Muzzleloader Heritage Season Opens December 14 in Montana

Montana's Muzzleloader Heritage Season kicks off on Saturday, December 14, and runs through Sunday, December 22. The season is exclusively for hunters using heritage-style muzzleloaders—modern firearms or archery equipment are not permitted during this time. However, certain areas may still allow elk hunting with firearms and archery equipment through February 15 under special elk shoulder seasons.

Hunters should be aware that many of Montana's Block Management Areas (BMAs), though open for upland bird and waterfowl hunting through January 1, will not allow the harvest of deer or elk during the muzzleloader heritage season. It is important to check BMA rules before heading out. A list of regulations for BMAs can be found on the Block Management Program website.

In addition, while all Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) are open year-round, many will be closed to hunting until May 15. A list of WMAs and their seasonal closure dates is available for hunters to review before planning their trips.

To ensure compliance with the rules, hunters are urged to review the hunting regulations, particularly pages 24 and 25 of the Deer, Elk, and Antelope regulations. The Fish and Wildlife Commission has set the following guidelines for the season:

Hunters may use a valid license or permit from the last day of the general hunting season (December 1) during the muzzleloader heritage season.
Unused licenses or permits valid on December 1 are also valid during this season, including those available for purchase after the general season.
Heritage muzzleloaders must use plain lead projectiles and be loaded with loose black powder, loose pyrodex, or an equivalent substitute. The rifle must be a minimum of .45 caliber and cannot have more than two barrels.
Modern inline muzzleloaders, rifles that require the insertion of a cap or primer into the breech, or those with optical magnification devices are prohibited.
Manufactured loads like pre-prepared paper or metallic cartridges, sabots, and gas checks that enhance power or range are also banned.

For hunters seeking further details on the season’s rules, a video on muzzleloader heritage season guidelines is available.

As hunting season continues, hunters are reminded to stay alert for grizzly bears, which remain active in certain areas. Tips for bear safety include traveling in groups, making noise to avoid surprising bears, carrying bear spray, and avoiding hunting at dawn, dusk, or at night.