As publishedSep 1 (res.) / Sep 11 (nonres.) - Sep 30, 2026; closed west of Continental Divide
Free Supplemental Sage Grouse Hunting Permit required in addition to Upland Game Bird License. Closed west of the Continental Divide. Resident season Sep 1-30, 2026; nonresident Sep 11-30, 2026.
Montana FWP publishes a standalone “Montana Greater Sage-grouse Population Report” each August (2025 edition: 714 leks surveyed statewide, dated Aug 20, 2025) beyond the Outlook's own sage-grouse section — genuine active spring lek-count infrastructure feeding an open season (Sept 1-30, 2026, 2-bird daily limit). A fresh search this pass found no 2026 edition yet; expected imminently based on the Aug 20, 2025 precedent, the same timing as the combined Outlook.