Archery Season.
Tomorrow marks the start of archery season here in Montana—a time many of us have been counting down to all year. Whether you’re a seasoned bowhunter or just stepping into the timber for your first season, it’s worth taking a moment to get grounded in what makes this time of year so special, and what we all need to keep in mind as hunters.
The Pros of Archery Season
First Crack at Elk & Deer: You get the first chance before rifle season pressure pushes animals deep into the backcountry.
Close Encounters: Bowhunting is about getting within 20–60 yards depending on your comfort level—heart-pounding, unforgettable moments.
Quiet Woods: Less orange, less gunfire. Archery season feels intimate, like the mountains are still waking up.
Better Weather: September mornings are crisp, days are mild, and the rut is just beginning.
Lifestyle: The challenge demands discipline—shooting daily, practicing patience, and connecting deeper with the land.
The Cons (That Make It Worth It)
Longer Days in the Field: More hiking, more scouting, more glassing. Archery is earned, not given.
Low Success Rates: Most bowhunters don’t notch a tag every year—and that’s okay. It makes success even sweeter.
Gear Demands: Accuracy at 20 yards in the yard is different than a steep 50-yard shot on the mountain.
Physical & Mental Grind: From 4 AM alarms to sore legs after chasing bugles all day—it takes grit.
Weather Shifts: Snow in the high country, heat in the valley—Montana can serve up all four seasons in one hunt.
What to Remember Before You Step Into the Timber
Know Your Shot: If you haven’t paper-tuned and shot broadheads, do it. Don’t guess in the field. Practice out to your ethical range—20 to 60 yards.
Check Regulations: Every district is different—boundaries, either-sex vs. brow-tined bulls, archery-only units.
Physical Prep: The mountains don’t care if you’re tired. Be ready to pack in and, hopefully, pack out.
First Aid & Safety: A small kit, OnX or Land ID, and extra layers can save your life.
Respect Private Land: Knock, call, and always get permission. Nothing ruins hunting faster than trespassing.
Etiquette in Archery Season
Respect Other Hunters: If someone beats you to a spot or a bugle, back off and find another opportunity.
Call Ethically: Overcalling can ruin a hunt for you and everyone else in the drainage.
Pack Out Trash: From protein bar wrappers to flagging tape—leave no trace.
Quiet Camp: Keep the early mornings and late-night stories respectful of others nearby.
Help When You Can: A fellow hunter with a downed animal might appreciate an extra backstrap load.
Why We Love It
There’s nothing like the sound of a bull elk bugle echoing through the mountains at sunrise. Nothing like sneaking through frosty grass with your bow in hand, heart pounding, legs burning, lungs full of mountain air. Archery season is a lifestyle—it’s not just about the shot, it’s about the entire experience of being out there.
Final Thought
Hunting season in Montana is a privilege and a responsibility. As you head into the timber tomorrow, remember that success isn’t just measured by punched tags. It’s in the miles hiked, the bugles heard, the time spent with family and friends, and the stories you’ll tell around the fire.
Good luck, hunt hard, hunt ethical—and may your arrows fly true.
