Hunting in the USA (Montana in particular)…

[wildschwein]

#4920

I have been doing a bit of research as of late, trying to figure out which State would meet my needs best when it comes to bowhunting Deer.

Due to work related injuries I can no longer pull the big game hunting wieght bow that my Province requires. But I have noticed that a great deal of your States would allow me to hunt with my 35# bow. Montana in particular intrests me since it requires the shortest travel time. But I can’t seem to find the requirements concerning minimum draw wieght for Deer hunting in Montana. Nor could I find anything on what a non-resident alien would require to hunt Montana. Just wondering if anyone here would know?

Also please feel free to mention the laws in other States as well.

[Raymond Coffman]

#35464

Wildschwein —

I hunt NM, AZ & TX mostly, AZ 30lbs min — NM “any Bow and Arrows” –TX no min draw. I do Not know the laws pertaining to a legal alien bringing a hunting bow in/out of the US. Probably have to check with Customs.

Scout

[stalkin4elk]

#35581

fwp.mt.gov

The official resource.

[wildschwein]

#35612

Thanks guys.

[Mark Turton]

#36268

Friends of mine that fly to the US ensure that arrows don’t have a point mounted and all ‘sharps’ are packed neatly, they advise the airline before arrival that they have hunting gear and that they wish to declare this for customs purposes. On arrival at your destination go down the ‘red route’ and collect your hunting gear, very often customs personnel take a cursory glance and are satisfied that you have done more than the minimum required, also worth including a copy of any permits or invites you may have.

I don’t think this is at all strictly necessary but my experience is do more than the bare minimum and they will appreciate the effort don’t do enough and you could be held up for hours or even lose equipment.

I’ve been stopped at customs in Europe a few times, if my leatherman and knives are packed with my hunting gear no problem, if they are separate in the vehicle I have to show ‘good reason’ for possessing them, just another hoop to jump through.

The irony in all of this is that all the hunting gear I travel with is legal at home and freely available in the areas I’m visiting.

Good luck with you plans.

[Don Thomas]

#39335

I’m not aware of any MT regulations that should cause you a problem, although to be honest I haven’t read the regs cover to cover on everything for a while. However, be aware that non-resident buck tags now require a draw, and they are getting pricey. You can thank loss of resident access due to outfitter leasing for that. If you have questions as you go along, feel free to contact me. Don

[Troy Warner]

#40175

Colorado is min draw of 35# all seasons or was 2 years ago. Lots of national forest and wilderness to get away from the crowds.

Good luck with your search.

[Fallguy]

#40286

Minnesota has a minimum of 30lbs draw weight. We must not be as tough as the rest of you. Our illustrious legislature has proposed anyone over 55 be allowed to use a crossbow because 30lbs is to much to draw and hold.

[wildschwein]

#41466

Overbowed at 30 pounds eh! Sounds like we need to get the folks in your legislature some gym passes (which the could probably easily afford with the money they were slipped by crossbow manufacturers :oops:.)

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