Turkey hunting is a beloved tradition for many outdoor enthusiasts in Montana. The thrill of outwitting a wary old tom or harvesting your first bird is an experience like no other. If you’re looking to try your hand at turkey hunting in Montana, this guide will provide everything you need to know about seasons, licenses, regulations, tactics, and more.
Overview of Montana Turkey Seasons
There are two turkey seasons in Montana
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Spring turkey season – This is the most popular season focused on harvesting male turkeys, or toms. It typically opens in mid-April and runs through late May.
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Fall turkey season – The fall season runs from early September through January. During this time, hunters can harvest either male or female birds.
Specific season dates vary each year, so be sure to check the annually updated regulations put out by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP). But you can generally expect the spring season to open around April 15 and the fall season to start around September 1.
Within each season, there are also different types of turkey tags and licenses available. For example, the spring hunt offers a general tag good for male turkeys statewide as well as regional tags for specific areas.
Licensing Requirements for Turkey Hunting in Montana
To hunt turkeys in Montana, you’ll need a few different licenses and permits:
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Upland game bird license – This is a prerequisite to purchase a turkey tag. For residents, it costs $10 while nonresidents pay $110.
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Turkey license – In addition to the upland game bird license, you need to buy a turkey tag for each bird you want to harvest. There are spring and fall turkey licenses offered.
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Conservation license – All hunters in Montana need a conservation license, which run $8 for residents and $10 for nonresidents. Youth under 12 don’t need this license.
When applying for licenses, be aware that you can hold up to 11 turkey tags each year in Montana. This includes one general tag, four regional tags, and up to six female or beardless turkey tags for certain areas. Make sure to review the regulations for additional restrictions and details on licensing.
Hunters born after January 1, 1985 must also complete a hunter safety course to receive a license in Montana. Out-of-state hunters can provide proof of certification from another state or province.
Common Turkey Hunting Regulations in Montana
When pursuing turkeys in Big Sky Country, be sure to follow all regulations and laws to keep the hunt safe, ethical, and legal. Some key rules include:
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Hunters must leave the leg, foot, and beard attached to spring turkeys while transporting them. This helps identify their sex.
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It’s illegal to use electronic calls or recorded sounds to hunt turkeys in Montana.
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Shooting hours run from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.
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Hunting turkeys with dogs is prohibited in Montana.
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You need permission to hunt on private property, even if it isn’t posted.
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Hunting from a vehicle is unlawful in Montana.
Be sure to carefully review the annually updated turkey regulations put out by FWP. Laws and area closures can change from year to year.
Finding Where to Hunt Turkeys in Montana
Many turkey hunters in Montana head to the eastern regions of the state where Merriam’s turkeys thrive. Areas like the Long Pines along the Custer National Forest and Fergus County offer excellent public land hunting opportunities.
The Missouri River Breaks region, Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, and various state wildlife management areas also provide good access to huntable populations of wild turkeys each spring.
Unless you have permission to hunt private property, your best bet for a public land turkey hunt is east of the Continental Divide. Scouting new areas for signs of turkeys like tracks, scratching, feathers, and droppings will help you pattern where the birds are located.
Tips for Hunting Gobblers in the Spring
Calling in a spring tom takes skill and patience. Here are a few tips to increase your odds:
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Scout preseason – Locate roost trees and feeding areas turkeys are using to find a promising spot.
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Use hen calls – Stick to hen yelps, clucks and purrs to draw in lovestruck toms looking to breed. Avoid aggressive gobbling sounds.
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Be patient – Call sparingly and softly. Sit still for long periods while hunting. Don’t over-call or rush the hunt.
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Try a decoy – Adding a foam or stuffed hen decoy can help convince a tom to come investigate. Stay hidden behind the decoy.
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Pick travel routes – Set up along trails between the roost and feeding area where toms are likely to pass through.
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Remain unseen – Conceal yourself in camo against a tree or rock. Avoid excess movement. Let the tom come to your calls.
Summary of Turkey Hunting in Montana
For many hunters in Big Sky Country, spring gobbler season is one of the highlights of the year. With the right licenses, some scouting, effective calling techniques, smart hunting strategies, and adherence to regulations, you can experience the thrill of outsmarting a turkey in Montana’s incredible outdoors.
The turkey populations thrive across much of eastern Montana, providing ample opportunities on both public and private lands. Be sure to do your preseason research on licenses, regulations, public access, and season dates each year. With preparation and persistence, you’ll greatly increase your chances of filling that turkey tag.
So get out there and experience a memorable Montana turkey hunt for yourself. Just be ready to put your woodsmanship to the test against one of America’s wariest game birds! Good luck tagging your spring gobbler.
Outfitters and Guides (MCA 37-47-30
- A person may not act as an outfitter or guide or advertise or otherwise represent to the public that the person is an outfitter or guide without first securing a license.
- It is unlawful to engage in outfitting/guiding while not licensed.
- It is unlawful to hire an outfitter or guide not licensed by the Department of Labor and Industry. For information, call 406-841-2300.
Possession Limit while in the Field (CR) – No person shall possess more than one daily bag limit while in the field, or while returning from the field to oneâs vehicle, hunting camp, home, etc.
Possession Limit (CR) – The number of birds that may be possessed at any time in any form: fresh, stored in freezers or lockers,salted, smoked, dried, canned, or preserved.
Public Roadways (MCA 87-6-403) – It is unlawful for anyone to hunt or attempt to hunt any game bird: on, from, or across any publichighway or the shoulder, berm, barrow pit, or right-of-way of any public highway (the entire width between the boundary lines of everypublicly maintained way when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular travel). Recorded AnimalSounds (MCA 87-6-401) – It is unlawful to use any recorded or electrically amplified bird or animal calls or sounds or imitations of bird oranimal calls or sounds to assist in the hunting, taking, killing, or capturing of any wildlife except predatory animals, wolves, and those birds not protected by state or federal law.
Shooting Preserves (Private) (MCA 87-4-504) – To hunt upland game birds on a private shooting preserve, resident hunters must possess a valid upland game bird license and nonresident hunters must possess either a valid Upland Game Bird License or a 3-dayShooting Preserve License.
Evidence of Sex for Pheasants and Turkey (MCA 87-6-406, CR) It is unlawful to possess or transport within the state any pheasant orany turkey taken during the spring (male) season unless one leg and foot are left naturally attached for evidence of sex. The leg and footshall remain attached at all times while being transported from the place where taken until it has arrived at the permanent residence of thepossessor.
Evidence of Species for Upland Game Birds (MCA 87-6-406, CR)
- No person shall transport within the state any sage grouse, sharp-tailed grouse, mountain grouse, or partridge unless one fullyfeathered wing is left naturally attached for species identification. The wing shall remain attached at all times while being transported from the place where taken until it has arrived at the permanent residence of the possessor.
- If a hunter puts or leaves any game birds at any place or in the custody of another person, the birds should be tagged by the hunterwith the following information: 1) the hunterâs ALS number; 2) the hunterâs signature; 3) the hunterâs address; 4) the total number of birdsinvolved, by species; and 5) the dates such birds were killed. Game birds should be tagged if the birds are being transported byanother person for the hunter, or if the birds have been left for cleaning, storage (including temporary storage), shipment, ortaxidermy services.
- The following are upland game bird parts âsuitable for food:â
- all birds that fall into the size category of the partridge or smaller, only the breasts must be retained;
- all birds larger than a partridge and up to the size category of, and including, pheasants and sage grouse, the breasts and the thighs must be retained;
- all turkeys: the breasts, thighs and wings must be retained.
- For migratory birds, âsuitable for foodâ means the breast meat.
Licensing Youth Hunting Opportunities
A resident or nonresident youth 12 years of age or older may hunt any game species for which their license is valid. Those who will reach12 years of age by Jan. 16, 2024, may hunt any game species, for which their license is valid, after Aug. 15 of the 2023 license year. Proof ofhunter education must be presented at the time of purchase.
An Apprentice Hunter is a resident or nonresident at least 10 years of age, certified at an FWP office. This allows the apprentice to hunt somespecies, while accompanied by a mentor, without first completing a hunter education course. The Apprentice Hunter may not purchase amountain lion, black bear, or wolf license or apply for a bighorn sheep license or a hunting license or permit with a limited quota. TheApprentice Hunter may not purchase an elk license if he/she is under 15 years of age. Other restrictions apply. See our website for details:fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/ apprentice-hunter
In order to carry or use a firearm for any reason, a youth under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a person having charge or custody ofthe youth, or be under the supervision of a qualified firearms safety instructor or an adult 18 years of age or older who has been authorized by the youthâs parent or guardian, MCA 45-8-344.
– Statute denoted by MCA.
– Commission Rule denoted by CR.
The History of the Wild Turkey in Montana
FAQ
How many turkeys can I shoot in Montana?
Turkey Hunting Seasons
Hunters are allowed one wild turkey per special tag holder per special season. Popular hunting areas include the Long Pines and Ashland areas of the Custer National Forest and portions of Fergus County and the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.
What are Montana hunting season dates?
| Season | Dates |
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| Youth, deer only | Oct. 17 – Oct. 18, 2024 |
| General | Oct. 26 – Dec. 1, 2024 |
| Shoulder seasons | Aug. 15 – Feb. 15, 2024 |
| Muzzleloader | Dec. 14 – 22, 2024 |
How much is a non-resident turkey tag in Montana?
Turkey $6.50 Resident each $115 Nonresident each OR $57.50 each to Nonresident holders of an Upland Game Bird license. Special License – Drawing Only $5 Resident/ Nonresident non- refundable drawing fee.
Where are the most turkeys in Montana?
Southeastern Montana is prime turkey country; they are also well-established in parts of Region 4 and the Missouri Breaks. In Region 3, river bottoms are your best bet. Turkey numbers fluctuate considerably from year to year depending on weather during the previous spring, so discussion with an FWP biologist is wise.