Montana Bird Hunting

Seasons Span September 1 – January 1, 2024

Resident License Fees:

$17.50 (base + upland)

Non-Resident License Fees:

$125 (base + upland)
3-Day $50

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Purchase License Online

Visit State DNR Website

*prior to hunting, always verify all local rules and regulations with the appropriate state agencies because these laws are continually changing and are often area specific



Hungarian Partridge

Montana Hungarian Partridge Season

September 1 – January 1, 2024

Limits: 8 per day, 32 possession


Blue Grouse

Montana Blue Grouse Season

September 1 – January 1, 2024

Limits: 3 per day, 12 possession in aggregate with Ruffed and Spruce


Spruce Grouse

Montana Spruce Grouse Season

September 1 – January 1, 2024

 Limits: 3 per day, 12 possession in aggregate with Ruffed and Blue


Ruffed Grouse

Montana Ruffed Grouse Season

September 1 – January 1, 2024

Limits: 3 per day, 12 possession in aggregate with Blue and Spruce


Ring-Necked Pheasant

Montana Ring-Necked Pheasant Season

October 7 – January 1, 2024

Limits: 3 per day, 9 possession


Sharptail Grouse

Montana Sharp-Tailed Grouse Season

September 1 – January 1, 2024

Limits: 4 per day, 16 possession


Sage Grouse

Montana Sage Grouse Season

September 1 – September 30, 2023

Limits: 2 per day, 4 possession

Hunting friends

Grouse Camp Lore

It’s quiet. Six inches of fresh powder and temperatures in the teens have subdued the forest. I’ve been on the road since 4 a.m….

Blue Grouse in Tree

Treed Grouse Dilemma

There are times, especially early in a season, when forest grouse – Dusky, Spruce, Ruffed – have yet to recognize that almost everything loves…