How to Get a Hunting License in Montana

Montana is one of the most sought-after hunting destinations in North America. The state offers vast expanses of public land, world-class elk hunting, abundant mule deer and white-tailed deer populations, and opportunities for pronghorn, moose, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, and upland birds. From the high peaks of the Rocky Mountain Front to the prairie grasslands of eastern Montana, the landscape supports an incredible diversity of game species.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is the state agency responsible for managing wildlife, setting hunting regulations, and issuing licenses. FWP oversees an extensive system of wildlife management areas, block management areas, and coordinates with federal land managers to provide broad public hunting access.

Understanding Montana’s licensing system is essential because the state uses a combination of over-the-counter licenses and competitive draw permits, each with its own rules and timelines. This guide walks you through every step of the process, from hunter education to purchasing your license and applying for special permits.¹

Hunter Education Requirements

Montana requires all first-time hunting license buyers to complete a hunter education course. This applies to both residents and non-residents. There is no birth-year cutoff – everyone buying a Montana hunting license for the first time must show proof of hunter education or a previous hunting license from any state or province.

Course Options

Montana offers multiple pathways to complete hunter education:

• Classroom course: Traditional in-person courses taught by FWP-certified volunteer instructors across the state. Courses typically run 10 to 12 hours and cover firearm safety, wildlife management, ethics, survival, and first aid.
• Online course with field day: Complete the classroom content online through an approved provider, then attend a mandatory in-person field day to demonstrate safe firearm handling and pass the exam.
• Online-only course: Montana allows hunters 18 and older to complete a fully online hunter education course through certain approved providers without a field day.

Minimum Age

Montana allows hunters of any age to take hunter education. Youth ages 10 and older can purchase a hunting license with a completed hunter education certificate. Children under 10 may not obtain a hunting license but can accompany licensed hunters in the field.

Exemptions

If you have held a hunting license from any U.S. state, Canadian province, or foreign country, you may be exempt from Montana’s hunter education requirement. You will need to provide your previous license number or hunter education certificate when purchasing your Montana license.

Types of Hunting Licenses

Montana’s licensing system distinguishes between resident and non-resident hunters, with significant differences in availability and cost. Residency requires living in Montana for at least 180 consecutive days.

All hunters must first purchase a Conservation License ($8.00 for residents, $10.00 for non-residents) and a Base Hunting License ($10.00 for residents, $50.00 for non-residents). Resident deer and elk tags are very affordable at $16.00 and $20.00 respectively. The most popular non-resident option is the Big Game Combo ($1312.00), which includes both deer and elk tags. Non-residents hunting deer only can purchase the Deer Combo for $760.00.

Non-Resident Caps

Montana limits the number of non-resident elk combo licenses issued each year. Non-residents who want to hunt elk must apply through the draw system for a combo license, or they may apply for the deer combination license, which is also drawing-only. This is one of the most important distinctions in Montana’s system and catches many first-time non-resident applicants off guard.

Tags, Stamps, and Permits

Beyond your base license and general tags, Montana requires or offers several additional permits:

• Special draw permits: Required for hunting in specific districts or for limited-entry species. These include permits for moose, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, mountain lion, and certain elk and deer districts. Applications are submitted through the draw system.
• B tags (antlerless tags): Available for antlerless deer and elk in specific hunting districts to help manage populations. These may be available over the counter or through a draw depending on the district.
• Upland bird license: Required for hunting pheasant, partridge, and other upland game birds.
• Turkey license: A separate license is required for both spring and fall turkey seasons.
• Federal Duck Stamp: Required for hunting migratory waterfowl, purchased separately.
• HIP registration: Harvest Information Program registration is mandatory for all migratory bird hunters.
• Bear license: Required for hunting black bear; purchased in addition to your base license.
• Wolf license: Montana offers a wolf hunting season with a separate license requirement.

Preference Points

Montana uses a preference point system for certain special draw permits. If you are not drawn for a permit, you accumulate a preference point that improves your odds in future draws. Preference points are species-specific and apply to moose, mountain goat, bighorn sheep, and certain limited-entry deer and elk permits.

You can also purchase a preference point without applying for a permit in a given year, allowing you to build points for future applications.

How to Buy Your License

Montana provides several methods for purchasing hunting licenses and applying for draw permits.

Online

The primary portal is Montana’s Automated Licensing System (ALS) accessible through the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov. You can create an account, purchase licenses and tags, apply for special permits, and manage your hunter profile online.

In Person

Licenses are available at FWP regional offices and authorized license agents throughout the state, including sporting goods stores and some general retailers.

Phone

You can contact FWP directly to purchase licenses by phone. Have your personal information, hunter education number, and payment ready.

Required Documents

To purchase a Montana hunting license, you will need:

• Valid photo identification
• Proof of Montana residency (if purchasing a resident license)
• Hunter education certificate number or proof of a previous hunting license
• Social Security number (required for the ALS system)

Application Deadlines and Important Dates

Montana’s licensing calendar revolves around both over-the-counter sales and draw application periods. Missing a deadline can mean waiting an entire year, so planning ahead is critical.

Key Dates to Know

• Draw application period: Opens March 1 and closes April 1 for the non-resident combination licenses and limited-entry deer/elk permits; moose, goat, and sheep applications are due May 1 and antelope June 1. The exact dates vary each year.
• Non-resident big game combo draw: Applications are due during the same spring window. This is the primary way non-residents obtain elk hunting privileges.
• Draw results: Usually posted in mid to late May.
• General season licenses: Over-the-counter deer and elk tags for residents are available starting in mid-August.
• General rifle season: Typically runs from late October through late November.
• Archery season: Generally opens in early September.
• Preference point deadline: If you want to purchase a preference point without applying for a permit, you must do so during the regular application window.

Plan your Montana hunt well in advance. If you are a non-resident, begin the application process in January or February to ensure you do not miss the spring draw window.

Reciprocity and Out-of-State Hunters

Montana is a premier destination for non-resident hunters, but the system is more complex for out-of-state applicants than for residents. Here is what you need to know:

• Non-resident licenses: Must be purchased through the ALS system. Non-resident costs are substantially higher than resident fees.
• Non-resident caps: Montana caps the number of non-resident elk combo licenses. If you are not drawn, you may still be able to hunt deer as a non-resident.
• Hunter education: Montana accepts hunter education certificates from all U.S. states and Canadian provinces. Provide your certificate number when creating your ALS account.
• Outfitter requirement for wilderness areas: Non-residents hunting in designated wilderness areas must hire a licensed outfitter for certain species, including elk and some big game. This rule applies to specific wilderness areas and is enforced through FWP and U.S. Forest Service regulations.
• Block management access: Non-residents can participate in Montana’s Block Management program, which provides free public access to enrolled private lands. Some popular Block Management areas use a reservation system.

Despite the complexity, Montana remains one of the most accessible western states for non-resident hunters who plan ahead and understand the draw system.

Special Considerations

Landowner Privileges

Montana offers landowner preference for certain draw permits. Qualifying landowners who allow public hunting access on their property may receive preference in the special permit draw. Landowners who own or lease a minimum acreage of qualifying habitat can apply for landowner permits. These permits are tied to specific hunting districts and species.

Disabled Hunter Permits

Montana provides accommodations for hunters with disabilities, including permits to hunt from a vehicle and permission to use adaptive equipment. Qualifying hunters must apply through FWP with supporting medical documentation. Certain mobility-impaired hunting areas are also designated on some WMAs.

Apprentice and Mentored Hunting

Montana supports mentored hunting for youth and new hunters. Youth ages 10 to 17 must be accompanied by a licensed adult while hunting. The mentored hunting approach allows young hunters to gain field experience under direct supervision before hunting independently.

Block Management Program

Montana’s Block Management program is one of the best public-access programs in the West. Private landowners voluntarily enroll their land, and FWP provides free public hunting access. Some areas are walk-in, while others require advance reservations through the FWP website. Both residents and non-residents can use Block Management areas.

Conservation License Requirement

Every hunter in Montana must first purchase a conservation license before buying any species-specific tags. This is the base requirement for all hunting and fishing activities in the state. The conservation license generates funding for wildlife management and habitat conservation.

Planning Your Hunt

With your Montana hunting license and any required permits in hand, start planning with these HuntingPrime resources:

• Montana Hunting Seasons: Review current season dates and bag limits in our Montana hunting season guide.
• Montana Hunting Regulations: Get a detailed breakdown of rules and requirements in our Montana hunting regulations guide.
• Montana Land Access: Explore public lands, Block Management areas, and WMAs in our Montana land access guide.
• General Guides: Browse our complete library of hunting guides for tips on scouting, gear, field care, and more.

Always check the latest regulations directly with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before heading into the field. Season dates, bag limits, and permit requirements can change from year to year.

For reference only. This page summarizes agency publications and is not legal advice or an official source; confirm dates, limits and fees with the state wildlife agency before you hunt. Regulations change mid-season. Send a correction if you spot an error. Disclaimer.