Montana Hunting License

How Do I Get My State Hunting License?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

1. Complete the Montana hunter education certification requirements.
2. Choose the correct license type.
3. Buy the license through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website or a Montana–approved provider.

Types of Montana Hunting Licenses

Montana Resident

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 12 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. Visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website for more details.

Non-Resident

All non-residents age 12 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.

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.

Youth Hunting License

Montana residents and non-residents ages 12 to 17 may be eligible for reduced price licenses. Visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website for more details.

In addition, residents and non-residents ages 10 to 17 are eligible to participate in the Apprentice Youth Program. Visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website for more details.

Senior Hunting License

Montana residents 62 or older may be eligible for reduced price licenses. Visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website for more details.

Disability License

Montana residents with a disability may be eligible for the reduced-fee Resident with a Disability Conservation License. In addition, the Permit to Modify Archery Equipment and Permit to Hunt from a Vehicle are available for free.

Military and Veteran License

Active-duty military members who are stationed in Montana for at least 30 days may purchase a resident hunting license. In addition, active-duty military members who are Montana residents but stationed elsewhere may purchase a resident hunting license.

Disabled veterans and active-duty military members may be eligible to receive donated hunting licenses. They must be a Purple Heart recipient and have 70% or more service-connected disability. Contact the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for program details.

Migratory Waterfowl Requirements

All hunters age 16 or older must purchase the Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. All hunters age 12 or older must purchase the Montana Migratory Bird License. In addition, hunters are required to have proof of their participation in the Harvest Information Program (HIP).

License Expiration

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

Where to Buy a Montana Hunting License

• Visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks website.
• Visit a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks office or an approved license provider.