Regulations

Regulations for upcoming seasons are posted online throughout the year. Waterfowl, Sandhill Crane, Mourning Dove & Snipe regulations are typically posted mid June.

• 2026 Migratory Bird Regulations (PDF)

Plan Your Hunt Online

Launch maps, obtain legal descriptions, regulations, and statistics all in one place.

• Launch the Montana Hunt Planner 

These dates are provided only as a general reference. Check current regulations or use FWP's online Hunt Planner for specific dates.

2026 Swan Season Dates

Central Flyway

Swan (special license only)

October 3 – January 7

Pacific Flyway

Swan (special license only)

October 10 – December 1

Swan

Details: See Migratory Bird regulations for details

Fees:

• Resident: $10.00 application fee; $10.00 license fee

• Nonresident: $50.00 application fee; $75.00 license fee

Swan — Central Flyway Only

Details: See Migratory Bird regulations for details

Fees:

• Resident: $10.00 application fee; $10.00 license fee

• Nonresident: $50.00 application fee; $75.00 license fee

Swan

Deadline

June 1

Availability 

This licenses is available via Special Drawing. Application period opens May 1

Swan hunting is allowed in Montana only by holders of a special permit. Hunters need separate permits to hunt in the Pacific Flyway and Central Flyway portions of the state.

Two species of swans can be found in Montana:

• Tundra Swans
• Trumpeter Swans

Hunters are encouraged to focus their harvest efforts on tundra swans and help reduce harvest of trumpeter swans. Developing strong swan identification skills, especially recognizing calls and distinguishing bill and body features at close range can help reduce trumpeter harvest.

Differentiating between trumpeter and tundra swans can be difficult, especially when they are flying. Help Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks maintain swan hunting opportunity by reducing harvest of trumpeter swans in Montana and elsewhere by taking our voluntary Swan Identification Course. The purpose of this course is to help hunters spot the difference between tundra and trumpeter swans, thereby avoiding potential harvest of trumpeter swans. The two species are very similar in appearance, but the course offers tips that should make hunters better equipped to recognize the two species while afield.
 

Take the Swan ID Course

One of the best ways to distinguish between the two is by their vocalization. For further information about swan identification and to hear additional swan calls, visit following websites.

• The Trumpeter Swan Society

• All About Birds Tundra Swan Sounds

Thank you very much for your time and cooperation!