End of May to first part / half of June is usually a really good time for PD in the Montana region as the pups are just now coming out, and they have no clue . Only disadvantage I can think of is for that time period is that some days could snow on you elevation dependent. Actually usually the most common species is Richardson Ground Squirrel aka gophers to the locals. But you will encounter true PD's as well, where you are in the state will dictate which species. Pretty easy to tell apart even though they do overlap sometimes. PD's are a bit bigger, more social (dens / burrows are really a good bit closer, gophers tend to spread out the dens and burrows and are shorter in stature, not as social. All will yip for a threat though, but honestly not as keen eyed a whistle pig or ground hog back east). Although no harm in going later in the year. The exact species makes no true difference, as it's about as the most fun you can have with clothes on. Great way to recharge and met some great people, see beautiful sights. (the Dakota's, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana are absolutely great).
Go early meet some of the ranchers, build a relationship, they will be somewhat skeptical at first in a way. But can be overcome quickly, as honestly in a role reversal I would be just like the rancher. Usually they will set you on top of them.
When a buddy of mine head that way (about 1500 to 2000 miles depending route and exact location one way), there is one in particular ranch we go to he refers to us his hunters. We ensure to pick up our brass, check with him where the cattle is and his hands are working. Before taking off to the fields which in our case he usually directs us to.
We never head to any fields without his permission, even if we are multi-day hunting, we call /text him when we are entering / leaving for the day or breaking for lunch and again when we come back from lunch. That way if a hand had to do something where we was, the hand and we had knowledge of each other. On the Yotes same can be said about the rancher basically putting you in the general location, if not dead on top of them. Even though most the ranchers spread is usually large by east coast standards, he pretty much knows what is going on. I know our rancher always offers to pay for our ammo, we never accept, state we are just happy to be allowed access to hunt. And help keep the population down. He even will offer a location to set the camper up to boondock as well.
Like mentioned earlier no licensing in Montana, SD, IIRC there is, but at reasonable cost, ND,ID, and Wy I would check.
