Montana’s general deer and elk rifle season opened Saturday, Oct. 24, and that changes how many Missoula dog owners plan their walks.

The dates to know

According to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks:

• General deer and elk rifle season: Oct. 24 to Nov. 29
• Muzzleloader season: Dec. 12 to 20
• Upland birds: mountain grouse and partridge run through Jan. 1, and ring-necked pheasant runs Oct. 10 to Jan. 1
• Shoulder seasons in some districts can run as late as Feb. 15

Rules and dates vary by hunting district, so check FWP’s regulations if you’re heading somewhere new.

Make your dog easy to see

Many of the forests and foothills around Missoula are shared with hunters this time of year.

• Put your dog in a bright orange vest or collar, and wear bright colors yourself.
• Keep your dog close or leashed, especially in brushy areas where they can disappear from view.
• Stay on established trails, and consider midday walks, since dawn and dusk are prime hunting hours.
• Talk or sing now and then so anyone nearby knows people are around.

Clocks fall back Nov. 1

Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 1, so evening walks will suddenly be in the dark.

A reflective or lighted collar, a headlamp and a reflective leash make you and your dog visible to drivers, cyclists and other walkers.

Winter wildlife closures are next

The City of Missoula closes much of Mount Jumbo each winter to protect wintering elk and deer, and the closures have typically started Dec. 1.

In past years, the upper trails of the Mount Dean Stone preserve have closed to dogs from Dec. 1 to May 1, and dogs have had to stay leashed during the closures, NBC Montana reported.

As of Saturday, Oct. 24, the city’s Conservation Lands Closures page shows both Mount Jumbo zones as open. Check it before you go, because dates can shift with weather and wildlife.

A good fall habit

Before any outing, take 30 seconds to check what season is open and which closures are in effect. Your dog will never know the difference, and you’ll both get home safe.

Graphic: Save Our Doggy

Sources

• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, hunting seasons (checked Oct. 24, 2026): fwp.mt.gov
• City of Missoula, Conservation Lands Closures (checked Oct. 24, 2026): ci.missoula.mt.us
• NBC Montana, Nov. 30, 2022: nbcmontana.com