The deadline for black bear hunters to purchase licenses for the fall season is Aug. 31.

A black bear license may be purchased after Aug. 31at a Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks office or on the Internet licensing site at fwp.mt.govhttp://fwp.mt.gov/, under Online Services, but it may not be used until five days after the license is issued.

The black bear archery season opens Sept. 4 and the general black bear hunting season opens Sept. 15.

Black bear hunters must have successfully completed the Black Bear Identification Test and must present a certificate of completion when purchasing a black bear license.   The training and test are available on FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov under Education, click on Hunter Education.  A paper version of the test may be obtained at FWP offices or license providers.