Tools/Legal light/Montana

Legal shooting light in Montana

In short

In Montana, legal shooting light for game animals runs from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. At Helena today that is 6:31 AM to 8:17 PM MDT.

Updated September 2026
Sun altitude · Fri, Sep 11MDT · Game animals
HORIZON30°12 AM3 AM6 AM9 AMNOON3 PM6 PM9 PM12 AMLEGAL 6:31 AMENDS 8:17 PMSUNRISE 7:01 AMSUNSET 7:47 PM
NightTwilightDayLegal window
Now
—
 
Legal from6:31 AM
Sunrise7:01 AM
Sunset7:47 PM
Legal until8:17 PM
Civil dawn6:30 AM
Civil dusk8:17 PM
Legal day13h 46m
Daylight12h 46m
NESW
Sunrise bearing83°
Sunset bearing277°
The Montana ruleCommon rule · confirm with agency
Game animals & non-migratory birdsone-half hour before sunrise → one-half hour after sunset

Confirm with: Montana wildlife agency. Sun times computed with astronomy-engine (USNO convention: upper limb, refraction).

All states·Montana season dates·Montana regulations

Montana shooting hours, answered

What are the legal shooting hours in Montana?

For game animals, Montana allows hunting from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset. This is the common rule; confirm the exact wording with the state agency.

When does legal light end today at Helena?

Today legal light ends at 8:17 PM MDT at Helena (7:47 PM sunset plus the after-sunset offset). Set your precise location above for your exact spot.