Quick Answer
Hunting deer with a crossbow is allowed on public land in Montana, but only during the archery season, which typically runs from mid-September to mid-November.
Montana Crossbow Regulations
In Montana, the crossbow deer season is considered part of the archery season, with the same bag limits and restrictions as traditional archery hunters. According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP), crossbows are permitted during archery seasons for deer, elk, and antelope. Crossbows must be at least 15 inches in length, and the hunter must have a valid archery license or a crossbow-only license. Additionally, crossbow hunters must comply with all other state regulations, including wearing at least 500 square inches of solid fluorescent orange material during daylight hours.
Public Land Hunting with a Crossbow
Public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in Montana also allow crossbow hunting during the archery season. However, hunters should note that some public lands may have specific restrictions or closures due to wildlife management or other activities. Before heading out, it’s essential to check with local land managers or the Montana FWP website for up-to-date information on public land hunting opportunities and regulations.
Disabled Hunter Provisions
Montana offers several disabled hunter provisions, including a crossbow-only license for hunters with a disability. Disabled hunters may be eligible for a free archery or crossbow-only license, depending on their level of disability. Additionally, Montana FWP offers a “Hunters with Disabilities” program, which provides opportunities for disabled hunters to participate in guided hunts on public and private lands. Eligible hunters can contact Montana FWP for more information and to apply for these programs.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.