Montana game wardens are asking for the public’s help after a mule deer buck was killed with a firearm north of Hardin and the entire carcass was abandoned weeks before the general deer season opens.
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens are investigating the illegal killing of a mule deer buck found on private land about five miles north of Hardin. Wardens discovered the carcass on September 9 and believe the deer was killed sometime between late September 8 and early September 9.
According to FWP, the buck was shot with a firearm and the entire carcass, including all of the meat, was left behind. The incident occurred while Montana’s regular archery season was open, but well before the general rifle deer season in the area.
Archery Was Open — General Rifle Season Was Not
Montana’s 2026 deer and elk archery season opened September 5 and continues through October 18. The two-day youth deer hunt follows on October 15–16, while the regular general deer and elk season opens October 24 and runs through November 29. Montana’s muzzleloader heritage season is scheduled for December 12–20.
That distinction is particularly important in the Hardin case. Deer hunting itself was already underway when the buck was killed, but FWP says rifle hunting for deer in this area does not begin until October 24. Hunters must follow not only the season dates but also the weapon, hunting district, license and permit restrictions that apply to a particular hunt.
Montana also has deer and elk shoulder seasons in some areas, with dates that can extend from August 15 through February 15. Those opportunities vary by hunting district and generally come with their own restrictions, so hunters should not assume that the statewide archery and general-season dates tell the entire story.
Leaving the Deer to Waste Is a Separate Violation
The timing and weapon were not the only problems in this case. Montana law prohibits wasting parts of a legally or illegally killed game animal that are suitable for food. FWP specifically identifies the tenderloins, backstraps and meat from all four quarters as portions hunters cannot simply abandon. In the Hardin case, wardens say all of the meat was left behind.
FWP is asking anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area around September 8–9, or who otherwise has information about the killing, to submit a report through TIP-MONT, call 1-800-TIP-MONT, or contact the local game warden at 406-860-7804. People providing information may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.
Another Recent Montana Deer Poaching Case
The Hardin investigation follows another significant Montana deer enforcement case announced this summer. In July, FWP reported that two Harrison men had pleaded guilty to multiple wildlife violations across Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin counties following a yearlong investigation.
That investigation began after a report of a wasted whitetail buck and eventually uncovered multiple violations involving illegally killed antlered deer. FWP said the investigation included violations involving exceeding deer limits, use of licenses belonging to family members, spotlighting, hunting from a vehicle and public highway, waste of game, hunting without landowner permission and other offenses.
Jeremy Michael Hill was ordered to pay $2,980 in fines and restitution and lost hunting and fishing privileges for 36 months. Ryan Francis McGuire received $670 in fines and restitution and a 24-month suspension. The case is another example of how a report from a member of the public can develop into a much broader wildlife investigation.
Montana’s General Deer Season Is Coming
For most Montana deer hunters, the major transition is still ahead. Archery season continues through October 18 before the statewide general season opens October 24. The general season then continues through November 29, although individual hunting districts, permits and Deer B licenses can carry additional restrictions. FWP specifically advises hunters to check the regulations for their particular hunting district rather than relying solely on the statewide dates.
The Hardin case illustrates why that distinction matters. A species can be legally hunted in an area while the weapon used to take it is still prohibited. Hunters also remain responsible for properly recovering and salvaging required meat after a successful harvest.
Check Your Montana Seasons With Hunterizer
Montana’s deer regulations can change by hunting district, date, license, sex and legal weapon, particularly during the transition from September archery hunting into the October and November general seasons.
The Hunterizer app helps Montana hunters quickly check what’s open to hunt, season dates, hunting districts, legal weapons, bag limits and other important regulations. Before heading into the field, check the rules for your exact location and license—because an open deer season does not necessarily mean every weapon or every deer is legal.
