Montana Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply
Your guide to Montana hunting licenses — premier elk and deer destination with draw-based non-resident access.
Montana Hunting License — Quick Facts
- Resident: from $10.00 — Non-Resident: from $60.00
- Managed by: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
- License year: 2026 (valid for dates within this period)
- Hunter education required for first-time buyers — verify with the state agency
- Discounts available for: youth, senior, disabled veteran, active military
- Buy online through the agency-linked portal at https://fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply
Montana Hunting License Fees (2026)
Montana is managed by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). The state offers elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, pronghorn, and predator hunting across public land, private land, and private-access programs, but license validity still depends on the current district regulation. Montana uses a combination licensing system for many nonresident big-game hunters, so an elk or deer plan can involve an Elk Combination, Deer Combination, or Big Game Combination license plus separate Conservation with State Lands, Base Hunting, AISPP, bow-and-arrow, permit, application, and district-specific requirements. FWP's 2026 deer and elk pages list archery, general, muzzleloader, and backcountry planning windows, and combination fee rows are not the same as final checkout totals. Hunters born after January 1, 1985 must complete hunter education.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Conservation License | $8.00 | — | 1 year | Required before purchasing any license |
| Resident Base Hunting License | $10.00 | — | 1 year | |
| NR Base Hunting + Conservation | — | $60.00 | 1 year | |
| Resident General Elk | $20.00 | — | Season | |
| Resident General Deer | $16.00 | — | Season | $8 reduced rate for eligible youth, residents 62+, and disabled resident conservation license holders |
| NR Big Game Combo (Elk+Deer) | — | $1384.50 | Season | Draw required. Includes fishing + upland bird |
| NR Elk Combination | — | $1018.00 | Season | FWP 2026 elk page fee row; draw required. Conservation with State Lands, Base Hunting, AISPP, application, bow-and-arrow, permit, and checkout items may be separate |
| NR Deer Combination | — | $704.00 | Season | Draw required. Includes general deer, fishing, and upland game bird; Conservation with State Lands, Base Hunting, and AISPP are separate |
| NR Antelope | — | $205.00 | Season | Includes $5 application fee |
| NR Black Bear | — | $350.00 | Season | New draw system starting 2026 |
| NR Moose/Sheep/Goat/Bison (draw) | — | $1250.00 | Season | Very limited draw |
| NR Wolf | — | $50.00 | Season | $25 if combo license drawn |
| Bow and Arrow License | $10.00 | $10.00 | 1 year | Required for all archery hunts |
Prices from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Last verified: 2026-06-19. Always confirm current fees with the official state agency before purchase.
When does your Montana license expire? See our license validity guide →
Hunter Education Requirements
Required for anyone born after January 1, 1985
How to Buy a Montana Hunting License
- 1
Complete Hunter Education
If required, complete a state-approved hunter education course before purchasing your license.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Have your government-issued photo ID, Social Security Number, and proof of residency (if applicable) ready.
- 3
Visit the Official Portal
Go to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks or an authorized retail agent listed by the state agency.
- 4
Select License Type & Pay
Choose the appropriate license type for your needs, add any required endorsements or tags, and complete payment.
- 5
Print or Save Your License
Print your license or save a digital copy. You must carry your valid license while hunting in Montana.
Need help? Call Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks at 406-444-2535
Not sure what you need? Use our License Cost Calculator to get a personalized estimate →
Step-by-step: How to buy your hunting license online for any state →
Montana Hunting Seasons (2026)
| Species | Method | Start Date | End Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer & Elk | Archery | September 5 | October 18 | |
| Deer & Elk | General Rifle | October 24 | November 29 | |
| Deer & Elk | Muzzleloader | December 12 | December 20 | |
| Pronghorn | Archery | August 15 | October 9 | |
| Pronghorn | Rifle | October 10 | November 8 | |
| Black Bear | General | September 1 | November 30 | |
| Turkey | Spring | April 15 | May 31 | |
| Turkey | Fall | September 1 | January 1 |
View full Montana season regulations on FWP
Compare deer tag costs and season dates across all 50 states →
Elk hunting? See tag prices and draw odds for every elk state →
Discounts & Exemptions
| Group | Benefit | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Youth | Reduced rates | Under 18 |
| Senior | Reduced deer tag ($8) | Montana resident aged 62 or older |
| Disabled Veteran | Reduced rates | Montana resident with VA disability |
| Active Military | Resident rates | Active duty stationed in Montana |
Montana Hunting Regulations Overview
Bag Limits
Check species-specific bag limits in the Montana official regulations. Limits vary by species, management unit, and season.
Legal Methods
Approved hunting methods include firearm, archery, and muzzleloader. Crossbows are legal. Specific rules apply to each method.
Safety Requirements
Blaze orange is required during firearms deer season.
Shooting Hours
Hunting is generally permitted from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Check local variations.
- A minimum of 400 sq inches of hunter orange above the waist required during general rifle season.
- All non-resident big game requires a combination license that includes fishing privileges.
- Preference points available for $100 (non-resident) to improve draw odds.
- Resident deer opportunity can vary by current FWP license item, district, species, and special regulation; confirm the current limit before buying additional deer items.
Read full Montana regulations on FWP
Not sure if you qualify for a discount? Take the Eligibility Quiz →
Montana Proof Checklist
Use official owner pages for license, access, education, season, and transport decisions before entering the field.
Use the official portal
Confirm the state agency, product year, cart items, receipt, and field-proof rules before buying.
Open guideVerify access owner
Check public-land, WMA, refuge, road, closure, parking, camping, and private-boundary rules at the source.
Open guideSolve transport early
Save CWD, carcass, meat, head, cape, waterfowl, transit-state, processor, and proof requirements.
Open guide
Montana Hunting License FAQ
How much does a hunting license cost in Montana?
Montana resident planning starts with the Conservation License and Base Hunting License before species licenses such as resident deer or elk. For nonresidents, FWP lists separate combination fee rows such as Elk Combination and Deer Combination, but Conservation with State Lands, Base Hunting, AISPP, application, bow-and-arrow, permit, and other items may be separate. Confirm the final cart with FWP before applying or buying.
Do I need hunter education to hunt in Montana?
Yes, hunter education is required for anyone born after January 1, 1985. Montana accepts certificates from other states.
Can non-residents hunt in Montana?
Yes, but most big game requires a draw. Non-resident combination licenses include fishing and upland bird privileges. Apply online March 1-April 1.
What is the elk season in Montana?
FWP lists 2026 elk planning windows for archery September 5-October 18, general October 24-November 29, muzzleloader December 12-20, and backcountry September 15-November 29. Check the district regulation before hunting.
Are there free hunting licenses in Montana?
Montana doesn't offer completely free licenses but provides reduced rates for youth (under 18), seniors (62+), and disabled veterans.
How does Montana's preference point system work?
Non-residents can purchase preference points ($100/year) for species where they don't draw a tag, improving odds in future years. Points are available for elk, deer, and antelope.