In Montana, You Also Can’t…

Lighted nocks do not help any hunter kill a game animal. The nock is attached to the string. When you draw the bow the nock is out of sight. The lighted nock helps you find the arrow so you can carry it out of the hunting area. Lighted nocks help keep the hunting area cleaner.

From Larry on Thursday, January 03, 2013 3:48 PM

Where do we stop? Where do we draw the line between fair chase and sucker punch from 900 yds? Hunting is not suppose to be easy. It is something that is erned. If it is too easy what is to stop everyone from doing it and wiping out species after species? I was the only one of my friends that did not tag out this year. One of them told me I must be a bad hunter. I had to remind him that I was the guy who showed up at 10pm in the 20 degree fog to help him bone his elk that he shot in the a** in the middle of a some nasty blow down from a micro burst, 1/2 mile from his house. 18 hours later... and he called me a bad hunter. If you are too lazy to study, stalk, and practice, then do us a favor, find a different hobby. The rules and gated land (that is only closed to motorized vehicles) is to keep this land as it was and as it should be. FREE! Try walking, you might even enjoy it!

From patrick ritchie on Sunday, December 23, 2012 5:12 PM

Trail cameras let you know the activity of your hunting area. It can catch trespassers and poachers. In NJ achery season is from Sept 8th thru Feb 15th and includes Sundays; crossbows are legal in all seasons. Muzzleloader starts nov 26th thru feb 15th. Scopes allowed. Season bag limits for both are unlimited does and one buck per seanson. That's a total of 6 bucks including shotgun season. Two does allowed at a time, legally you can shoot over 400 does in all seasons.

From chuck mcnamee on Sunday, November 18, 2012 12:07 PM

I lived in Montana for 3 years and loved the hunting there. The only law I thought was ridiculous was patch and round ball only for muzzle loaders, but muzzle loaders could only be used during modern gun season. Made no sense to me. I agree with the no baiting, etc.

From Brian Hudgins on Tuesday, May 01, 2012 6:22 PM

I must say this,trail cams and lighted nocks i see nothing wrong with that.Oh by the way all states need to stick with their on rules and regulations and not go by what the other states do.So wake up folks you want a change go stand up to the congress and speak up.Oh another thing since our ancestors used what we call primitive weapons,if they was alive today do you think they still would use the weapons today,no they wouldnt.WAKE UP folks,new technology,new generation things change.

From chad carlisle on Monday, December 12, 2011 8:17 AM

I think all hunting and fishing regs and licenses are stupid. The darn government thinks that all the animals belong to the king, and they are the king. I do not even like to fish anymore. You have to worry about catching the wrong fish at the wrong place with the wrong bait/hook. There is no fun in any of it. Don't even get me started on "catch and release". If I have to release it after I catch it, why the he** would I want to catch it in the first place? I believe in catch and eat and shoot and eat.

From Linda on Sunday, December 11, 2011 11:17 AM

The problem with hunting in Montana is the fact that the out of staters have taken jobs with the fish and game and the park service and are trying to turn the state into another California. They have introduced wolves into the state and the elk population in the Western part of the state has been reduced so much that that part of Montana is suffering. The governor has told the people to shoot the wolves on sight.

From Phil Seal on Tuesday, September 20, 2011 7:38 PM

I don't know of any state in the Rocky Mountains that has ever allowed baiting. We don't use tree stands or food plots much either, just the way it is. You want some meat, go get it. To the writer upthread who complained about Colorado. Read our book of hunting regs a little closer. That part that tells you how to get a second elk or deer means just what it says, any one can get two animals. Second and Third seasons are both 9 days now, bow season is mostly a month, private land is many months.

From som sai on Monday, September 19, 2011 4:28 PM

For the most part we like our regs - they keep the "hunt" in the definition. The regs we don't like we work to change. If you don't like the hunting regs in MT, don't come here to hunt. We like that, too.

From Jon S in MT on Saturday, August 13, 2011 6:01 PM

I can see that the anti-hunters and anti-gunners have just what they need. Hunters and gunners at odds with each others' methods and tactics. As long as we are fighting each other the antis are going to get their agendas pushed through because we are not paying attnetion to what is being done.

From Frank Welsh on Saturday, August 13, 2011 12:04 PM

Agree with the laws, but if it is not already there they should make crossbows legal for handicaped individuals like Colorado did. Also, black powder hunting should be traditional not the new stuff unless rifle season.

From Bob Baylis on Tuesday, August 09, 2011 6:14 PM

One answer to the problem is to pass a "Right to Hunt, Fish and Trap" amendment to your state constitution. We have done so in Minnesota and I know North Dakota has done so. It doesn't solve all the problems, but it helps.

From Merlin Olson on Tuesday, August 09, 2011 11:19 AM

The people complying to get more regs put in place are Libs or Fudds. And the Fudds are more dangerous than the Libs, make no mistake about it. A Fudd is a traitor to their own cause.

From Observer on Tuesday, August 09, 2011 9:57 AM

I am reading a lot from these "hunters"..."go somewhere else where it's allowed, learn how to hunt, u don't need all the latest gear..blah blah." Who are you to decide how the other guy hunts? Yeah, maybe it is hard for me to find my arrows, yeah, maybe it is hard for me to stalk the woods all day, I'm gettin old. You guys seem like a lot of premadonnas who think you know best for everyone else. Montana will not be one of my destinations...and yes I know, you schmucks don't care... that is what's wrong.

From sam thomas on Tuesday, August 09, 2011 12:47 AM

If you are a land owner (not a 1/3 acre lot in town) you should have control of your land. If you want to use trail cameras to see what is on your land, no state legislator should be able to tell you you can not. For the "guest hunters" you need to abide by the laws in place. If you do not like the laws you can go to any other state that has laws you agree with. Hunting is not a "right" it is a privilege. As for the luminox arrows the state law is just plain stupid. That gives no advantage to a hunter. As a guest hunter you need to hire a guide and the guide physically needs to scout the areas he/she guides in. I love to hunt and I hunt my own land. I do not allow anyone else to use trail cameras.

From Dale McNeeley on Tuesday, June 07, 2011 11:05 AM

Alabama is the state to come deer hunt. Combined archery and gun season is from October till Jan. 31. Also, you can use spears if desired. If you OWN YOUR PROPERTY YOU DON'T EVEN NED A LICENSE. Luminocs only aid in arrow retrival. LIBERAL AZZZ Montana has been bought off by a bunch of Hollywood bambi lovers.

From steve on Friday, June 03, 2011 3:27 PM

Hey for all you pro hunting reg FOOLS! I HUNT WITH A FULL AUTO MACHINE GUN IN YOUR STATE ALL THE TIME! I JUST LET IT RIP AND PICK UP THE ONES I WANT THE REST FEED THE BEARS! SO WHATCH YA GONNA DO ABOUT IT!!! LAST TIME I HEARD HUNTERS WEREN'T A BUNCH OF LIBERAL PRO GOVERNMENT JERKOFFS!!! Actually I don't do any of the above but if I had the chance to do it in front of one of you fools I would just to piss you off!!! GO BACK TO CALIFORNIA OR NEW YORK OR WHATEVER LIBERAL HACK JOB STATE YOUR FROM AND STAY OUT OF STATES YOU SIMPLY DON'T BELONG IN! YOUR NOT WANTED HERE!!!

From rightwingextremist on Friday, June 03, 2011 1:09 PM

Ah...sadly...we all know it's just a matter it time. Like "Mike on Monday, June 07, 2010 7:17 AM" said: and "gsf1200 on Tuesday, February 08, 2011 11:16 PM stated. Hunting will soon be lost to the ages and to the 'progress' of civilization. Our generation will probably not see the demise, but you all know 50-100 years from now, it will be over. Look at what the last 50 years has done to hunting. What once was a necessity, now a sport, and soon will be an elitist privilege on controlled hunting farms/land for big $$ in a controlled environment. The Duckman in Buffalo Wyoming

From FTRPLT on Friday, June 03, 2011 12:51 PM

To he** with all the other Regs. When they raised the General Non Resident tag to $465.00 that left me home. Iv'e been hunting in Montana for over 20 years and this is the first time I'll be staying home. You Boys out there enjoy all the rich slobs screwing up your hunting. Makes me sick just thinking about it !!!!

From dave ward on Friday, June 03, 2011 9:51 AM

Now I am glad I never moved there as I always did...

From Sgt. Cude on Sunday, May 08, 2011 7:32 PM

All these Technological Toys that people want to use in the field are completely stupid! Learn how to hunt or stay home. All the idiots around us that are constantly wounding and loosing game are the same ones who have to have every single new thing that comes out. They say look at this new laser or super light carbon compound or lit pins. Then they try and shoot an animal they have scouted(?) with their infrared digital trailcam from 45-50 yards. The animal gets hurt then dies -slowly and painfully. The "hunter" bitches and moans about how it was the deers fault because it wouldn't come close enough for a good shot (how's about not taking the shot because its outta range?). Then they go on to wound a few more. Hunting is not about using the newest tech to extend your range. Nor is it about fourwheelers and trail cams to make it easier. Quit being the sissies that give this sacred tradition a bad name. If your going to hunt learn to do it right. Quit relying on the newest to make it easier and learn how to be quiet, patient and responsible. I wish other states would make laws that make sense like Montana. Also baiting is not hunting, not even close. Its how chronic wasting disease is spread though. That is why supplemental feeding is illegal there and should be everywhere. Or are you just hoping by them dying from that you will only have to go pick up the carcase and not even shoot the thing? By the way I'm not against compounds or even crossbows (for those that have to use one for medical reasons). Although to those carbon compound people- my stick-bows are lighter... Use what you can shoot well. Practice, practice, practice. But remember this, "an Archer see's how far away he can accurately hit his target. A Bow Hunter gets as close as they can get to the animal (without detection)to make a single responsible shot".

From Jimmi Palmer on Saturday, April 09, 2011 1:53 PM

Tell you all what. I moved to Colorado 3 years ago for a job. I went hunting last year. What a shock. Seasons last roughly a week per animal, you have to put in for a drawing for a certain time of year (thats all you get, about 1 week long) for a certain area (that is the ONLY one you get, you can't go to any other districts) and I had my license checked 3 times in 2 weeks. Once by a deputy sheriff. I only had it checked 2 times in Montana in my 15 years of hunting. Your rights will very slowly disappear. Fight for everyone like it's your last. The people that say these are little changes better wake up, now! I may sound like a nut and that's ok by me. Remember, Barak Osama's (not a typo) in control, be scared! Colorado says its for the outdoorsman? What a joke. People may move here for the work, but not for the hunting.

From Dave Ward on Friday, March 04, 2011 1:28 PM

Why stop there? Why not use nothing but longbows and flintlocks? Hell, outlaw boots, too, they let you walk farther and get more game!

From gsf1200 on Tuesday, February 08, 2011 11:16 PM

I can't believe what I'm reading. Some of you guys have lost your minds. Please come to your senses, it's not the technology they are regulating, it's "HUNTING" they're after. Do your homework, legislators take away your rights a little at a time. Get with the program and vote these guys out of office. Before you lose all of your rights.

From JC on Sunday, February 06, 2011 6:31 PM

Ya mean archers are prohibited from using lighted arrow nocks? Does that mean the end of the world for you? What are you...blind? Or do you just like shooting after legal light? Boy, how did we ever get along without lighted nocks? A hunting bow can be no shorter than 28 inches? measured axle to axle?...so that means I can’t use a jury-rigged wrist-rocket to wound an animal with?...boy, that’s a real blow to ethics, there! Archers may not use any electronic or battery-powered device attached to a hunting bow, including bow sites that provide artificial light...Rats! That makes it harder for me to shoot from my tree stand at 11 p.m. when that pesky bull decides to show up! I guess I’ll have to wound and lose him some other way! To heck with that stupid fair chase clause for Pope and Young! No baiting or supplemental feeding is allowed? ya mean it’s illegal to bait or feed wildlife—even out-of-season?...Darn! You know I always love it when I get a herd of winter-stressed deer together and feed them something they can’t digest like rabbit pellets or Purina pig chow! Better yet, I love getting them together to slobber in the feed trough so we can transmit CWD to the rest of them pesky bumper crunchers! Oh man, and when that automatic timer goes off and the critters come a running “like clock-work” and I jess whack one...that really helps me convert my anti-hunting friends that huntin’ ain’t so bad...kinda like “farmin” with a twist... What?! Crossbows are prohibited during archery season and can only be used during rifle season...? Boo-hoo! Ya mean I can’t sit in my “bubba” blind at full-draw and jess touch off a bolt over the feed pile? Mah rights is in jeopardy! The sky is a fallin’!! If this is the way you hunt, Montana invites you to go someplace else.

From X Beidler on Tuesday, November 23, 2010 12:14 PM

I AGREE WITH ALL BUT THE LIGHTED NOCKS,THEY DON'T GIVE ANY ADVANTAGE TO THE HUNTER EXCEPT EASIER ARROW RETRIEVAL. I THINK THEY OUGHT TO ADD RANGE FINDERS TO THEIR LIST, TOO. I BOW HUNT IN NY AND I ENJOY MY HUNT EVEN IF I DON'T SHOOT ANYTHING. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE, NOT THE KILL.

From BRUCE A on Thursday, October 28, 2010 10:25 PM

Montana is a Fair Chase state that stresses ethical hunting. If you are a person that thinks you need every piece of electronic equipment in order to harvest an animal then go to a state that allows it. Baiting an animal is not hunting. If you are a responsible and ethical hunter who doesn't whine about what he can't use and actually understands what hunting is about-welcome. If you break our laws we have some excellent game wardens whom you probably meet.

From Dennis Hein on Thursday, October 14, 2010 9:05 AM

TO ALL!!!!!, WE need to dismiss employment of all Fish and Game employees that have no interest in hunting and fishing!!! PERIOD!!!!! WE all have the same problems, and they are all getting worse every SECOND!!!!!!!!

From Dale R. Vinson on Sunday, September 19, 2010 5:19 PM

I hunt a lot with a bow that is less than 28 inch axle to axle. Does that make me a bad hunter? I will not be hunting states with such stupid laws, so who really suffers? Just think of the money some states are losing because people like me go elsewere to hunt. Today's bow companies make faster and better and shorter bows every year. These states need to catch up with modern day hunting. P.S. I also hunt with an old open-sight muzzle loader. IF IT GOES BANG OR TWANG THEN YOU'RE A FRIEND OF MINE.

From StephenMalieswski on Saturday, September 18, 2010 1:26 PM

If you need those items to be a sucessful hunter then you aren't a good hunter at all.

From Larry Ruff on Wednesday, September 08, 2010 7:09 PM

Rules like those are probably brought in by the California invasion. When you talk about numb skull laws and regulations, California has them all beat!

From Jeff Matheney on Monday, September 06, 2010 9:57 PM

Didn't realize MT was getting this regulated. Most of the laws mentioned I really don't have a problem with. The only two that I see as silly are the lighted sights and the lighted nocks. The lighted sights is the least silly of these but for anyone who has hunted in the dullness of overcast sky's, heavy falling snow, heavy rain, or any othere weather pattern that can limit visibility or just plain make mid-day darker, the lighted sights are a slight benefit, just like the scope on a rifle that enhances the available light. The lighted nocks, from what I have seen, simply aid in arrow/game retrival. Arrows usually don't stay in the animal and finding one stick among the thousands on the ground can be difficul, the lighted nock helps. Just my 2 cents.

From Mike on Monday, September 06, 2010 12:59 PM

Good article

From Lawrence Collier on Sunday, September 05, 2010 8:04 AM

Most Fish and game regulations are not laws made by the state legislature but are regulations made by Idaho Fish and Game Dept. Much like the Code of Federal Regulations that govern the use of our so called Public (federal) lands. The real intent of our Constitution is lost when the legislative branch of goverment, be it state or federal, gives that much power to none elected officials.........Idaho Al

From Idaho Al on Saturday, September 04, 2010 2:11 PM

Those Montana hunting regulations are very much like Idaho's. Also, it is illegal to have an electronic sighting device on a rifle while hunting.

From Arvin Finley (AKA Idaho Al) on Saturday, September 04, 2010 2:03 PM

I had the FANTASTIC PLEASURE to live in MONTANA for two years of my adult life. Words cannot describe the State...as least not for me. I saw then, LAWS that were being passed in other States were slowly creeping into that GREAT State. First they took away the ability to drive in a time conserving manner while on the Interstate...it made a better and quicker trip to Helena from All and any points North or South of there. Feds are ruining a lot of the hunting lands and like was said in somebody's earlier posting, it all seems stemmed from "outsiders." If you don't like the way the laws are in YOUR state, change 'em...just don't think you have to add them to a state that has done just well without you or your "City Folk" laws.

From Ernest Gollan Jr on Saturday, September 04, 2010 12:33 PM

What about handy capped people that still want to hunt , disabled military , to use a crossbow when everyone else is chasing them and spooking them with rifles is a little unfair.

From Joel on Friday, September 03, 2010 9:13 PM

In response to ron lawler the claymore mines and trip wire is needed on the southern border.

From bob on Friday, September 03, 2010 7:03 PM

AMERICA IS A REPUBLIC OF LAWS. IF YOU DON'T LIKE SOME PARTICULAR LAWS VOTE OUT THE LAW MAKERS AND VOTE IN NEW ONES WHO SHARE YOUR VIEWS. IF YOU STILL AREN'T SATISFIED, PACK UP YOUR STUFF,AND YOUR MONEY, AND MOVE TO A STATE THAT SHARES YOUR CONCERNS!

From Lionel Harris on Friday, September 03, 2010 2:28 PM

I had the privilege of living, hunting & fishing in MT for 24 years, and never felt "restricted" by regulations. If you need all this hi-tech equipment, maybe you should stick to video games, and stay out of the woods. The Dept. Fish, Wildlife & Parks in MT does an excellent job, especially considering the size of the state, and the diversity of the wildlife.

From Ted Thurnau on Friday, September 03, 2010 11:04 AM

It would seem that regulating the size of compound bows is like regulating the size of hunting hand guns./ga

From Gary Alig on Friday, September 03, 2010 10:34 AM

I tend to agree with Montana's rules. Now it is lighted nocks, next it is lighted pins, then it is a flashlight to get you to your hunting area, then it becomes a spotlight then... Well, you get the picture. This way, there is no grey area. It actually simplifies the rules. Montana is not trying to eliminate technology, just trying to give the game a fighting chance. Hunting in Montana is not a guaranteed harvest, but a true hunt. Montana has been pretty willing to embrace PROVEN innovations & technologies. Just because someone has improved or invented some piece of equipment, that doesn't make that piece of equipment a good fit for hunters. By being cautious and conservative in its approach, Montana has been able to maintain some of the longest and most liberal hunting seasons of all the states. Happy Hunting!

From John Ralph on Friday, September 03, 2010 8:51 AM

We live in an age where technology tends to rule our lives. From computers to cell phones. I agree that utilizing feeders, as they do in Texas, and then hunt over them is not "hunting," it is merely shooting. If you're a golfer you are most likely aware of the new "grooves" regulation that started this year on the PGA tour. It's tantamount to having the technology to cook your food over a range indoors but you go out in your backyard and build a fire to cook it over. Sure some things make hunting easier and maybe reduce the "fair chase" ethic. I thought my bolt action 7mm Magnum made it unfair. I'm for "fair chase" and smart wildlife mgmt, some of these laws/regs are a bit out in left field.

From USNavyChiefRet on Sunday, August 29, 2010 10:00 PM

Obviously some of these responders have never really USED a trail camera so they don't know what they're talking about. They're like the new Yorker that thinks he should have a say in how many wolves Montana should have. Like he has any clue! Maybe we should stock Central Park with a wolf pack or two. They're native there also.

From Robert Vergamini on Tuesday, July 06, 2010 11:14 AM

No crossbows during archery season? That is like a guy who shoots a 30-30 wanting to ban the use of anything more modern or powerful! Just plain stupid!!! And to anyone against the use of "technology" to hunt, maybe you like the idea of buffalo jumps! Love to see you try to get an elk or deer that way, Bozo!

From Mike McLaughlin on Monday, June 07, 2010 7:51 PM

I'm a california hunter, fortunate enough to hunt Montana more than once. These laws are not unlike thoughs of Ca. This state's idea of wildlife management is just taking the hunters' and fishermans' money.

From Dave on Monday, June 07, 2010 1:34 PM

I like all these regs. It's about time something is done to protect wildlife from technology. Next thing you know claymore mines with trip wires will be legal so we can just go pick up the game in the morning.

From Ron Lawler on Monday, June 07, 2010 11:18 AM

I agree with the ban on hunting cams during the season. New rules for this coming general season include taking of antlered whitetail ONLY in many districts due to depleted numbers. Before you start in with the Wolf argument, I think MTFWP does an excellent job. I don't want to hunt in a sterile environment. I want to hunt with Wolves, Grizzlies, and cats roaming my domain. If you want to fill the freezer in a day, go shoot 'em up in Ohio. If you want to enjoy the experience of hunting, come to Montana. The season is still months away, yet my excitement is palpable.

From Stan W on Monday, June 07, 2010 10:26 AM

Steven, now just what does a lighted nock have to do with 'making it sporting'? Will one get you closer to your quarry or will it magically make the arrow more deadly? Will it make the arrow fly faster or make it easier to hold the bow at full draw? Please enlighten me as to how using a lighted nock is less sporting in your eyes. Make no mistake, I do wish you the best in the upcoming season & hope to hunt in Montana someday.

From Mike on Monday, June 07, 2010 7:17 AM

I am a native Montanan. I am also a NRA Member. A lot of these rules starting to deplete hunting rights in Montana are coming from out of state through influence of the Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. We native Montanan's have seen this type of thing getting stronger and more influential with time. Just a personal observation but it seems to me these people influencing these rules are also trying to turn Montana into a rich man's paradise. Thousands of acres in Montana are now owned by huge corporations which are shutting off vast areas of hunting land to the hunters and fishermen who live in this state and have hunted and fished all of their lives. The Obama administration now appears to be trying to get in on the action with a federal land grab in the Northern part of the state.

From Bruce Stewart on Monday, June 07, 2010 12:22 AM

Sounds like these people!

From Jack Wilborn on Sunday, June 06, 2010 9:30 PM

These regulations all sound fine to me. It is supposed to be primitive weapon hunting, not another animal harvest festival. Keep it simple and primitive and enjoy it.

From Glen Rea on Sunday, June 06, 2010 4:15 PM

I can understand not using trail cameras during hunting season. It doesn't say you can't use them, you just can't use them during hunting season. You may be violating federal law by taking pictures of hunters without their consent.

From Dave Thurlow on Sunday, June 06, 2010 1:28 PM

They are hunting. They don't need to have game handed to them on a platter. As for feeding game, that law is mainly for residents' safety.

From john ziegler on Sunday, June 06, 2010 1:24 PM

The wolves of course are not subject to such regulations.

From mark haley on Sunday, June 06, 2010 12:21 PM

WTF, No Lumenocs in Montana? Is this an effort to stimulate the retail economy by causing hunters to lose arrows in the field? As the Latin Americans would say "muy el stupido!"

From Michael Sanders on Sunday, June 06, 2010 10:13 AM

Sure you do Steve. Not sure I understand banning trailcams. I do think it should be up to the state and it's hunters to make policy. Not guys like Steven who "still use wooden arrows to make it sporting". The older I get the more tiresome these attitudes become.

From M Farrell on Sunday, June 06, 2010 10:05 AM

"- No baiting or supplemental feeding is allowed. Except for putting out bird feeders, it’s illegal to bait or feed wildlife—even out-of-season." is a fairly common rule in the west. Wyoming has a similar rule. It's about keep the wild game wild.

From Mike O'Brien on Sunday, June 06, 2010 9:19 AM

Montana's FW&P is the most backward government agency in the state. Fencing newly acquired land and installing steel gates and locking them is what they do best. Their attitude seems to be that they own all the game and no input from hunters is needed or desired.

From Ronald Johns on Sunday, June 06, 2010 8:10 AM

Using feeders and camera is not hunting. It is harvesting. It is like shooting a steer in a feed lot. They are right about crossbows also.

From Daiel Allison on Sunday, June 06, 2010 4:19 AM

I don't have a problem with that either. Like inlines during primitive seasons, some technologies should not be allowed.

From Tim Kendrick on Saturday, June 05, 2010 7:45 PM

It sounds good to me. Before you know it they will be using heat seeking arrows. I still use a wood bow and arrows, just to make it sporting.

From Steven Jacko on Monday, May 17, 2010 7:31 PM

NRA: America's Foremost Defender of Hunting!