Landowners are critical to the work of conserving Montana’s wildlife populations and habitat.

To recognize their important role in conserving these resources, landowners have opportunities to receive licenses or permits and to sponsor hunters to hunt on their deeded land.

Landowner Preference

To claim landowner preference for a deer permit, a landowner must own at least 160 acres of contiguous land that is primarily for agricultural purposes within the applied for hunting district. Fifteen percent of each hunting district quota for deer B and antelope licenses and for deer permits is set aside for landowners in that hunting district.

For a landowner preference elk permit, the landowner must own or be contracting to purchase at least 640 acres of contiguous land used by elk and verified by FWP, within the applied for hunting district. Fifteen percent of each hunting district quota for elk licenses and permits is set aside for landowners in that hunting district.

• 2024 Landowner Preference (PDF)
  Required additional information that must be submitted to complete your license

Landowners can apply for their preference license/permit through the Online Licensing System. Landowner preference applies to your first choice when applying for a permit. If using landowner preference, you cannot apply as a party.

For more information, call 406-444-2950.

Landowner Sponsor

Montana landowners can sponsor nonresident deer hunters to hunt on their deeded land. 2,000 sponsored Combination licenses are set aside annually. Landowners who own 640 or more contiguous acres are eligible to sponsor hunters. Licenses are distributed equally, up to two sponsored hunters per landowner, before the remaining licenses are issued in a random drawing.

To be certified as a Landowner Sponsor, contact 406-444-2950. 

Hunters can apply for a Nonresident Landowner Sponsor Deer Combination through the Online Licensing System.

Landowner Report Form

NOTE: All active landowner sponsors must submit a report form by December 31 of each year to remain in ‘Active’ status and to continue to sponsor hunters on their land.

• 2024 Resident Landowner Sponser Record/Report Form (PDF)

Landowner Application

To register as a landowner sponsor for the 2025 license year, download the application below.

Deadline: To be approved and eligible to sponsor deer hunters on your land for the 2025 season, this application and any supporting documents must be postmarked by December 31, 2024

• Resident Landowner Sponsor Application (PDF)