The Top 7 Reasons Montana Is the Best State for Deer Hunting

Montana is known for its massive size and abundant natural beauty. Although the Treasure State has a lot of open land, it is not necessarily known for being one of the top deer-hunting states in the country. Maybe the state should be included in the conversation for great deer hunting, though. Discover the reasons Montana is the best state for deer hunting in the United States!

After this, maybe you’ll have a new appreciation of the potential hunting experiences waiting in Big Sky Country.

1. Montana Is the Best State for Deer Hunting Because of Its Population

The first reason that Montana is the best state for deer hunting is that it has the right combination of populations. First and foremost, Montana has a lot of deer living in the state, meaning there are many opportunities for people to hunt. Recent estimates suggest that about 507,000 deer live in Montana.

Meanwhile, the human population of the Treasure State is only 1.1 million people. In other words, there are more than enough deer to go around for the hunters in this state. Not all of those deer are on lands that people can hunt upon, though.  

2. Big Sky Country Has Millions of Acres of Land on Which to Hunt

Another reason that the Treasure State is one of the best places for people to hunt is the fact that it has so much open space. The state has about 30 million acres of state and federal lands on which people can hunt.

That amount of land is roughly equivalent to the size of Pennsylvania! Of course, people who hunt in this state have to be mindful of the laws for hunting. Some places in the state are a patchwork of private, state, and federal lands. As a result, hunters often use GPS systems and other digital maps to ensure they stay within the confines of the law.

3. Long Hunting Seasons

Another benefit that comes with hunting in Montana is the long hunting season. For example, the 2023 deer season lasts from September 2 to November 27. However, the long season comes with caveats. From September 2 until October 15, hunters are limited to archery. From October 21 to November 26, hunters may use rifles. So, hunters have a long season in which they can seek deer.  

4. The Treasure State Has Two Deer Species

Some states only have one deer species, but Montana is home to two of them. Like many other states, Montana has white-tailed deer by the thousands. The state is also home to mule deer. Mule deer and white-tailed deer vary in many respects, including their size and antler morphologies.

Some hunters believe that mule deer are easier to hunt, though. White-tailed deer are famously skittish and will bolt at the first hint of trouble. Mule deer still look out for trouble, but the species is described as curious, and that leads them to stick around longer than they should. Still, mule deer are not exactly easy to hunt because they live in areas that have challenging terrain and they blend into their environments quite well. Hunters need to know how to approach these deer, something that requires practice and experience to be successful.

5. Montana Has Extraordinary Private Hunting Opportunities  

A benefit of having so much territory and a state culture that celebrates hunting is that just about anyone can get involved. People who live in the state or go there on vacation can link up with private hunting outfitters to arrange a trip.

Such outfitters provide hunters with guided hunting tours, training, and experiences that you can’t find anywhere else. These outfitters often have partnerships to hunt on private lands, giving hunters plenty of space for their activities.

Best of all, the people who take part in these hunts get to embrace the natural beauty of the state. So, even if someone misses out on getting a large buck, they still get an unforgettable experience in the wild.

6. The Varying Landscapes Provide Unique Hunting Experiences

Another reason that Montana is the best state for deer hunting is the availability of many different environments and habitats in the state. Unlike some states that are very flat and open or difficult marred by unscalable mountains, Big Sky Country has a bit of everything.

That means hunters get to stalk their quarry in river valleys, through rugged mountains, out on open grasslands, and more. So, hunters who want a change of scenery and a new challenge will value their experiences in Montana.  

7. Montana’s Mix of Weather and Environments Challenges Hunters

The weather in the Treasure State is mild in the early part of deer season. However, once October rolls around, the weather can get downright nasty. Cold temperatures and early-season snowfalls are just some of the problems that people can face on the hunt.  

When one adds in the rugged, varying environments in which hunters can pursue deer, Montana-style hunting can become extremely challenging. Yet, many hunters appreciate a good challenge, even if they have to break out their jackets and long johns.

All these reasons keep people in Montana coming back year after year. However, one’s preference for where to hunt is very subjective. This article highlighted some of the best parts about the Treasure State’s hunting, but some people may still prefer other states’ offerings.

Summary of the Reasons Montana Is the Best State for Deer Hunting

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