Big Game

A ton of work goes into a bear hunt, including tough backcountry pack-outs, scouting, and baiting. When you're finally onto a prized bear, you want to ensure that you're taking a shot that will bring down this tough and unforgiving game animal quickly and ethically. 

If you've been lucky enough to spend some time in elk regions during the rut, then you've likely heard an elk bugle.

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!

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.

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.

Part of being a responsible and ethical hunter is understanding that once you take the shot, there's no going back. This makes correctly identifying your target game species before the shot even more crucial.

Can you tell the difference?

Hunting is not a competition, but if it were, moose hunting would have to be near the pinnacle. These stunning creatures' sheer size, majesty, and elusiveness make moose hunting one of the most challenging and rewarding a hunter can undertake. 

Sheep hunting is tough. I don't mean a couple of hours packed out across a challenging saddle kind of tough. I'm talking about hunting at high elevations, where even your mental fortitude and patience will determine the outcome of your hunt (that's if you can get a tag in the first place).