Montana Hunting & Fishing Licenses
Complete guide to Montana hunting and fishing licenses for 2026. Get current prices, purchase online, and learn about FWP's digital license requirements.
Quick Facts
Digital License
Accepted
License Year
March 1 - Last day of February
Agency
FWP
Draw System
bonus
HIP Required
Migratory birds
Last updated: January 29, 2026
Montana License Pricing
Compare resident and non-resident prices for hunting and fishing licenses.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Hunting Base hunting license - includes deer and elk tags for residents | $26.00 | $744.00 |
| Non-Resident Big Game Combo Includes deer and elk tags; best value for non-residents planning both | N/A | $1278.00 |
| Resident Fishing Annual fishing license | $21.00 | $86.00 |
| Sportsman Various sportsman packages for residents | $62-77 | N/A |
Prices are for annual licenses unless otherwise noted. Additional stamps and endorsements may be required.
MyFWP
Digital licenses accepted via MyFWP app. Print backup recommended for remote backcountry.
Proprietary state-built licensing system
Hunter Passport
All your licenses, one app
Tired of managing multiple state apps? Hunter Passport stores all your Montana licenses alongside every other state - and works completely offline.
- Works offline - no signal needed
- Supports all 50 states
- Quick Display for game wardens
Store up to 2 licenses free. Unlimited with Premium.
Hunter Passport is not affiliated with or endorsed by any state wildlife agency.
Montana Tag Draws & Lotteries
bonus Point System
Points improve your odds but don't guarantee a tag. More points = better odds in the random draw.
Point banking: Allowed - you can skip years without losing points
Draw Species
Application Deadline
June 1 (most species)
Results Announced
Mid-July
Montana uses bonus points (squared) for most limited tags. General deer and elk tags available OTC for residents.
Montana Hunting Quirks & Tips
Unique rules and insider knowledge for hunting and fishing in Montana.
Extreme Non-Resident Costs
criticalNon-resident big game combo at $1,278 is among the highest in the nation. Montana is not budget-friendly for out-of-state hunters.
Resident Tags Included
importantUnlike most states, Montana resident hunting licenses include deer and elk tags. Residents get incredible value.
Vast Public Land
importantMontana has 30+ million acres of public land. Unlike Texas, you don't need to lease access. BLM and Forest Service lands are abundant.
Bonus Point System
infoMontana uses bonus points (squared) for limited draw tags. More points = exponentially better odds. Points are relatively affordable.
Block Management Program
infoMontana's Block Management program provides free access to private land enrolled in the program. Get your free permit early.
Hunting Tools for Montana
Free calculators and planning tools to help you hunt smarter in Montana.
Legal Shooting Hours
Calculate legal hunting start and end times based on sunrise/sunset
Hunting License Cost
Compare hunting and fishing license costs for Montana and residency
Hunter Education
Find hunter education requirements, exemptions, and course providers for Montana
Hunting Season Dates
Find hunting season dates for Montana, species, and weapon type
Bag Limit & Size Limit
Find daily, possession, and size limits for Montana and species
Montana Hunting & Fishing FAQ
How much does a Montana hunting license cost for non-residents?
Non-resident hunting licenses start at $744 for the base license, or $1,278 for the Big Game Combo that includes deer and elk tags. Montana is one of the most expensive states for non-resident hunting.
Do Montana resident licenses include tags?
Yes! Montana resident hunting licenses ($26) include deer and elk tags - exceptional value compared to states that sell licenses and tags separately.
How do Montana bonus points work?
Montana uses bonus points for limited draw tags. Your points are squared in the draw, so someone with 5 points has 25 entries compared to 1 entry for zero points. This significantly rewards long-term point building.
When does the Montana hunting license expire?
Montana licenses run from March 1 through the last day of February. This aligns with the draw application period.
Can non-residents buy OTC elk tags in Montana?
Non-residents can purchase general elk tags, but many popular units have limited quotas. Apply early in the draw or be flexible on unit selection. Some archery-only units remain available OTC.
Store Your Montana License in Hunter Passport
Keep your Montana hunting and fishing licenses alongside all your other states. Works offline, displays instantly, never fumble for paper again.