📅 2025–2026 Season⏱ 6 min read✅ Verified against Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Montana Hunting License & Hunter Education Requirements

Everything a first-time hunter needs to get licensed in Montana: whether you need hunter education, which course formats are available, what licenses cost, and where to buy. Current for the 2025–2026 season.

Montana Hunter Education: Do You Need It?

FactorAnswer
Birth year cutoff (residents born before this are exempt)None
Exemption applies toAll first-time buyers
Online-only course accepted?Online or hybrid
Apprentice/mentorship license available?Yes — see details below
Military/veteran exemption?Check our full guide
Official course registrationfwp.mt.gov ↗

Montana Hunting License Costs (2025–2026)

📌 Cost Summary From $24 resident / $91 nonresident + draw
License TypeResidentNon-Resident
Base Annual Hunting License$24$91
Hunter Education Course$19.95$19.95
Federal Duck Stamp (waterfowl only)$25$25

Where to Buy Your Montana Hunting License

  • Online: fwp.mt.gov — fastest option, license available immediately
  • In person: Walmart sporting goods, Bass Pro, Cabela's, independent sporting goods stores
  • State offices: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks regional offices — best for complex situations (military exemptions, lifetime licenses)

Step-by-Step: Getting Your First Montana Hunting License

  1. Confirm your hunter education status

    Use our Requirement Finder or check the table above. If born before None, you may be exempt.

  2. Complete hunter education if required

    Register at fwp.mt.gov. Course: Online or hybrid. Cost: $19.95.

  3. Purchase your license online

    Go to fwp.mt.gov, create an account, enter your certificate number, and select your license type. Resident base license: $24.

  4. Add required tags for your target species

    Deer, turkey, and elk require separate tags in most cases. Check the Montana hunting regulations digest at fwp.mt.gov for current tag requirements and season dates.

  5. Download and save your license

    Print a backup or save to your phone. Most Montana game wardens accept digital licenses, but having a printed copy is always safe.

✅ Montana Insider Note Montana is a premier western hunting destination. Nonresident elk tags are sold through a competitive draw — apply by mid-March for fall season. Over-the-counter deer licenses are available for nonresidents.

Frequently Asked Questions — Montana

Yes. Montana recognizes IHEA-accredited hunter education certificates from all 50 states. If you completed your course in another state, your certificate number is valid when purchasing a Montana license. You do not need to retake the course.
Yes — Montana licenses are available online at fwp.mt.gov. You can purchase the same day and begin hunting immediately (assuming it's an open season). Digital licenses are accepted by Montana game wardens.
Montana offers a once-per-lifetime apprentice license for uncertified hunters hunting under licensed adult supervision. See our full guide: Apprentice & Mentorship License Programs.
Visit fwp.mt.gov and use the certificate lookup tool, or try the national lookup at hunter-ed.com/records-lookup. If your record isn't found online, contact Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks directly. See our full guide: Lost Hunter Ed Certificate Replacement.
Informational Disclaimer: License costs, season dates, and requirements are updated annually by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. Always verify current rules at fwp.mt.gov before purchasing a license.