Pronghorn antelope are one of the most iconic big game animals in the American West. Hunting North America’s fastest land animal on the wide open prairie is an instant red-line of the fun meter. From a close encounter water hole archery hunt to a high-octane spot-and-stalk chase with a rifle, Montana antelope hunting has it all and there’s no better place to do it than The Last Best Place!
With a rising population, these iconic animals are abundant in the region, providing hunters with a memorable and highly successful hunting experience. Over the past four seasons, guests have enjoyed a 100% shot opportunity. Mild weather and favorable conditions make Montana antelope hunting one of the most enjoyable hunts available.
Do you have antelope points in Montana?
For you folks out there that have a few antelope points in Montana, there’s no better time than now to get your applications in and take advantage of this opportunity. For those of you with no points, there is always a chance you can still draw a permit so we encourage you to throw your name in the hat. Either way, if you are interested in hunting antelope in Montana please contact us for hunt information and help applying. The application deadline for Montana antelope is June 1st.
If you’d like help with applying, check our our Hunt Application Service.
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Eastern Montana Antelope Hunting
Montana antelope hunting in region 700 feature a robust antelope population with promising trophy potential, making these tags highly sought after by hunters across the country. Though some hunters successfully secure a tag on their first application, most can expect to draw within their second or third year. This hunt is ideal for newcomers to the sport or for those eager to experience Western hunting.
Rifle hunts typically open on the second Saturday in October.
For hunters considering Montana antelope hunting, it’s recommended to plan at least a year or two in advance, given that tags may be challenging to draw, with a first-year success rate around 25%. Applying consistently for two to three years improves the chances of securing a tag, and the team is available to help ensure applications are completed accurately and on time.
Spot-and-stalk techniques are used in the field to locate quality bucks, often covering extensive ground to observe as many animals as possible. Hunters can expect to see 50-100 antelope each day, with the chance to examine 20-30 different bucks before selecting the right trophy. Typical antelope in this area sport horns between 13 and 14 inches, with scores averaging 72-75”. Exceptional bucks reach 15-16” with scores of 75-80”. Hunters are advised to arrive prepared to shoot accurately at distances up to 300 yards, though shots often range from 250 to 400 yards due to the antelope’s sharp vision and the wide-open landscape.
The best time to hunt depends on individual goals. The opening week offers a predictable hunt with specific bucks pre-scouted, often leading to a successful outing within one or two days. Late-season hunts provide a chance to encounter large, migrating bucks that arrive from the North. Though these hunts can be intense and challenging, they sometimes yield impressive trophies.
Montana antelope hunting season for archery begins on September 1.
This option features excellent draw odds and affordable tags, making it a practical choice for first-time hunters or for groups of up to six. Archery hunts are conducted from pop-up ground blinds, offering a less physically demanding but highly immersive experience.
During these hunts, guides remain nearby, monitoring other locations to ensure hunters are in the most active areas. Shot distance ranges from 20 to 40 yards, with blinds set for optimal placement. Hunters with the patience to wait for the right opportunity may have a chance at a record-worthy buck. Those aiming for a buck scoring 75” or higher may want to consider hunts in New Mexico, Wyoming, or Arizona, where trophy-size bucks are more common.
While there’s no single best time for archery hunts, warmer early-season weather typically drives antelope to water sources, increasing activity around blinds. As the season progresses, cooler temperatures and rut activity keep antelope on the move, offering exciting opportunities for a successful harvest.
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Our Montana antelope hunting clients have had a 100% shot opportunity and take place on giant tracts of private and public land. Montana does require hunters to draw a permit to hunt antelope.
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