Regulations for upcoming seasons are posted online throughout the year. Waterfowl, Sandhill Crane, Mourning Dove & Snipe regulations are typically posted mid June.
These dates are provided only as a general reference. Check current regulations or use FWP's online Hunt Planner for specific dates.
2020 Common Snipe Season Dates
Central Flyway
September 1 – December 16
Pacific Flyway
September 1 – December 16
2020 Duck & Coot Season Dates
Central Flyway
Duck & Coot - Zone 1
October 3 – January 7
Duck & Coot - Zone 2
October 3 – October 11 and October 24 – January 19
Falconry - Zone 1
September 23 – January 7
Falconry - Zone 2
September 23 – October 11 and October 24 – January 19
Youth Weekend
September 26 – September 27
Pacific Flyway
Ducks
October 3 – December 27 and December 28 – January 10 and January 16 – January 20
Falconry, Ducks, Coots & Geese
October 3 – January 10 and January 16 – January 20
Scaup
October 3 – December 27
Youth Weekend
September 26 – September 27
2020 Goose Season Dates
Central Flyway*
*Central Flyway is divided into 2 zones. See the regulations for details on the zones and the specific dates.
Geese & Falconry - Zone 1
October 3 – January 10 and January 16 – January 20
Geese & Falconry - Zone 2
October 3 – October 11 and October 24 – January 27
Youth Weekend
September 26 – September 27
Pacific Flyway
Geese & Falconry
October 3 – January 10 and January 16 – January 20
Youth Weekend
September 26 – September 27
2020 Mourning Dove Season Dates
Central Flyway
September 1 – October 30
Pacific Flyway
September 1 – October 30
Licenses & Fees
Migratory Bird License
Details: Residents and nonresidents, 17 and under, need to purchase a Conservation and Base Hunting License and may purchase a Migratory Bird License at half cost (resident - $3.25; nonresident - $25). Federal Migratory Bird Stamp is also required for individuals, both resident and nonresident, 16 and older. The federal stamp is available from the USPS as well as all FWP offices.
All migratory bird hunters in Montana, as well as in al other states, are required to take part in a National Harvest Survey Program. To comply with HIP, you must complete a survey including your name, address and date of birth before you can purchase your Montana Migratory Bird License.
Fees:
Resident: $6.50
Nonresident: $50
Application & Drawing Deadlines
Availability
This license is available Over the Counter.
Duck & Goose Identification
Most FWP regional offices will have free waterfowl identification guides that you may pick up and carry while hunting.
Waterfowl hunters are legally required to identify the species and even gender of the birds they shoot. For everyone else, it’s simply fun to know which duck is which.
