Hunting Adventures in Roundup, Montana: A Guide to Prime Game and Scenic Pursuits

Tucked into the breaks, badlands, and open rangelands of Central Montana, Roundup is more than just a stop on the map—it’s a gateway to some of the state’s most underrated and rewarding hunting grounds. From big game to upland birds, this is a place where the landscape still feels wild, and the hunting traditions run deep.

Elk Hunting in the Bull Mountains: A Hidden Gem

Ask a seasoned Montana hunter about elk, and they’ll likely name the Bull Mountains. Located just southeast of Roundup, these rugged, timbered hills are known for producing healthy herds and big bulls, particularly during the archery season in September and early October.

Hunting here is challenging—much of the land is privately owned, and the elk are smart, having grown wary of pressure. But that’s part of the thrill. The good news? Montana’s Block Management Program opens access to hundreds of thousands of acres in the area, including parts of Musselshell County. These agreements between landowners and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks allow public hunters to legally access private lands. Planning ahead is key, and respectful, ethical hunting is a must.

Archery season is especially popular in the Bulls. If you know how to call and can handle the steep, timbered terrain, you might find yourself eye-to-eye with a rutting bull before dawn. Rifle season can be equally fruitful—but it often requires long hikes, early mornings, and patience to intercept elk moving between bedding and feeding grounds.

For hunters looking for a more guided experience, local outfitters based near Roundup, such as Musselshell Outfitters, offer fully guided archery elk hunts with high success rates on private ranch land. These hunts often book up a year or two in advance due to demand.

Big Game Variety: Mule Deer, Whitetails, and Antelope

Elk aren’t the only draw. The plains and coulees around Roundup are prime habitat for mule deer and white-tailed deer, often seen grazing in river bottoms and rolling fields. Archery and rifle seasons provide multiple opportunities, with both resident and non-resident hunters drawn to the area's mix of terrain and high game numbers.

Antelope (pronghorn) hunting is another local specialty. The open prairie around Roundup provides the perfect stage for spot-and-stalk rifle hunts, and archery antelope hunting over waterholes is a popular tactic during the dry early season.

Upland Game Birds: Classic Prairie Hunting

North and northeast of town, hunters will find brushy draws, agricultural edges, and CRP lands that attract pheasants, sharp-tailed grouse, and Hungarian partridge. Bring a good dog, and you’ll find plenty of action once the morning chill lifts and the birds get moving.

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your hunt:

• Use the Montana Hunt Planner: fwp.mt.gov/hunt/planner

• Check out Block Management maps and sign-in locations

• Buy licenses through the Montana FWP Online Licensing system

• Stop by local license vendors like Electric Service Shop in Roundup for supplies and tips

Whether you're bugling in a thick stand of pine for elk or glassing the breaks for a bedded muley, Roundup delivers the kind of authentic Montana hunting experience that’s becoming harder to find. Out here, the roads are quieter, the country is wilder, and the rewards—both scenic and sporting—are well worth the effort.