Montana Spring Predator Hunting: Mountain Lion and Wolf Seasons Open Past Feb. 28

As Montana’s license year wraps up Feb. 28, 2026, several key predator seasons continue into the spring; most notably mountain lion and wolf hunting, as well as portions of the trapping season. This year’s extended dates give hunters and trappers additional opportunity for winter and late-season pursuits under the 2025–2026 Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) regulations. 

Mountain Lion Seasons That Go Into Spring

The 2025 mountain lion seasons in Montana are structured in three phases:

• Archery (without dogs): Early September–mid October

• Fall (without dogs): Late October–end of November

• Winter Season: Dec. 1, 2025 – Apr. 14, 2026

• Resident Hound Training Season: Dec. 2, 2025 – Apr. 14, 2026 

The winter mountain lion season and hound-training period both clearly extend well past the Feb. 28 license year deadline, closing April 14, 2026. Hunters planning late-winter lion trips should ensure they have valid licenses and are prepared to verify their tags even if they extend into the next license year.

Wolf Hunting and Trapping Through Mid-March

Montana’s wolf season also stretches deep into the following year:

• Archery Season: Sept. 6–14, 2025

• General Wolf Hunting Season: Sept. 15, 2025 – Mar. 15, 2026

• Trapping: Varies by area but in many parts of the state trapping is open Dec. 1, 2025 – Mar. 15, 2026. 

In geographic areas defined by federal court order (including parts of Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5), wolf trapping opens Jan. 1 – Feb. 15, 2026; outside that area, trapping runs through March 15, 2026. 

For wolves, hunters and trappers must possess a wolf license. Trappers must complete a mandatory wolf-trapping certification course before trapping wolves. Licenses are available over the counter at FWP offices, authorized providers, and through the online system.

Furbearer Trapping That Extends Past Feb. 28

Several furbearer trapping seasons also continue well beyond the license-year end:

• Beaver: Sept. 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026 (Districts 4, 5, 6 and 7)

• Mink, Muskrat, Otter: Nov. 1 – Apr. 15, 2026

• Bobcat: Traps close Feb. 15, 2026 in Districts 1–3 and Mar. 1, 2026 in Districts 4–7

• Other furbearers: Dates vary by species and zone. 

These trapping seasons that overlap into spring mean many trappers will still be legally able to operate after Feb. 28.

What Hunters and Trappers Should Know

Because the license year ends Feb. 28, FWP warns that E-tags will become inactive in the online app after that date. For extended winter or spring efforts, FWP recommends acquiring an offline copy of your license through a regional office to ensure your tags remain valid in the field. Questions can be directed to FWP’s licensing hotline at 406-444-2950 or by visiting fwp.mt.gov/hunt for up-to-date season calendars and regulatory details.

Deanna

Deanna is a former Toyota mechanic, current EMT-I, and certified Physician Assistant with a lifelong passion for adventure and self-reliance. When she’s not practicing medicine or wrenching, you’ll find her exploring the rugged deserts and mountain landscapes of the Southwest. She’s usually off wandering trails, chasing quiet sunsets, and unplugging from the noise of modern life.