Hunting and Trapping Licenses

Initiative 161

With the passage of voter Initiative 161 in November 2010, the cost for Montana's 2011 Nonresident Big Game and Deer Combination licenses will increase.  Under the new voter-approved law some changes go into effect March 1, 2011. [Learn more]

Application Deadlines

License and permit deadlines, costs, availability, and other details are available for each species and permit type:

Obtain a General License and Apply for Special Drawings

Hunters have four options to obtain a license or apply for special drawings:

License Example
  • Online Licensing System—Use the online system to apply for your license and/or apply for special drawings.
  • FWP Regional Offices—Visit an FWP Regional Office where you may purchase your license and/or apply for special drawings.
  • FWP License Providers—Visit an FWP License Provider to purchase general licenses and pick up special drawing application for moose, sheep, goat, deer, elk, and antelope. Special drawing applications are entered only at FWP offices (see FWP License Providers under Paper Applications below).
  • Mail in—Mail in a paper application to the address indicated on the application (see Paper Applications below).

Paper Applications

There are several places to find a paper (or printable) application which you may either mail in or take to a Regional Office to apply for your license or permit:

  • FWP Regional Office—Locate the regional office near you where you may purchase licenses, pick up applications, and/or apply for special drawings.
  • FWP License Providers—FWP License Providers carry paper applications for the big game special drawings and sell most licenses (see FWP License Providers under Obtain a General License and Apply for Special Drawings above).
  • Online printable applications—We provide license and special drawing applications in PDF format that you may print.

Permit and License Status

Use the Automated License System (ALS) to check on licensing questions such as: