Montana Hunting License - Steps to Buy in MT

David Harrison  ·  Updated on May 18, 2025

Hunting LicenseGuidesHunter Education

Follow these straightforward steps to obtain a Montana hunting license:


MT Hunter Education Certification

Skip having to attend an in-person field-day course with our 3 hour interactive Hunter Safety course.

We provide all the resources to get you fully certified online, and your hunter education certificate is accepted by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for use in Montana for MT residents and non-residents alike.

After completing the Hunter Ed course and passing the final exam, you’ll receive your temporary Hunter Education Certificate.

We submit your course results to the state. The state will issue and email you your permanent Hunter Education Certificate (Card). This is valid for use in all 50 USA States (including Montana), Mexico, Canada, and any other country or US Territory that has reciprocity with IHEA-USA & State Issued Hunter Education Certificates.


Select Your MT Hunting License

Montana offers a variety of hunting licenses for different age groups, residency statuses, hunting preferences, and preference points.

Montana residents and non-residents ages 11 to 17 may be eligible for reduced price licenses.

Below is an overview of the primary license types available:​

Resident Licenses

A resident is a person who has lived in Montana for at least 180 days. Active-duty military members stationed in Montana are considered residents. All Montana residents age 11 or older must have the Base Hunting License and the Conservation License as prerequisites when purchasing or applying for licenses and/or permits required to hunt specific game species, as per state regulations.

  • Conservation License is required for all residents to hunt, fish, or trap in Montana.
  • Base Hunting License is mandatory for all hunters aged 12 and older and serves as a prerequisite for purchasing other hunting licenses.
  • General Licenses are available over the counter for species like deer and elk in certain hunting districts, while
  • Special Limited Permits are allocated through a lottery system for specific species and districts.

Non-Resident Licenses

All non-residents age 11 or older must have the Base Hunting License and the Conservation License as prerequisites when purchasing or applying for a license application and/or permits required to hunt specific game species.

A person may apply for the Come Home to Hunt License to hunt big game and deer if he or she fulfills both of the following requirements. If granted the license, the person must hunt with a licensed adult family member.

  • The person is a non-resident who once lived in Montana and purchased a resident hunting license or was awarded a hunting education certificate.
  • The person has an immediate family member who is a resident of Montana and will act as a sponsor.

A person may purchase the Nonresident Montana Native Hunting License if he or she fulfills both of the following requirements.

  • The person was born in Montana but no longer is a resident.
  • The person has an immediate family member who is a resident of Montana.
  • Combination Licenses for non-residents include general deer and elk licenses, upland game bird license, and a fishing license, and applicants earn preference points to improve their chances in future season draws. Applicants for these are allocated through a computer drawing, and you may earn bonus points for early application if you meet the specified deadline.
  • Special Licenses, such as the Nonresident Native License, are available for individuals born in Montana but who no longer reside in the state, with sponsorship from a Montana resident family member.

Youth Licenses & Requirements

  • Youth Licenses are available at reduced rates for residents and non-residents aged 12–17.
  • Apprentice Hunter Program allows individuals aged 10 and older to hunt without completing hunter education, provided they are accompanied by a licensed adult mentor.
  • Hunter Education is mandatory for all hunters born after January 1, 1985.

Senior Licenses & Discounts

  • Senior Licenses: Residents aged 62 and older may be eligible for reduced-price licenses, including the Base Hunting License and Conservation License.

Disability & Military Licenses

  • Disabled Licenses: Montana offers reduced-fee licenses for residents with disabilities, including the Resident with a Disability Conservation License.
  • Military Licenses: Active-duty military members stationed in Montana for at least 30 days may purchase resident hunting licenses. Additionally, Montana residents who are active-duty military stationed elsewhere may also purchase resident licenses.
  • Disabled Veteran Licenses: Veterans with a combat-connected disability may be eligible for licenses at half the standard fee.

Required Endorsements & Tags

  • Bow and Arrow License is required for archery hunting and requires completion of a bowhunter education course or proof of a previous year's archery license.
  • Migratory Bird Licenses: Hunters aged 12 and older must purchase the Montana Migratory Bird License; those aged 16 and older must also obtain the Federal Duck Stamp.
  • Harvest Information Program (HIP) Registration: Required annually for hunting migratory birds.
  • Carcass Tags: Must be validated and attached to the carcass of big game animals; electronic licenses are acceptable, but carcass tags must be printed and in possession.

MT Hunting licenses expire at the end of February. Species licenses and permits are valid during only their authorized seasons.


Where to buy your Montana Hunting License

To hunt in Montana, you can purchase your license either online through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) licensing platform or in person through an authorized license provider. A comprehensive list of all in-person approved license providers is available here.

Below are some suggested authorized in-person hunting license providers in the state of Montana: