufacturer. • Rifle scopes with illuminated reticles, built-in range-finding capabilities,
Arrow: An arrow is a projectile at least 20 inches in overall length. and “red dot” scopes are lawful for the taking of game animals.
2021 Black Bear Hunting Regulations 3
Visit fwp.mt.govGlandular Scents (CR) carrying the required license or permit at the time
• Natural or artificial glandular scents may not be used to hunt black • refuse to produce a license or permit and the identification used in
bears. purchasing a license or permit for inspection to a game warden
Hunter Harassment (MCA 87-6-215) • alter or change a license in any material manner
• loan or transfer any license to another person
It is unlawful to:
• use a license issued to another person
• intentionally interfere with the lawful taking of a wild animal.
• attach the person’s license to a game animal killed by another person
• disturb an individual engaged in the lawful taking of a wild animal with
• have physical control over a valid and unused hunting license or permit
intent to prevent the taking of the animal.
issued to another person while in any location that the species to be
Hunting Hours (CR) hunted may inhabit. This prohibition does not apply to a person who
Authorized hunting hours for the taking of game animals begin one-half is carrying or has physical control over a license or permit issued to
hour before sunrise and end one-half hour after sunset each day of the that person’s spouse or to any minor when the spouse or minor is
hunting season. See the official Sunrise-Sunset Tables listed on page 15. hunting with that person.
Hunter Orange Requirement (MCA 87-6-414) License Validation and Tagging (MCA 87-6-411)
A person may not hunt any game animals in this state or accompany any • A hunter must cut out the proper month and day of the kill from the
hunter as an outfitter or guide under any of the provisions of the laws appropriate license and attach it to the animal before the carcass is
of this state without wearing as exterior garments, above the waist, a removed from the site of the kill, or before the hunter leaves the site
total of not less than 400 square inches of hunter orange (fluorescent) of the kill.
material visible at all times while hunting. • To properly validate a license (sometimes referred to as a tag):
This section does not apply to a person hunting with a bow and –– The triangles denoting the month and day the animal was killed
arrow during the special archery season; or hunting wolves outside must be completely cut out and removed.
the general deer and elk season as authorized by commission rules. –– The properly validated license must remain with the meat
However, bowhunters hunting wolf during any portion of the general (including cold storage) until consumed.
(firearm) seasons for deer, elk, antelope, moose, sheep, mountain
goat, black bear, or mountain lion must meet the hunter orange Littering (MCA 75-10-212)
requirement while hunting. A holder of a Montana resident or nonresident hunting license or camping
permit convicted of littering campgrounds, public or private lands,
Incidental Harvest Resulting in an Unlawfully Taken Animal streams, or lakes, while hunting, fishing, or camping shall forfeit any
If you or a member of your hunting party shoots an animal that results current Montana hunting, fishing, or trapping license and the privilege
in an unlawfully taken animal, you should notify a FWP game warden to hunt, fish, camp, or trap in Montana for a period of one year.
or 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668) immediately and follow their
instructions. Marked or Radio-Collared Animals (CR)
> Hunters should field dress the animal, but DO NOT transport the It is lawful to shoot game animals that have radio collars, neck bands,
animal until you’ve received instructions. ear tags and/or other markers, but markers and radio collars must be
returned to FWP. Please report the killing of a marked animal to the
Indian Reservations (MCA 87-6-204, CR) local FWP Office.
• The F&W Commission has by rule, closed all lands within the
exterior boundaries of Montana’s Indian Reservations to the hunting Motion-Tracking Devices (MCA 87-6-401)
of game animals with the use of state licenses unless provided for It is unlawful for a person, while hunting, to possess any electronic motion-
in a cooperative agreement between the Tribal Government and tracking device or mechanism that is designed to track the motion of
the State of Montana. a game animal and relay information on the animal’s movement to the
hunter. Motion tracking devices are defined by F&W Commission as
• Currently there are no cooperative agreements between FWP remote operated camera or video devices capable of transmitting real
and any of the Tribal Governments in Montana and as such the time information, pictures or videos; seismic devices; thermal imaging
season for the hunting of game animals, by nonmembers, with a devices; and satellite and radio telemetry devices. A radio-tracking collar
state license is closed. Please contact FWP for further questions attached to a dog that is used by a hunter engaged in lawful hunting
or information. activities is not considered an unlawful motion-tracking device.
Inspection by Warden (MCA 87-1-502, 87-6-218) Motorized Vehicles (MCA 87-6-405)
Game animals, game and nongame birds, fish, and furbearers taken must It is unlawful for anyone to:
be shown to FWP Enforcement personnel for inspection when requested. • hunt or attempt to hunt any game animal from any self propelled
Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC) (motorized) or drawn vehicle. To be lawful, a hunter must have two
Montana is a member of the IWVC. Under the compact, member states feet on the ground and his/her body outside of the vehicle. Holders
recognize suspensions of hunting, fishing or trapping privileges. It is of the Permit To Hunt From A Vehicle are the exception to this.
unlawful for a violator whose privilege to hunt, fish or trap is suspended • use a motorized vehicle or aircraft to concentrate, drive, rally, stir-up,
to obtain or attempt to obtain a license, tag or permit in a member state. corral, or harass game animals.
For more information, call 406‑444‑2452. • use a motor-driven vehicle on a road or trail on state land if that road
or trail is posted as closed by the land management agency. This
Kill Site Verification (ARM 12.6.1005) restriction applies only to state land and not to federal land. For more
At the request of a FWP game warden, it is required to return to the information related to state school trust lands, see page 10.
kill site of any game animal, game bird, wolf, or furbearer that has • use a motor-driven vehicle other than on a road or trail designated
been hunted or trapped. for travel by a landowner unless permission has been given by that
Landowner Permission (MCA 87-6-415) landowner.
A resident or nonresident shall obtain permission of the landowner, Off Road- Federal lands (CR)
the lessee, or their agents before taking or attempting to take • operate, on federal public lands, a motorized wheeled vehicle
furbearing animals, game animals, migratory game birds, nongame off legal routes (including game retrieval). All Federally
wildlife, predatory animals, upland game birds, or wolves while approved travel plans on public lands in Montana have been
hunting on private property. adopted by the F&W Commission. Contact the appropriate
• Even if the land is not posted, hunters must have permission from land management agencies for travel plan information.
the land owner, lessee, or their agent before hunting on private Boats (MCA 87-6-207)
property, regardless of whether the land is posted or not. • use a powerboat, sailboat, or any boat under sail or any floating
• Access to public land through private land requires permission of device towed by a powerboat, sailboat, or any boat under sail for
the private land owner, lessee, or their agent. the purpose of killing, capturing, taking, pursuing, concentrating,
• Retrieval of all wildlife through private land requires permission of
driving, or stirring up any game animal.
the private landowner, lessee, or their agent.
License and Permit Possession and Use (MCA 87-6-304) Off–Highway Vehicles (including ATV, UTV and dirt bikes)
Residents (MCA 23-2-804, 23-2-111) – OHVs must be registered with
It is unlawful to:
the county treasurer and display a current off-highway permanent
• hunt or attempt to hunt for any game animal unless the person is
4 Turn In Poachers. Enough is Enough! Make the call: 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668)registration decal to be used for off-road recreation on public lands pit or right-of-way of any public highway (the entire width between the
(trails, frozen lakes, reservoirs). To be used on roads (county, Forest boundary lines of every publicly maintained way when any part thereof
Service, etc.), an OHV must be registered with the county treasurer is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel.
and display a license plate and street-legal modifications. Resident Recorded Animal Sounds (MCA 87-6-401)
hunters utilizing “summer motorized recreation trails” must also It is unlawful to use any recorded or electrically amplified bird or
purchase a summer motorized recreation trail pass (decal) at a animal calls or sounds or imitations of bird or animal calls or sounds
cost of $20, valid for 2 years and expires on December 31 of the to assist in the hunting, taking, killing or capturing of any wildlife
second calendar year. All decals must be affixed in a conspicuous except predatory animals, wolves, and those birds not protected
place on the OHV. by state or federal law.
Nonresidents (MCA 23-2-814) – OHVs that are owned by a Simulated Wildlife (MCA 87-6-217)
nonresident may not be operated by a person anywhere in Montana
It is unlawful to discharge a firearm or other hunting implement at a
unless a nonresident temporary-use permit is obtained. North Dakota
simulated wildlife decoy in violation of any state statute, ARM, or F&W
residents are exempt. Permits are good for one calendar year, cost
Commission rule regulating the hunting of the wildlife being simulated.
$35 and can be purchased from local vendors (stateparks.mt.gov/
recreation/ohvProgram.html, OHV Permits and Laws), at FWP Transport of Wildlife
offices or online at app.mt.gov/als. Contact Montana State Parks • An individual other than the license holder may transport lawfully
OHV Program at 406-444-3750. taken, properly tagged game animals that comply with the “Evidence
of Sex Requirements.”
Outfitters and Guides (MCA 37-47-301) • It is unlawful to ship, possess, transport, or take out of state unlawfully
A person may not act as an outfitter or guide or advertise or killed game animals.
otherwise represent to the public that the person is an outfitter or • It is a violation of the Federal Lacey Act to transport an unlawfully taken
guide without first securing a license. game animal across state boundaries.
• It is unlawful to engage in outfitting/guiding while not licensed. • If you are transporting lawfully taken wildlife (including parts and/or
• It is unlawful to hire an outfitter or guide not licensed by the products of live or dead animals) between the United States and any
Department of Labor and Industry. For information, call 406-841-2300. foreign country, you must complete a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Possession of Wildlife Parts (MCA 87-6-202) declaration form. For further information contact the USFWS Wildlife
A person may not possess, ship, or transport all or part of any game inspector at 406-335-4350 or www.fws.gov.
fish, bird, game animal, or fur-bearing animal that was unlawfully • Questions concerning carcass transport may be directed to FWP
killed, captured, or taken, whether killed, captured, or taken in Enforcement at 406-444-2452 or to your home state’s wildlife division.
Montana or outside of Montana. This section does not prohibit the Traps (MCA 87-6-601)
possession, shipping, or transportation of: It is unlawful to destroy, disturb, or remove any trap or snare belonging
(a) hides, heads, or mounts of lawfully killed, captured, or taken to another person or remove wildlife from a trap or snare belonging to
game fish, birds, game animals, or fur-bearing animals, except another person without permission of the owner of the trap or snare.
that the sale or purchase of a hide, head, or mount of a grizzly Two-way Communication (ARM 12.6.1010)
bear is prohibited, except as provided by federal law;
(b) naturally shed antlers or the antlers with a skull or portion of a The use of two-way electronic communication is prohibited:
skull attached from a game animal that has died from natural • while in the act of hunting game animals or wolves to aid in the taking
causes and that has not been unlawfully killed, captured, or taken or locating of live animals
or accidentally killed; • while in the act of hunting mountain lion or bobcats with dogs,
(c) the bones of an elk, antelope, moose, or deer that has died from beginning when the dogs are placed or physically released on tracks
natural causes and that has not been unlawfully killed, captured, or a scent trail
or taken or accidentally killed; • to avoid game check stations or FWP enforcement personnel.
Vehicle Killed Wildlife Salvage Permit (MCA 87-3-145) (ARM • to facilitate unlawful hunting activity
12.3.186)Carcasses and parts of elk, deer, antelope and moose The use of two-way electronic communication for the use of safety or
killed in vehicular collisions may be taken and possessed but only other legitimate purposes is exempt.
with a Vehicle-Killed Wildlife Salvage Permit. No other game Two-way electronic communication includes, but is not limited to, the
animals may be salvaged by this permit. following: radios (walkie-talkies/CB), cell phones, text messages, and
Recovery and possession of horns and skulls from mountain the use of social media or other electronic platforms, applications,
sheep that died of natural causes (MCA 87-3-315) or programs.
A person may recover and possess the horn or horns and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles UAV (CR)
attached skull, or portion thereof, of a mountain sheep that died
It is unlawful for a person to use an UAV/drone for the purposes of
of natural causes and was not purposefully or accidentally killed,
captured, or taken, including due to being struck by a vehicle. concentrating, pursuing, driving, rallying, or stirring up any game animal.
Horns and skulls recovered pursuant to this section must be A UAV/drone may not be used to locate game animals for the purposes
reported to the department by a method prescribed by the of: hunting those animals during the same hunting day after a UAV/
department within 48 hours and presented to the department drone has been airborne, or providing information for another person
for inspection and placement of a permanent pin in a horn within for the purposes of hunting those animals within the same hunting day
10 days. The fee for the pin is $25. after the UAV/drone has been airborne. UAVs/drones are not allowed
This section does not allow the recovery or possession of horns and to film a hunt.
skulls found in state parks. Waste of Game (MCA 87-6-205)
Predatory Animals and Nongame Hunting • Hunters, or persons in possession of a game animal or game animal
parts, are prohibited from wasting or rendering unfit for human
Predatory animals and nongame species can be hunted in Montana consumption any part of a game animal that is defined as “suitable
year-round without a license by both resident and nonresident hunters. for food.”
A conservation license, or a State School Trust lands recreational use • For game animals (excluding mountain lions), all of the four quarters
license is required to hunt predatory animals and nongame species on above the hock, including loin and backstrap are considered suitable
State School Trust lands. Permission must be obtained to hunt predatory for food.
animals and nongame species on private land.
• Predatory Animals are classified as coyote, weasel, (striped) skunk,
and civet cat (spotted skunk). Hunter with a Disability
• Nongame species are defined as any wild animal not otherwise legally If you or someone you know has a disability and/or is aging, and is
classified by statute or regulation in Montana. Examples include in need of assistive technology (AT) or adaptive equipment to help
badger, raccoon, red fox, hares, rabbits, ground squirrels, marmots, you participate in outdoor recreation, please contact:
tree squirrels, porcupines, and prairie dog.
MonTech at the University of Montana Rural Institute
Public Roadways (MCA 87-6-403) 29 McGill Hall, U of M | Missoula, MT 59812
It is unlawful for anyone to hunt or attempt to hunt any game animal: (406) 243-5751 | montech.ruralinstitute.umt.edu/
on, from, or across any public highway or the shoulder, berm, barrow
2021 Black Bear Hunting Regulations 5
Visit fwp.mt.govBlack Bear Management Units
This map is only intended as a guide. Please refer to the legal descriptions in this document for actual boundaries.
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2021 Black Bear Hunting Regulations 7
Visit fwp.mt.govBlack Bear Management Unit Regulations
Spring Fall Archery-only
BMU Opportunity Spring Season General Season Notes
Quota Quotas Season
100 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - May 31 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28
Check Restricted Area Descriptions
(p 11): Kuhns WMA map available
102 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - May 31 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28 from FWP Region 1, Kalispell
office 406-752-5501.
103 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - May 31 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28
104 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - May 31 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28
Check Restricted Area Descriptions
105 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - May 31 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28 (p 11): Libby Big Game Archery-
only Hunting Area.
Check Restricted Area
Descriptions (p 11): BNSF right-
106 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - May 31 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28 of-way from Marias Pass to the
Java Creek Bridge is closed.
107 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - May 31 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28
108 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - May 31 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28
200 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - Jun 15 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28
Check Restricted Area Descriptions
(p 11): Grant Kohrs Ranch near Deer
Lodge is closed to all hunting; Lee
216 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - Jun 15 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28 Metcalf Refuge Legal description, map,
and regulations available from the
Lee Metcalf Refuge, 406-777-5552.
240 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - Jun 15 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28
280 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - Jun 15 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28
Check Restricted Area Descriptions
(p 11): Seeley Lake Game Preserve
290 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - Jun 15 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28 is closed to all hunting: East
Ovando Archery-only Area.
Check Restricted Area Descriptions (p 11):
300 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - May 31 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28 Helena Valley Weapons Restriction Area;
Gates of the Mountains Game Preserve.
Check Restricted Area Descriptions (p
301 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - May 31 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28 11): Townsend Weapons Restriction Area
Black bear hunting is restricted
to ArchEquip, shotgun, traditional
handgun, muzzleloader, or crossbow
only, EXCEPT on some private
309 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - Jun 15 Sep 05 - Nov 28 lands, which are excluded from the
weapons restrictions. Map available
from FWP Region 3, Bozeman Office
406-577-7900, or on the web at: fwp.
mt.gov/gis/maps/huntPlanner/.
Check Restricted Area Descriptions
(p 11): Poindexter Slough FAS south
316 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - Jun 15 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28 of Dillon, restricted to ArchEquip,
shotgun, traditional handgun,
muzzleloader or crossbow only.
Check Restricted Area Descriptions
(p 11): Poindexter Slough FAS south
317 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - Jun 15 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28 of Dillon, restricted to ArchEquip,
shotgun, traditional handgun,
muzzleloader or crossbow only.
Check Restricted Area Descriptions
(p 11): Gates of the Mountains
319 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - May 31 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28 Game Preserve; Townsend
Weapons Restriction Area.
8 Turn In Poachers. Enough is Enough! Make the call: 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668)Black Bear Management Unit Regulations
Spring Fall Archery-only
BMU Opportunity Spring Season General Season Notes
Quota Quota Season
Check Restricted Area Descriptions
341 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - Jun 15 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28 (p 11): Gardiner CLOSED to
hunting of all game animals.
Check Restricted Area Descriptions (p
11): Gates of the Mountains Game Pre-
400 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - May 31 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28 serve; Brinkman Game Preserve; Sun
River Game Preserve; are all closed to
bear hunting.
Any person harvesting a black
bear in this BMU must personally
Total call the Harvest Reporting Line at
harvest 1-877-FWP-WILD (397-9453) or
quota (406) 444-0356 within 48 hours of
Female
=5 the kill. Archery-only quota not more
510 Either-sex quota Apr 15 - May 31 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28 than 20% of Fall harvest subquota.
=2
Female When the quota is reached or
subquota approached, the black bear season
=2 in this BMU will close upon 48 hours
notice. For Quota Status call 1-800-
385-7826 or (406) 444-1989.
Any person harvesting a black
bear in this BMU must personally
call the Harvest Reporting Line at
1-877-FWP-WILD (397-9453) or
(406) 444-0356 within 48 hours of
Female
Female the kill. Archery-only quota not more
520 Either-sex quota Apr 15 - May 31 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28
quota = 12 than 20% of Fall harvest subquota.
= 10 When the quota is reached or
approached, the black bear season
in this BMU will close upon 48 hours
notice. For Quota Status call 1-800-
385-7826 or (406) 444-1989.
580 Either-sex - - Apr 15 - May 31 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28
Region 6: No Season
Any person harvesting a black
bear in this BMU must personally
call the Harvest Reporting Line at
1-877-FWP-WILD (397-9453) or
(406) 444-0356 within 48 hours of
Harvest
Harvest the kill. Archery-only quota not more
700 Either-sex quota Apr 15 - May 31 Sep 04 - Sep 14 Sep 15 - Nov 28
quota = 4 than 20% of Fall harvest subquota.
= 12 When the quota is reached or
approached, the black bear season
in this district will close upon 48
hours notice. For Quota Status call
1-800-385-7826 or (406) 444-1989.
Mandatory Reporting Requirements Trichinella in Black Bears
Within 10 days of harvesting a black bear, the successful hunter must Trichinella is a parasite of mammals and some birds. Immature para-
present to a Montana FWP official the complete bear hide and skull sites develop cysts in the muscle of the host animal and are transmitted
for the purpose of inspection, tagging and possible removal of a to a new host when infected meat is eaten raw or undercooked. Wild
tooth (for aging). The hide and skull must be presented in a condition animals rarely show signs of infection. Humans and domestic dogs or
that allows full inspection and tooth collection (i.e., unfrozen). On cats can become infected with Trichinella by consuming raw or under-
the reporting date, successful hunters are required to provide FWP cooked meat from an infected animal. Symptoms of infection vary and
personnel with hunter’s name, telephone number, ALS number, Bear may be severe. All bear and mountain lion meat should be treated as if
Management Unit (BMU) and county. it were infected. Freezing will not kill the organism; however, cooking at
Harvest Reporting .................. 1-877-FWP-WILD or 1-877-397-9453 temperatures above 165 degrees Fahrenheit will kill the parasite. Many
OR 406-444-0356 or through the MyFWP portal at fwp.mt.gov processing techniques (jerky and smoked meats) may not reach the
proper temperature. FWP recommends that all mountain lion and bear
Quota Status/Closure..................800-385-7826 or 406-444-1989 meat be well cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees before
OR on the FWP website..................................... fwp.mt.gov consumption by humans or pets. FWP does not offer Trichinella test-
The toll-free line and FWP website are updated daily by 1 p.m. MST. ing. For further information, call the FWP lab at 406-577-7882.
NOTE: There is a mandatory 48-hour reporting requirement for black
bear hunting in BMUs 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. For quota status call 1-800-385-7826 or (406)
444-1989.
2021 Black Bear Hunting Regulations 9
Visit fwp.mt.govHunter Access Private Lands- See landowner permission.
Railroad Access
Hunters, it is your responsibility to know where you are, to know who
owns the land, and to know what access restrictions apply. Check Railroads and railroad rights-of-way are private property and
FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov/hunt/access for information on FWP’s may not be hunted without permission, nor should they be
Block Management Program. used as access to other lands (private or public) without explicit
permission from the railroad.
Fishing Access Sites
State Game Preserves- See Restricted Area Descriptions.
Many of Montana’s fishing access sites (FAS) offer hunting
opportunities, however certain restrictions may apply such as no- State School Trust Lands
hunting safety zones and/or restrictions on the type of hunting weapon Additional information, including closures and restrictions, is
or firearm that may be used. Refer to the Fishing Access Site website at available from the DNRC at 406-444-2074
myfwp.mt.gov/fishMT/explore for site specific information, • A Conservation License provides hunters, anglers and trappers
opportunities and restrictions. access to lawfully accessible State School Trust lands for related
Federal Land Access activities during applicable seasons. Additional permitting is
• National Parks Service: National Parks are closed to hunting. For required through the Department of Natural Resources and
other lands administered by the National Park Service, please Conservation (DNRC) for trapping on trust lands.
contact the specific site managers for additional information. • Overnight use must not exceed the following limits: two consecutive
• National Wildlife Refuges – More restrictive regulations, including days on leased land, 16 consecutive days within designated
species-specific restrictions and closures, may apply to national campgrounds or on unleased land.
wildlife refuges open to public hunting. Contact the specific • Motorized travel is only allowed on public roads or on roads
refuge and/or visit fws.gov/refuges for additional information. designated as open. This restriction applies to all activity including
• U.S. Forest Service: Area-specific closures or restrictions may game retrieval.
apply. Inquire at the appropriate Regional Forest Service Office. • Firearms may not be discharged upon trust lands within one-
• Bureau of Land Management: Area-specific closures or restrictions quarter mile of inhabited dwellings or outbuildings on state trust
may apply. Inquire at the appropriate BLM Field Office. lands without permission of the inhabitant.
• Other federal lands: Area-specific closures or restrictions may • Open fires are prohibited outside of fire pits within designated
apply. Inquire at the local federal land management agency office. campgrounds.
Unlawful Posting of State or Federal Land (MCA 45-8-115): It is State Wildlife Management Areas (WMA)
unlawful for a person to knowingly post land that is under the FWP’s WMAs are generally open to hunting during the game
ownership or control of the state or federal government to restrict animal hunting season. WMAs with big game winter range are
access or use of state or federal land. closed to public entry, unless otherwise posted, from the day
Indian Reservation Trust Lands following the end of the general deer‑elk season or December
Some reservations may offer game animal hunting opportunities 1, whichever is later, to noon on May 15 each year, as posted.
with the use of Tribal licenses to non-members. Please contact Exception: There are several exceptions to these guidelines.
the appropriate Tribal Government. See “Contacts Outside FWP” For WMA-specific information, please call the regional office
on page 16 for contact information. (see page 16 for contact numbers) or visit the FWP website at:
Montana State Parks fwp.mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management-areas
Some of Montana’s state parks provide hunting opportunities; Stream Access Law
however, certain restrictions may apply such as no-hunting safety The Stream Access Law does not allow for the hunting of game
zones and/or restrictions on the type of hunting weapon or firearm animals between the ordinary high water marks of streams and
that may be used. Contact the specific park and/or refer to the rivers without landowner permission.
Montana State Parks’ website at stateparks.mt.gov for site specific
information regarding hunting opportunities and restrictions.
Carry Bear Spray and Know How To Use It!
–– Hunting puts you at risk of encountering a bear. Calling game and using
scents may attract bears.
–– If you hunt alone, let someone know about your plans. If you feel uneasy
General Bear Distribution in Montana
hunting alone, hunt with a partner.
–– Bears are opportunists and change their behavior to take advantage
of new food sources. Always assume that grizzlies are in the area and
make sure your camps, cabins, and homes are bear proof, and that
bear attractants are unavailable or contained.
–– Mentally rehearse a worst-case scenario with encountering a bear. “If
the mind has never been there before, the body does not know how
to respond.”
–– To minimize the likelihood of attack or chances of human injury, make
certain you have bear spray at the ready and know how to use it. In
sudden grizzly encounters, bear spray has proven effective. Bears
sprayed in the face at close range often stop attacking. Always maintain
a safe distance from bears.
–– Report encounters with grizzly bears to FWP at 1‑800‑TIP‑MONT, U.S.
Forest Service, or one of the nearest FWP bear management specialists
listed below:
Kevin Frey, Bozeman, MT 406-577-7876
In an actual emergency,
Rory Trimbo, Anaconda, MT 406-465-9343
Wesley Sarmento, Conrad, MT 406-450-1097
Tim Manley, Kalispell, MT 406-250-1265
Kim Annis, Libby, MT 406-293-4161 x207
James Jonkel, Missoula, MT 406-542-5508 or 406-544-1447
phone 9-1-1.
Kylie Kembel, Red Lodge, MT 406-850-1131
Seeing a grizzly is not necessarily a reportable encounter or
Chad White, Choteau, MT 406-466-5100
an emergency. Report encounters where the bear displayed
Eli Hampson, Missoula, MT 406-210-3213
aggressive or defensive behavior toward people, livestock or
pets.
10 Turn In Poachers. Enough is Enough! Make the call: 1-800-TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668)You can also read
