KALISPELL – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds hunters that the Fish and Wildlife Commission approved the following changes to antlerless elk harvest in Region 1. These changes take effect this hunting season. 

Changes include:  

• All Elk B Licenses in Region 1 are now valid only on private land. They are no longer valid on public land. The Fish and Wildlife Commission made this change to shift hunting pressure away from public lands and focus antlerless harvest on private lands.  

• The Permission to Hunt from a Vehicle (PTHFV) will no longer provide an antlerless elk hunting opportunity in Region 1 (HDs 100, 101, 103, 104, 121, 122, 123, 124). Because PTHFV licenses are valid for life, the number of hunters participating has steadily increased over time. This has led to harvest levels that exceed the department's conservative management goals. In some districts, harvest by PTHFV hunters has even surpassed the combined harvest from B licenses and archery hunters. This change only affects antlerless elk opportunities in Region 1. All other PTHFV rules and eligibility requirements remain the same, and existing permits are still valid for life. Hunters may continue to use the PTHFV for other species where allowed.   

• Antlerless elk hunting opportunities during the archery season have been eliminated in Region 1. The Fish and Wildlife Commission made this change to reduce the total harvest of antlerless elk in northwest Montana. By removing the archery antlerless option, the commission aims to further limit the total harvest of cows to benefit long-term population growth. 

To review the Deer|Elk|Antelope Hunting Regulations for 2026, click here.