MONTANA

Montana offers possibly the MOST complicated draw system for getting a license across the West. Between bonus points, preference points, 900-series tags, and changes each year, it can be tough to know when and where you are going to hunt in Big Sky country.

That said, the hunting opportunities offer a relatively consistent chance to have quality low-point hunts each year. For rifle hunters, generous season dates allow you to craft a hunt that fits your style, whether scouting and getting one on opening day is your favorite method, or waiting until the snow flies and animals are on their feet. Archery hunters also are offered one of the longest seasons across the west, which allows folks to make return trips in the same season if your schedule allows.

Granted mule deer quality is not comparable to more conservatively-managed states, it is a good chance to hunt rutting bucks each year and likely see good numbers of animals on the landscape. Plus, the increasing opportunities to chase mountain whitetails in Western Montana give people options to have a fun public land hunt.

Elk are difficult to get into consistently in Montana thanks to lower densities, private-land issues in places, and high hunter pressure. However, the mountains are so vast and escapement is good and a real special bull can come from nearly anywhere in Montana.

Pronghorn hunts are easy to obtain if you are willing to hunt with a bow, and/or have private land access. Rifle hunters have to wait a few years before getting the chance to chase speedgoats, and while the hunt may not rival that of Wyoming or other quality pronghorn states, the opportunity to get out and get one is always there.