Montana’s 2025 big game season opens Oct. 25 with mixed wildlife trends and strong fishing activity.

Montana’s 2025 big game hunting season opens October 25 with mixed population trends: elk remain strong in south-central and southeast Montana, mule deer are below average but showing signs of recovery, whitetails are improving after disease impacts, and pronghorn numbers are up in some areas. Fishing is active, especially on Flathead Lake where over 14,700 lake trout have been caught in the Mack Days event, with big-money tagged fish still unclaimed. Steelhead, trout, and bass are responding well to cooler temperatures, particularly in the Gallatin, Upper Salmon, and major reservoirs. Hunters and anglers are urged to prepare for variable conditions, secure access early, and follow regulations closely.