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License | Base Hunting license |
---|---|
Resident | $10 |
Nonresident | $15 |
Resident Youth | $10 |
Nonresident Youth | $15 |
License | Conservation license |
Resident | $8 |
Nonresident | $10 |
Resident Youth | $4 |
Nonresident Youth | $10 |
License | Elk application fee |
Resident | $9 |
Nonresident | $9 |
Resident Youth | $9 |
Nonresident Youth | $9 |
License | Deer application fee |
Resident | $5 |
Nonresident | $5 |
Resident Youth | $5 |
Nonresident Youth | $5 |
License | Antelope application fee |
Resident | $5 |
Nonresident | $5 |
Resident Youth | $5 |
Nonresident Youth | $5 |
License | Moose, sheep, goat, bison application fee |
Resident | $10 |
Nonresident | $50 |
Resident Youth | $10 |
Nonresident Youth | $50 |
License | Nonresident preference point fee |
Resident | N/A |
Nonresident | $100 |
Resident Youth | N/A |
Nonresident Youth | $100 |
License | Bonus point(w/draw application) |
Resident | $2 |
Nonresident | $20 |
Resident Youth | $2 |
Nonresident Youth | $20 |
License | Bonus point(points only period) |
Resident | $15 |
Nonresident | $25 |
Resident Youth | $15 |
Nonresident Youth | $25 |
License | Bonus point(points only period) - Moose/sheep/goat |
Resident | $15 |
Nonresident | $75 |
Resident Youth | $15 |
Nonresident Youth | $75 |
License | Bow and Arrow Stamp |
Resident | $10 |
Nonresident | $10 |
Resident Youth | $10 |
Nonresident Youth | $10 |
License | Resident | Nonresident | Resident Youth | Nonresident Youth |
---|---|---|---|---|
Base Hunting license | $10 | $15 | $10 | $15 |
Conservation license | $8 | $10 | $4 | $10 |
Elk application fee | $9 | $9 | $9 | $9 |
Deer application fee | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
Antelope application fee | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
Moose, sheep, goat, bison application fee | $10 | $50 | $10 | $50 |
Nonresident preference point fee | N/A | $100 | N/A | $100 |
Bonus point(w/draw application) | $2 | $20 | $2 | $20 |
Bonus point(points only period) | $15 | $25 | $15 | $25 |
Bonus point(points only period) - Moose/sheep/goat | $15 | $75 | $15 | $75 |
Bow and Arrow Stamp | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 |
License | Deer(Whitetail or Mule deer) |
---|---|
Resident | $16 |
Nonresident | $724 |
Resident Youth | $8 |
Nonresident Youth | $362 |
License | Elk |
Resident | $20 |
Nonresident | $1048 |
Resident Youth | $10 |
Nonresident Youth | $524 |
License | Big Game Combination(deer and elk) |
Resident | N/A |
Nonresident | $1242 |
Resident Youth | N/A |
Nonresident Youth | $621 |
License | Antelope |
Resident | $19 |
Nonresident | $205 |
Resident Youth | $19 |
Nonresident Youth | $205 |
License | Bighorn Sheep |
Resident | $125 |
Nonresident | $1250 |
Resident Youth | $125 |
Nonresident Youth | $1250 |
License | Moose |
Resident | $125 |
Nonresident | $1250 |
Resident Youth | $125 |
Nonresident Youth | $1250 |
License | Rocky Mountain Goat |
Resident | $125 |
Nonresident | $1250 |
Resident Youth | $125 |
Nonresident Youth | $1250 |
License | Bison |
Resident | $125 |
Nonresident | $1250 |
Resident Youth | $125 |
Nonresident Youth | $1250 |
License | Black Bear |
Resident | $19 |
Nonresident | $350 |
Resident Youth | $19 |
Nonresident Youth | $350 |
License | Wolf |
Resident | $12 |
Nonresident | $50 |
Resident Youth | $12 |
Nonresident Youth | $50 |
License | Resident | Nonresident | Resident Youth | Nonresident Youth |
---|---|---|---|---|
Deer(Whitetail or Mule deer) | $16 | $724 | $8 | $362 |
Elk | $20 | $1048 | $10 | $524 |
Big Game Combination(deer and elk) | N/A | $1242 | N/A | $621 |
Antelope | $19 | $205 | $19 | $205 |
Bighorn Sheep | $125 | $1250 | $125 | $1250 |
Moose | $125 | $1250 | $125 | $1250 |
Rocky Mountain Goat | $125 | $1250 | $125 | $1250 |
Bison | $125 | $1250 | $125 | $1250 |
Black Bear | $19 | $350 | $19 | $350 |
Wolf | $12 | $50 | $12 | $50 |
Deadlines and draw results |
Date |
Application deadline |
April 1, 2024 |
Draw Results |
Mid-April |
Deadlines and draw results | Date |
Application deadline | April 1, 2024 |
Draw Results | Mid-April |
Deadlines and draw results |
Date |
Application deadline |
June 1, 2024 |
Draw Results |
Mid-June |
Deadlines and draw results | Date |
Application deadline | June 1, 2024 |
Draw Results | Mid-June |
Deadlines and draw results |
Date |
Application Deadline |
May 1, 2024 |
Draw Results |
Mid May |
Deadlines and draw results | Date |
Application Deadline | May 1, 2024 |
Draw Results | Mid May |
Deadlines and draw results |
Date |
Application deadline |
June 1, 2024 |
Draw Results |
Mid-June |
Deadlines and draw results | Date |
Application deadline | June 1, 2024 |
Draw Results | Mid-June |
Type of Point |
Purchase Dates |
Nonresident preference point |
July 1 - December 31 |
Bonus points - all species |
July 1 - September 30 |
Type of Point | Purchase Dates |
Nonresident preference point | July 1 - December 31 |
Bonus points - all species | July 1 - September 30 |
Species |
Resident |
Nonresident |
Elk |
$15 |
$25 |
Deer |
$15 |
$25 |
Antelope |
$15 |
$25 |
Moose |
$15 |
$75 |
Bighorn sheep |
$15 |
$75 |
Mountain goat |
$15 |
$75 |
Species | Resident | Nonresident |
Elk | $15 | $25 |
Deer | $15 | $25 |
Antelope | $15 | $25 |
Moose | $15 | $75 |
Bighorn sheep | $15 | $75 |
Mountain goat | $15 | $75 |
The Big Sky Country of Montana is full of big game hunting opportunities. In addition to applying for the sought-after special permits for the big four species (sheep, moose, goat, and bison), the general licenses are available to allow hunters to pursue deer, elk, and antelope on an annual basis. Montana is truly the land of opportunity with almost a full eleven weeks of hunting on general licenses. The bull elk in Montana grow impressive racks in parts of the state and provides a great rut hunting opportunity if you can pull a permit in one of the difficult-to-draw areas. Although a few big mule deer are harvested in a select few areas, the overall condition of the mule deer herd is struggling from winter loss and questionable management. With proper management, the mule deer should rebound and start to produce quality bucks again.
Montana is not known for its high numbers of trophy deer, but what it lacks in trophy potential, it makes up for in opportunity. Montana has grown its fair share of trophy-class whitetail bucks. Qualitybucks come from both the timbered part of the state as well as the rolling country on the east side. Antelope provide a regular opportunity for the archery hunter to harvest respectable bucks. Montana truly shines when it comes to bighorn sheep, mountain goats, Shiras moose, and bison. Although the permits are a challenge to draw, it is worth the wait.
Montana offers the opportunity for hopeful applicants to purchase points only outside of the draw applications. With this, hunters will not need to pay any prerequisite license fees and can simply purchase the point. As a caveat, anyone who participated in a drawing during the same calendar year can not also participate in the points purchase period for each species applied for.
Montana allows for three choices on the application. Every applicant's first choice is considered before any second or third choice is considered. All sheep, moose, and mountain goat hunt choices, and the highly desired hunt choices for deer, elk, and antelope are filled before any second choices are considered.
If applying for a permit, your first choice is required, second and third choices are optional. If you have only one choice do not repeat the choice as a second and third option.
All nonresident applicants must first apply for a big game, elk combination, or deer combination license in the general draw before they can apply for the Special, limited-entry deer and elk permits.
Nonresidents must choose between Big Game Combination, Elk Combination, or Deer Combination licenses
Big Game Combination: Includes your General Elk, General Deer, Upland Game Bird, Fishing, Conservation, and Base Hunting licenses. A total of 17,000 are available.
Elk Combination: Includes your General Elk, Upland Game Bird, Fishing, Conservation and Base Hunting licenses. The available licenses are included in the 17,000 noted above.
Deer Combination: Includes your General Deer, Upland Game Bird, Fishing, Conservation, and BaseHunting licenses. A total of 4,600 are available.
They are drawn in the following order.
First: Choose the nonresident combination license of your choice.
Second: Select whether you need a deer or elk permit.
Third: Select the hunting permit of your choice. Montana has a normal draw system, your first choice is awarded before everyone's second choice. What this means is if you are looking to draw a tag, select that as your first choice. Your first choice is required. Second and third choices are optional. Second or third permit choices will only be considered if there are remaining tags or if the quota is unlimited. If you draw a second or third choice, you will not lose your bonus points. Note: do not repeat the same hunt code for first and third choices.
Fourth: After applying for Big Game Combination License or Elk Combination License, you must choose the following options if you are not awarded an elk permit in the drawing:
Fifth: Make sure you pick the correct 5-digit elk and/or deer permit code for the hunting district. Pay special attention to the two digits at the end. These will correspond to archery or general rifle seasons. Failure to list all five digits will result in your application being revoked.
Montana has a bonus point system in place for all special permits (deer, elk, antelope, sheep, moose, and mountain goat). Bonus points can be purchased at the time of your application to be applied to the current year's application. As an example, if I have 4 bonus points at the moment and elect to pay for a point when applying I will enter with 5.
When you apply in the draw your accrued points are squared to increase the odds exponentially for the applicants with more accrued points. For example, if you have four base bonus points those will be squared and you will then have 16 bonus points going into the drawing. All base bonus points accumulate over time until you draw a permit.
Individuals who missed the deadline to apply or did not apply for bonus points at the time of application may purchase bonus points from July 1 to September 30. Note: you can still purchase nonresident preference points for the general combination tags from July 1 through December 31.
Montana also has a Preference point system for Big Game Combination, Elk Combination, and Deer Combination licenses. Preference points increase the chances of drawing a combination license and essentially move you ahead in line.75% percent of all combination licenses awarded during the drawing will be issued to hunters with preference points. Anyone applying with four preference points will draw the license before anyone with three, and soon. Preference points accumulated will be used during the current drawing whether you purchase an additional preference point or not. Applicants have to apply every year or their accrued preference points will be purged.
In 2022, MTFWP established a new rule that allows applicants hunting with an outfitter to purchase up to 2 preference points when applying. These points can be purchased for $100 each. Licenses issued using this point perk are only valid for hunting with an outfitter.
Montana will only look at an applicant's first choice initially during the drawing process. Once all first-choice applications have been gone through the state will begin placing hunters based on their second or third choices if tags are remaining for their hunt choices. Drawing a second or third-choice tag does not affect your points.
The maximum party size is five. When processing a party permit, the state will consider the average number of points between all of the party members and then round to the nearest whole number for a final party permit total. For example, a party with an average of 2.33 points would enter the draw at two points while a party with 2.66 points would enter at three.
When used correctly, party applications can be very beneficial. Residents and nonresidents can apply jointly, but the party will be forced into the 10% pool for available permits.
An application may be withdrawn using an online withdrawal form that can be printed off and mailed in. You are entitled to a refund of your license, but not your application and convenience fees.
Licenses and permits may be made available for purchase after the drawing if the department receives fewer applications than the number of licenses available for the department to issue. These licenses are called surplus licenses. Licenses and permits designated as the first and only choice in the drawing will not go to surplus. To purchase a surplus license, you must first sign up for the Surplus License through the MyFWP portal. Once the sign-up period is closed, the list will be randomized and hunters at the top of the list will be contacted via email with instructions to finalize their purchase. Nonresident hunters also have the option of signing up for the Combination license alternates list. To sign up for. You must first sign up for the Alternates list through the MyFWP portal. Once the sign-up period is closed, the list will be randomized and hunters at the top of the list will be contacted via email with instructions to finalize their purchase.
Visa and Mastercard are accepted. Credit cards will be charged a convenience fee of $1.25 plus approximately 2.5% of the total will be added to the fees.
Montana has a general hunting license which is a prerequisite to purchasing any hunting licenses.
Before archery hunting during any archery-only seasons, or before applying for any archery-only permits hunters must first purchase a Bow and Arrow stamp that is available OTC.
Another great opportunity Montana offers is the availability of landowner tags and landowner-sponsored tags. With landowner tags, 15% of the permits for a district will be set aside specifically for landowners, resident or nonresident, that meet specific requirements. For deer, landowners must own, or be contracted to purchase, 160 acres that are primarily used for agriculture or 640 acres if applying for elk. Landowners who are not successful in drawing one of the 15% allocated tags will then be thrown into the regular pool. Landowners who own at least 640 acres are also able to sponsor up to two nonresident hunters who possess the deer combination license. 2,000 tags are set aside for the sponsor program, which is a guaranteed draw, but the hunter may only hunt on the sponsored private land.
The Come Home to Hunt program is a fairly new concept for Montana and allows for 500 big game combo and 500 deer combo tags to be set aside for those participating in the program. To be eligible, the applicant must have either completed hunter's education in the state of Montana or must have possessed a Montana hunting license in the past and be sponsored by a current Montana resident family member. Qualifying nonresidents needed to apply for either a deer or big game combination license by March 15. To actually hunt in Montana, the nonresident awarded a Come Home to Hunt license must hunt with a properly licensed adult family member.
This new opportunity allows youth 10 to 17 years of age to obtain a certificate to hunt without completion of a Hunter Education course. The apprentice hunter must be accompanied by a mentor at least 21 years of age and follow the apprentice hunter's rules. Apprentice hunters cannot apply for limited permits or license drawings.
All online license purchases and applications are final and cannot be changed or withdrawn. Once you draw your tag you can request an 80% refund on the tag by August 1 or a 50% refund before the start of the general season. Applicants who return a tag drawn through the use of preference or bonus points will not have their points reinstated.
A cooperative program between private landowners and FWP, Block Management helps landowners manage hunting activities and provides the public with free hunting access to private land, and sometimes to adjacent or isolated public lands. Block Management addresses fall hunting only (spring bear and turkey hunting access are typically not included in the program).
Landowner participation in block management is voluntary. Contracts are negotiated annually in the spring and summer. After enrollment is complete, FWP publishes a Hunter Access Guide, which lists all block management opportunities available to you for the current season. These regional guides are made available on August 15, annually. You can see more information here.
The SuperTag is a unique opportunity offered by Montana. Essentially, it is a lottery drawing for eight different species (moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, antelope, elk, deer, bison, and mountain lion) that can be used in any hunting district of the state regardless of it being a general or limited entry area. Only one tag per species is drawn each year. These are very similar to Governor's Tags, which are found throughout the West, but are much, much cheaper. Hunters can purchase as many “lottery tickets” in the SuperTag drawing as they wish for $5 each. These are nonrefundable and must be purchased by July 2, 2018. If hunters draw a Super Tag in the same year that they have drawn the permit, then they must forfeit the permit back to MFWP who will then issue a full refund and reinstate any bonus points the individual possessed prior to the drawing.
Must be 12 years old by Jan 16 of the license year
Required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1985
To purchase a Montana bow-and-arrow license, a hunter must complete a certified bowhunter education course or show any prior year's bowhunting license from any state or province.
Montana law requires that all big game hunters and those accompanying them (including guide/outfitter) must wear at least 400 square inches of Hunter Orange above the waist. A hat or cap alone is not sufficient.
Archery: Hunters may not use crossbows during the archery seasons. Bows may have no more than 80%let-off. Arrows must be at least 24 inches long and weigh 300 grains at a minimum. Broadheads must weigh 70 grains or more. No electronic devices may be attached to a bow
Muzzleloader: Sabots are not permitted. Muzzleloaders must be ignited by percussion, flintlock, wheel lock, or matchlock mechanism. Black powder, Pyrodex, or an equivalent is legal
Rifle: Only centerfire rifles are legal
Montana allows the use of archery during the general rifle season. This is a great time to bowhunt for rutting mule deer or bowhunt for late-season elk.
Montana also has “Weapon Restriction Areas” that allow the use of a muzzleloader, traditional handgun, shotgun, archery, or crossbow during the archery-only season. So you might be able to use a firearm to harvest an animal during the early season. See the 2016 Montana regulations for more details.
Note: There are no archery-specific mule deer permits in the state of Montana. Drawing a coveted mule deer permit allows you to hunt the entire archery season, and then pick up a rifle during the general season.
Any military members and their family members who are currently stationed and on active duty in Montana may purchase tags and licenses as a resident after residing in the state for a period of 30 days.
Montana residents who are members of the National Guard, Federal Reserve, or active duty who participated in a contingency operation outside of the state for two months after September 11, 2001, and have been released from activity or discharged are eligible for a free conservation license or a sportsman without bear license for a fee of $2.The only stipulation to this clause is that the program is only available if you receive the license in the year you return from military service or the year after.
Veterans with certain combat-related disabilities may be eligible for half-priced licenses for deer and antelope. Montana sets aside up to 50 licenses annually for this. Any interested persons must contact the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks License Bureau at (406) 444-2663.
Anyone—resident or nonresident—can purchase or draw a hunting license, tag or permit and donate them to a disabled veteran or disabled active duty service member. The donator cannot choose the individual or organization the donation will go to. Participating veterans and service members must be a Purple Heart recipient and have a disability rating of 70% or greater.
Your second choice will only be considered if there is a quota remaining after all applicants with that district as first choice have been filled, or the quota is unlimited and allows second-choice applicants.
Your third choice will only be considered if there is a quota remaining after all applicants with that district as a first or second choice have been filled, or the quota is unlimited and allows third-choice applicants.
Your best chance to use your second or third choice is if you choose an HD where the drawing odds are 100% or unlimited and allow for second and third choices.
Remember: Nonresidents are limited to up to 10% of the permits available in any district.
Big Game Combination
Elk Combination
Deer Combination
Landowner Sponsored Deer Combination
Keep your Big Game or Elk Combination license
If successful in drawing a Big Game or Elk Combo and unsuccessful in drawing a special elk permit, you can return your combination license and receive an 80% refund
Turn in the General Elk license portion of your Big Game Combination License and retain the deer, fishing, and upland bird license and receive a $315 refund.
Preference points can be purchased for a $100 nonrefundable fee.
Preference points are available for purchase when applying for nonresident combo tags or from July 1 to December 31 for applicants who did not apply for a nonresident big game license.
Preference points purchased at the time of application are awarded prior to the drawing.
Nonresident applicants are limited to up to 10%, but not a guaranteed 10% of the total license and/or permit quota for a district. Nonresidents are only eligible for a tag when at least 10 tags are offered.
Note: all party members must apply for the same hunt choices.
If you are drawn for a limited sheep, moose, or mountain goat permit, then you are ineligible for seven years, regardless of harvest.
If you harvest a sheep with an unlimited permit, then you are ineligible for seven years. There is no waiting period for unsuccessful unlimited sheep hunters.
An applicant who is successful in obtaining a limited ewe license (first or second choice) is not restricted to the seven-year waiting period.
There is no waiting period related to deer, elk, or antelope.
Draw a license or permit in the public draw
Purchase a leftover license after the draw
Purchase OTC licenses for applicable species
Leftover general tags not issued in the draw are typically available for purchase over-the-counter until sold out.
Black bear and wolf licenses can be purchased over-the-counter along with some antlerless deer and elk
The landowner, family members of the landowner, or employees are only eligible to hunt with a landowner tag in Montana.
A handful of youth-only permits and seasons are available