About the Program
The Apprentice Hunter program allows anyone 10 or older to hunt for up to two years without completing a hunter education course. Certain restrictions apply, and anyone certified as an Apprentice must be accompanied by a certified Mentor.
The program was enacted by the 2015 state Legislature, and it originally created the opportunity for youth 10-17 years of age to hunt without completing hunter education. The 2017 Legislature amended the law to increase the age limit to anyone 10 or older and prohibited an apprentice hunter from obtaining a black bear, mountain lion or wolf license.
be 10 years of age or older at the time of license purchase
have appropriate current Montana hunting license(s) for the species being hunted; the licenses MUST show that he/she is Apprentice Hunter Certified
be a resident or nonresident
obtain an Apprentice Hunter Certification for no more than 2 license years before they must complete a hunter safety and education course
participate in any youth hunt
obtain a special bow and arrow license without first having completed a bowhunter education course and be 12 years of age before Jan. 16 of the license year
obtain a resident hound training license for chasing mountain lion
participate in a hunting license or permit drawing with a limited quota
obtain any bighorn sheep, black bear, mountain lion or wolf license
obtain an elk license if under 15 years of age
Violation of these terms could result in the loss of hunting privileges for up to one full license season.
Apprentices
Individuals 10 years and older can obtain an apprentice trapping certificate, allowing them to purchase a Resident Trapping License or a Nonresident Trapping License and trap with a qualified mentor for up to two license years. After two years as an apprentice, individuals are required to pass a Trapper Education class to continue purchasing trapping licenses.
Mentors
Trapping mentors must be 21 years or older, have passed a Trapper Education course, and hold a current trapping license. Mentors must accompany and supervise apprentice trappers within sight and direct voice contact at all times while afield, as well as carry the mentor form.
Apprentice licenses can be purchased online or in person at an FWP Regional office.
if apprentice hunter is under 18 years of age, be related to the apprentice by blood, adoption, or marriage; or be the apprentice’s legal guardian, or be designated by the apprentice’s legal guardian
have completed hunter education–if born after Jan. 1, 1985
have a current Montana hunting license
complete a Apprentice Hunter Mentor Form
agree to accompany and supervise the apprentice hunter and remain within sight of and direct voice contact with the apprentice hunter at all times while in the field
confirm that the apprentice hunter possesses the physical and psychological capacity to safely and ethically engage in hunting activities
only accompany one apprentice at a time
hunt when accompanying their apprentice
Violation of these terms could result in the loss of hunting privileges for up to one full license season.
If the mentor is not related to the apprentice (under 18 years of age) by blood, adoption, or marriage, the parent MUST:
The apprentice hunter needs to obtain an Apprentice Certification, either online or at an FWP office, for $5 before they can purchase their licenses.
Purchase at any FWP regional office
$5
The apprentice may purchase any appropriate licenses that the apprentice is eligible for once they have received their Apprentice Hunter Certification.
Purchase at any FWP regional office or license provider.
An apprentice hunter who is under 12 years of age is eligible to obtain the unlimited reduced cost licenses available to a person who is 12 years of age. All other normal license fees apply.
The mentor MUST complete the form. The mentor MUST sign their section and get signed approval from the parent or legal guardian, if applicable.
The form can be picked up at any FWP regional office or downloaded.
There is no fee for the form.
Accompany and supervise the apprentice while hunting and
Remain within sight of and direct voice contact with the apprentice hunter at all times
Have the Apprentice Hunter Mentor Form in his/her possession at all times while in the field
Also hunt when accompanying their apprentice
Have their Conservation License and other applicable licenses in their possession at all times while in the field