Montana

Montana Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Montana hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Mar 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026 season.

Last updated: March 2026

Resident License $16 General hunting

Non-Resident License $10 General hunting

Hunter Education Required Born after 1985-01-01

Online Purchase Yes Mar 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026

LICENSE FEES

Montana Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Mar 1, 2025 – Feb 28, 2026.

Resident Licenses

Conservation License $8 —

Base Hunting License $10 —

General Deer License $16 —

General Elk License $20 —

Sportsman License (without Bear) $64.50 —

Sportsman License (with Bear) $79.50 —

Resident Youth (Under 12) Free —

Non-Resident Licenses

NR Conservation License — $10

NR Base Hunting License — $50

NR Deer Combination License — $760

NR Elk Combination License — $1112

NR Big Game Combination (Deer & Elk) — $1312

NR Preference Points (Annual) — $100

Tags & Permits

Deer B (Antlerless) $15 $80

Elk B (Antlerless – OTC) $20 $270

Elk B (Antlerless – Draw) $25 $275

Turkey $13 $75

Black Bear $19 $350

Antelope (Pronghorn) $16 $205

Moose $125 $1250

Mountain Goat $125 $1250

Bighorn Sheep $125 $1250

Mountain Lion $19 $350

Wolf $22 $250

Endorsements & Stamps

Bow and Arrow License $10 Mandatory for all archery hunting; same price res/NR

Upland Game Bird License $10 Required for pheasant, Hungarian partridge, sharptail grouse; included in NR combos

Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass $15 AISPP required for all anglers and watercraft; $5 if ages 12-17 or 62+

Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30

HIP Certification Free Free; required for all migratory bird hunters

PURCHASE

How to Buy a Montana Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply. Create an ALS account or sign in. Purchase Conservation License ($8/$10) + Base Hunting License ($10/$50). Apply for NR draw (Mar 1 – Apr 1) or buy resident/OTC tags. Purchase AISPP ($15) if fishing or using watercraft. Pay with credit/debit card ($5 app fee per species). Print license and tags; carry in field

Buy In Person

FWP regional offices, Walmart stores, Sportsman's Warehouse, Scheels, Local sporting goods and outfitter shops

Buy By Phone

Call 406-444-2535. $5 application fee per species

Shop for hunting gear at our partners:

Bass Pro Shops → Cabela's → Amazon → Academy Sports →

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Montana hunting license is online through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Montana

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1985

Online course: Available — Cost: Free

Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required

Minimum age: 10 years old

Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education

Military exemption: Yes, active duty military may be exempt

Start Your Hunter Education Course

EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Montana?

Mentored Youth (10-11) Free Hunt big game with licensed adult within arm's reach; no hunter ed needed

Youth (12-17) Reduced fees Conservation $4, deer $8, elk $10; discounted sportsman available

Senior (62+) Reduced fees Conservation $4, deer $8, elk $10; reduced sportsman rates

Disabled (60%+) Free or reduced MT residents 60%+ disability: free conservation + reduced species licenses

Disabled Veteran Free MT resident disabled veterans receive free licenses at specific disability ratings

Active Military Resident rates Active duty stationed in Montana purchase at resident rates

SEASONS

Montana Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

Mule/White-tailed Deer Archery Sep 6 – Oct 19 Bow only

Mule/White-tailed Deer General Rifle Oct 25 – Nov 30 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow

Mule/White-tailed Deer B Season (Antlerless) Aug-Feb – District-specific Varies by district

Elk Archery Sep 6 – Oct 19 Bow only

Elk General Rifle Oct 25 – Nov 30 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow

Elk B Season (Cow Elk OTC) Aug-Feb – District-specific Varies by district

Turkey Spring Apr 12 – May 18 Shotgun, bow

Turkey Fall Sep 1 – Jan 1 Shotgun, bow, rifle

Bear Spring Apr 15 – May 31 Rifle, bow, muzzleloader

Bear Fall Sep 6 – Nov 30 Rifle, bow, muzzleloader

Antelope (Pronghorn) Archery Sep 6 – Oct 19 Bow only

Antelope (Pronghorn) Rifle Oct 4 – Nov 9 Rifle, bow, muzzleloader

Mountain Lion Winter Dec 1 – Apr 14 Rifle, bow; hounds allowed

Wolf Fall/Winter Sep 15 – Mar 15 Rifle, bow

Pheasant/Upland Birds Regular Oct 11 – Jan 1 Shotgun

Duck/Waterfowl Regular Oct 4 – Jan 5 Shotgun (non-toxic shot)

BAG LIMITS

Montana Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

Deer 1 3 total (max with B tags) 2026 regulation: 3 deer limit per year; mule deer and whitetail combined

Elk 1 1 general + B tags One general elk tag; additional cow elk B tags available in many districts

Turkey 1 1 One gobbler per spring; fall gobbler or hen varies by area

Bear 1 1 One bear total (spring + fall combined); designated districts

Antelope 1 1 One pronghorn per license type

Mountain Lion 1 1 District quotas; season closes when district quota met

Wolf 1 5-10 Liberal limits; 5-10 per year depending on region; trapping also available

Pheasant 3 No season limit Roosters only; central MT is prime

COMPARE

How Montana Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

Montana $16 $10

North Dakota $20 $20 South Dakota $35 $110 Wyoming $21.50 $21.50 Idaho $15.75 $185

Compare All 50 States

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Montana Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Montana?

Residents: Conservation ($8) + Base ($10) + Deer ($16) + Elk ($20) = $54 total. Sportsman with Bear ($79.50) is best value. NR combos: deer $760, elk $1,112, deer+elk $1,312 — among the priciest in the nation.

How does the NR big game draw work?

Non-residents apply Mar 1 – Apr 1 ($5 app fee). Limited combo licenses awarded by lottery. Unsuccessful applicants can still buy leftover tags in July. NR deer allocation reduced by 2,500 tags for 2026 season.

How much is a non-resident elk tag in Montana?

NR elk combo: $1,112. NR Big Game combo (deer+elk): $1,312. Both include fishing + upland bird. Plus $10 conservation + $50 base = $1,372 total. Among the highest in North America — but access to world-class Rocky Mountain elk.

What changed for Montana deer limits in 2026?

Montana reduced deer limits from 8 to 3 per year. This includes general and B (antlerless) tags combined. The change aims to improve buck-to-doe ratios and deer herd quality. Mule deer population recovery is a priority.

Can I hunt wolves in Montana?

Yes, Montana has liberal wolf management: $22 res / $250 NR tag. Season: Sep 15 – Mar 15. Bag limit: 5-10 per year depending on region. Trapping is also allowed with appropriate licenses. Montana has one of the most accessible wolf hunts.

What are B Licenses in Montana?

B Licenses are bonus antlerless tags for specific hunting districts. Deer B: $15 res / $80 NR. Elk B: $20-$25 res / $270-$275 NR. Available through draw or leftover sales. Help manage high-density game populations.

How do moose/sheep/goat tags work?

Extremely limited draw. Tags: $125 res / $1,250 NR per species. Application fee: $50 res / $100 NR. Moose can take 20+ preference points. Bighorn sheep is once-in-a-lifetime. These are bucket-list tags.

Can I buy a Montana hunting license online?

Yes, at fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply. NR draw applications Mar 1 – Apr 1. Leftover licenses July. Must purchase Conservation License first, then Base Hunting, then species tags. AISPP also required for watercraft.