Hunt unit · Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge
V Hunt Unit Map & Access
The V unit is one of 10 mapped hunt units on Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Cascade County, MT. It covers approximately 1,597 acres and is listed as “open – special regulations apply” for 2026–2027. That means hunting is permitted, but refuge-specific rules — such as limited species, dates, weapon types, access methods or quota permits — apply on top of state regulations.
V map
Rules & permits for this unit
Status: Open – special regulations apply
Hunting is allowed, but refuge-specific rules apply in addition to Montana regulations. Typical special regulations include limited species or seasons, quota/lottery permits, weapon restrictions (e.g. archery or shotgun only), shooting-hour limits, blind or stand rules and restricted access.
🧒 A youth waterfowl hunt is held each year.
Game at Benton Lake NWR
Species listed for the refuge as a whole — a special-regulation unit may be limited to certain species. Confirm in the hunt brochure.
Getting to the V unit
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Destination: center of the V unit
- Decimal
47.64989, -111.29102- DMS
47°38′59.6″N 111°17′27.7″W
Nearest towns
- Great Falls, MT10 mi N of town
- Helena, MT81 mi NE of town
- Lewistown, MT96 mi NW of town
Straight-line distances. Driving routes are longer; many refuge roads are gravel and may close seasonally.
The navigation point is a point inside the unit polygon, not necessarily a parking area or legal access point. Use satellite view to find roads, gates and designated parking, and respect closed areas and private inholdings.
Shooting hours at this unit
Today at V
*½ hour before sunrise — the standard federal shooting-hour start for migratory game birds. Times in Denver local time.
Full season calculator →2026–2027 season sun table
| Date | Shooting light | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tue, Sep 1, 2026 | 6:12 AM | 6:42 AM | 8:08 PM | 13h 26m |
| Tue, Sep 15, 2026 | 6:30 AM | 7:00 AM | 7:40 PM | 12h 39m |
| Thu, Oct 1, 2026 | 6:52 AM | 7:22 AM | 7:07 PM | 11h 45m |
| Thu, Oct 15, 2026 | 7:12 AM | 7:42 AM | 6:39 PM | 10h 57m |
| Sun, Nov 1, 2026 | 6:37 AM | 7:07 AM | 5:09 PM | 10h 02m |
| Sun, Nov 15, 2026 | 6:59 AM | 7:29 AM | 4:50 PM | 9h 21m |
| Tue, Dec 1, 2026 | 7:22 AM | 7:52 AM | 4:36 PM | 8h 45m |
| Tue, Dec 15, 2026 | 7:36 AM | 8:06 AM | 4:33 PM | 8h 28m |
| Fri, Jan 1, 2027 | 7:43 AM | 8:13 AM | 4:42 PM | 8h 29m |
| Fri, Jan 15, 2027 | 7:39 AM | 8:09 AM | 4:58 PM | 8h 49m |
| Mon, Feb 1, 2027 | 7:22 AM | 7:52 AM | 5:23 PM | 9h 31m |
Computed for 47.650, -111.291 (MDT / DST-aware). Check state rules — big game hours vary.
Weather forecast
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Forecast from the National Weather Service. Wind direction matters — plan your approach downwind of where game beds.