Check FWP news for important updates throughout the hunting season.
What is the difference between a swan and a goose? The animal field guide contains interesting information about Montana's species.
Season Dates
Pacific Flyway
- Ducks: October 4, 2008—January 16, 2009
- Geese: October 4, 2008—January 16, 2009
Central Flyway
- Ducks: October 4, 2008—January 8, 2009
- Geese: October 4, 2008—January 16, 2009
Caution: Season dates vary by flyway and species, so please check the regulations for complete season dates and details.
Regulations
2008 Migratory Bird Regulations (
212 KB)
License Applications
Residents
- Residents must purchase the conservation license, fishing, and most general hunting licenses at an FWP office, FWP License Provider, or online. Mail-in application not available for residents.
Nonresidents
Helpful Waterfowl links
Additional Information
- Swan Identification
- Swan hunting is allowed in Montana only by holders of a special permit. Two species of swans can be found in Montana: Trumpeter Swans and Tundra Swans. It is legal to hunt either species of swans in the Pacific Flyway portion of the state. The later opening date and earlier closing date in the Pacific Flyway is intended to reduce the chance of harvesting trumpeters. It is NOT legal to shoot a trumpeter swan in the Central Flyway part of the state; the swan season there is only for tundra swans. Swan identification can be difficult in normal hunting conditions. Understanding the different characteristics of swans can help you make the right decisions in the field.
- Distinguishing Trumpeter Swans from Tundra Swans is possible by paying close attention to calls, although bill characteristics and other features may be helpful at close range. Montana's Animal Field Guide offers information about both the Trumpeter Swan and the Tundra Swan. For further information about swan identification and to hear additional swan calls, visit The Trumpeter Swan Society.
- Duck and Goose Identification
