Tap Into Your Primal Nature.

1. Compound Bow Hunting: The compound bow is a modern bow that uses a levering system, usually of cables and pulleys, to bend the limbs. It is less affected by changes in temperature and humidity, providing superior accuracy, velocity, and distance in comparison to other types of bows.
2. Recurve Bow Hunting: The recurve bow is named for its shape: the central parts of the limbs curve towards the archer, and the tips of the limbs curve away. This design provides more power for the shot. It requires more skill to use effectively than the compound bow, but many hunters appreciate the challenge.
3. Longbow Hunting: The longbow, or traditional bow, is the simplest type of bow in design. It’s essentially a long, slightly curved piece of wood the same height as the archer. This type of bow hunting requires a high level of skill due to the lack of modern mechanical advantages.
4. Crossbow Hunting: Crossbows are more similar to guns in their operation than they are to bows. They have a horizontal bow mounted on a frame and use a mechanism to hold the string in place until the trigger is pulled. Crossbow hunting is legal in many places, but not all, and often has a shorter season or additional restrictions compared to other types of bow hunting.

Each of these types of bow hunting can be further subdivided by the techniques used or the species hunted. Here are a few examples:

• Stand Hunting: This is where hunters wait in a stand (an elevated platform in a tree) or blind and wait for game to come within range.
• Stalk and Ambush Hunting: Hunters use their knowledge of the animal’s habits and habitat to predict where it will be, and then sneak within shooting range without being detected.
• Still Hunting: This involves walking stealthily through the animals’ habitats, looking for game or signs of game.
• Drives: This involves a group of hunters, where some will move through the hunting area trying to drive game into the open, while others wait for the game to come within range.

In Montana, you’ll need a variety of licenses and permits to legally bow hunt. The exact type can vary depending on your resident status, age, the species you’re planning to hunt, and the time of year. Here’s an overview:

1. Conservation License: This is a prerequisite for all resident and nonresident licenses. Hunters are required to provide their Social Security Number when purchasing.
2. Bow and Arrow License: This is needed for any person (including archers) planning to hunt during any special archery season. In order to obtain this license, hunters need to show proof of having purchased a bow and arrow license in Montana after 1989 or completion of a bowhunter education course. Montana does recognize bowhunter education certificates from other states.
3. General Hunting License: This is typically required for all hunters, regardless of their chosen method of hunting. The eligibility for this license can be affected by factors like age, residency status, and completion of hunter education.
4. Species-Specific Tags or Permits: These are additional permits that are required to hunt big game species such as deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats. Some permits are available over-the-counter, while others are distributed through a drawing system due to high demand and conservation concerns.
5. Apprentice Hunting License: This is available for hunters aged 10 and up who are not yet certified in a hunter/bowhunter education. It allows a new hunter to hunt while accompanied by a mentor, for up to two license years.

Before going bow hunting in Montana, make sure you thoroughly review the current Montana hunting regulations published by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks department, as they can change annually.

1. Montana is a state rich with wildlife and offers a wide variety of hunting opportunities for hunters using firearms. Some of the game species you can hunt include:
   1. Big Game: Including deer, elk, antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, and mountain goats.
   2. Upland Game Birds: Such as pheasant, grouse, and wild turkey.
   3. Migratory Birds: Including waterfowl like ducks and geese, and other migratory game birds.
   4. Predators and Furbearers: Such as wolves, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, and coyotes.
   5. Small Game: Including rabbits and squirrels.

   As for the hunting permits, Montana offers a range of permits and licenses, including:

   1. General Hunting License: This is typically required for all hunters and forms the basis for hunting in Montana. Age, residency status, and hunter education affect eligibility.
   2. Species-Specific Tags or Permits: These are required in addition to the general hunting license for big game species. Some are available over-the-counter, while others are distributed through a lottery system because of high demand and conservation needs.
   3. Conservation License: This license is prerequisite for all resident and nonresident licenses, and applicants must provide a Social Security Number when purchasing.
   4. Bow and Arrow License: Required for any person (including archers) to hunt during any special archery season.

   Hunter education is mandatory for hunters in Montana. If you were born after January 1, 1985, you must have completed a hunter education course to buy a hunting license in Montana. Exceptions may apply for apprentice hunters for a limited period.

   Remember, laws and regulations can change yearly based on the conservation needs and population estimates for different species. Always check with the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks department for the most current regulations and requirements.

In Montana, particularly near Whitefish, you’ll find several types of fishing available excluding ice fishing:

1. Fly Fishing: This type of fishing is extremely popular in Montana due to its abundant trout populations in its many rivers and streams. This involves using an artificial ‘fly’ to mimic natural prey, enticing fish to strike.
2. Bait Fishing: This traditional type of fishing involves using live bait or lures on a hook and line. This method is often used in lake fishing for a variety of fish species.
3. Spin Fishing: A versatile method, spin fishing can be used in both saltwater and freshwater. Anglers use a spinning lure to create movement and attract fish.
4. Bow Fishing: A method of fishing that uses specialized archery equipment to shoot and retrieve fish.

The fishing permits available in Montana include:

1. Season Fishing License: This is typically required for residents and non-residents to fish in Montana’s waters.
2. Conservation License: A prerequisite for all licenses in Montana.
3. 1-Day Fishing License: For non-residents who wish to fish for a single day.
4. 2-Day Fishing License: Another short-term option for non-residents.

Remember, regulations vary depending on the specific location and time of year, so always check with the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks department for the most current regulations and requirements.

In Montana, particularly around Whitefish, ice fishing is a popular winter activity. Here are some types of ice fishing you can enjoy:

1. Tip-Up Ice Fishing: This method uses a contraption (the tip-up) that allows anglers to suspend bait at a specific depth under the ice. When a fish strikes, the flag tip-up signals the bite.
2. Rod and Reel Ice Fishing: Just like traditional fishing, this method uses a rod and reel, albeit with a shorter rod. Anglers drill a hole in the ice and fish through it.
3. Spearfishing: This ancient method of fishing involves cutting a large hole in the ice and then using a spear to catch the fish. Note that this method is not legal everywhere, so be sure to check local regulations.

In terms of permits, the same fishing licenses apply for ice fishing in Montana. You’ll need a Conservation License and a Season Fishing License. For non-residents planning a short trip, 1-Day or 2-Day Fishing Licenses are available.

As always, check with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for the most current regulations and requirements before going ice fishing.

1. Swan Mountain Outfitters: Offers guided hunts in the Montana wilderness, specializing in big game hunting. Hunt Deer, Moose, Elk, Mountain Lion, Mountain Goat and Bear.
2. Linehan Outfitting Company: Provides professional guided hunts in Northwestern Montana with a range of hunting techniques. Hunt Bird, Bear, Deer, Elk, Mountain Lion or Wolf.
3. Wild Montana Outfitters: Specializes in backcountry hunting adventures in Northwest Montana’s rugged landscape. Hunt Elk, Mountain Lions, Deer, and Bears.

Always check with the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks department for the most current regulations and requirements.

1. Glacier Anglers: Conducts fly fishing trips in the Glacier National Park area for all skill levels.
2. Montana River Anglers: Guides fishing trips on rivers in the Whitefish area with a focus on fly fishing.
3. Wild River Adventures: Provides guided fishing trips and river expeditions, leveraging deep knowledge of local river ecosystems.
4. Linehan Outfitting Company: Offers fishing trips in Montana’s Kootenai and Yaak Rivers, known for their seasoned and informative guides.
5. Whitefish Outfitters: Offers 5-hour ice fishing adventures at Whitefish Lake, Lower Stillwater or Smith Lake. They offer a variety of other tours, as well.

Always check with the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks department for the most current regulations and requirements.