How to Get a Montana Non Resident Hunting License
Your Essential Guide
This Article is Part of Our Guide to Non Resident Hunting Licenses by State
Montana offers a unique and expansive hunting experience for nonresidents, drawing thousands of outdoor enthusiasts each year. Its diverse landscape provides habitats for a variety of game species, making it a prime destination for hunters seeking a challenge. Nonresident hunters are required to obtain a hunting license, which grants access to some of the longest hunting seasons in the West and the opportunity to explore vast swathes of both public and private lands.
To acquire a nonresident hunting license in Montana, applicants must navigate through specific requirements, including fees and application deadlines. These regulations ensure the conservation of wildlife populations and the fairness of the draw system for hunting permits. The process for nonresidents includes an understanding of different licenses, such as the Non-Resident Deer Combo, and the adherence to state policies, which do not offer resident-rate licenses to Montana students from certain states.
The state’s wildlife agency provides online resources for nonresidents to apply for a license and to find a licensed provider. Additional tools such as the hunt planner and surplus list are available to aid hunters in preparing for their Montana hunting expedition. With thoughtful planning and adherence to Montana's regulations, nonresident hunters can anticipate a memorable outdoor experience.
Montana Hunting Overview
Montana offers a diverse and rich hunting experience, featuring a range of key species governed by specific regulations and seasons. Hunters must obtain the appropriate licenses and be aware of the hunting districts and tools such as the hunt planner to ensure a lawful and successful outing.
Key Species and Hunting Seasons
Montana is renowned for its big game hunting, with species such as elk, mule deer, and white-tailed deer drawing hunters from all over. The state also offers opportunities to hunt antelope, bighorn sheep, moose, and mountain goats. Each species has a designated hunting season, generally as follows:
Elk: Fall season, often starting in September
Deer (mule and white-tailed): Fall season; archery begins in September, with general hunting later in the fall
Antelope: Archery season typically begins in August with a general season in October
Moose, Sheep, Goat: Limited permits, with applications due in May and seasons varying by district
Hunters must adhere to the regulations for each season, which dictate legal hunting hours, bag limits, and specific requirements like hunter orange apparel during rifle seasons.
Montana Hunting Districts and Hunt Planner
Montana is divided into numerous hunting districts, each with its own set of regulations tailored to the local wildlife populations and habitats. These districts determine where and what one can hunt, with some areas offering general tags and others requiring special permits for controlled hunts.
To assist hunters in planning their outing, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks provides an interactive hunt planner. This online tool helps hunters understand:
District-specific regulations and restrictions
Critical information on access and land ownership
Harvest statistics and drawing odds for permits
The hunt planner is an invaluable resource for ensuring hunters are informed and compliant with Montana's hunting regulations.
Eligibility & Requirements
To hunt legally in Montana, nonresidents must fulfill specific eligibility criteria and requirements, ensuring compliance with state regulations designed to promote conservation and safety.
Residency Requirements
Montana defines a nonresident as an individual who does not meet the state's residency criteria. To qualify as a resident for hunting license purposes, one must:
Have lived in Montana for at least 180 consecutive days immediately before purchasing a license.
Not claim residency or obtain benefits under a resident license in another state or country.
Be registered to vote in Montana, if claiming voting residency.
Have a Montana driver’s license (or if a minor, their parent or guardian should have one).
Nonresidents are eligible to apply for various hunting licenses but with higher fees and different requirements than residents.
Hunter Education Certification
All hunters born after January 1, 1985, and who wish to purchase a Montana hunting license, must:
Present proof of having completed a Hunter Education or Safety Course approved by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks or a similar agency from another state.
Nonresidents must carry their certification with them while hunting.
Service Member Exceptions
Active-duty members of the regular armed forces of the United States, their spouse, and dependents are entitled to certain exceptions:
If stationed in and assigned to active duty in Montana, they may purchase a resident license.
Such service members must have official assignment orders as proof of their duty station in Montana.
These exceptions ensure that active-duty military personnel and their families can take part in hunting while stationed in Montana.
License Types & Fees
For individuals seeking to hunt in Montana who are not residents, a range of license options and fees apply. These are designed to accommodate different hunting preferences and species targeting options.
Base Hunting and Conservation Licenses
Nonresident hunters must first obtain a Conservation License which is a prerequisite for purchasing any additional hunting licenses. The Base Hunting License is an annual fee charged upon the purchase or application for the first hunting license of the year, including those for upland and migratory birds.
Conservation License Fee
Resident: Information not provided
Nonresident: Information not provided
Base Hunting License Fee
Nonresident: Information not provided
Combination and Special Licenses
Montana offers Combination Licenses which allow nonresidents to hunt for multiple species. These licenses include General Deer, General Elk, and the General Big Game Combination (deer and elk). Additionally, there are antlerless deer licenses and special licenses available through drawings, such as the Deer B License.
Nonresident Combination Licenses Fees:
General Deer Combo: $352
General Elk Combo: $509
Big Game Combo (Deer & Elk): $604
Special licenses such as the Deer B License, which is valid for antlerless deer in specific hunting districts, also impose separate application and licensing fees:
Deer B — Drawing Details for Nonresidents
Application fee (nonrefundable): $5
License fee: $80
Application Process
In Montana, nonresident hunters must navigate a systematic application process to obtain the necessary licenses for hunting. This process involves submitting applications primarily online and understanding the points system that affects draw results.
How to Apply for Nonresident Licenses
Nonresident hunters must apply through the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) either online or by mailing in a paper application. The first step is to create an account on the official FWP website, where they can purchase and apply for various licenses.
The application must be accompanied by:
A nonrefundable application fee
A $10 Conservation License
A $7.50 Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (AISPP)
A $15 Base Hunting License fee
The FWP office or any of its regional offices can provide assistance to applicants. All nonresident deer and elk licenses are issued through an application process:
To apply for a license, nonresidents should:
Visit the Hunt Planner for regulations by hunting district.
Select the type of license they wish to apply for (Big Game Combo, Deer Combo, etc.).
Complete the application process before the stated deadline.
Preference Points and Bonus Points
Montana utilizes a points system to manage nonresident licenses allocations, which includes preference points and bonus points. Preference points increase the chances of drawing a license for the next year if they are unsuccessful in the current year's draw. Nonresidents can purchase preference points during a specified time frame each year.
Bonus points work differently:
They provide a better chance of drawing a permit, as they are squared in the drawing.
These points are awarded for each year an individual is unsuccessful in the drawing.
Bonus points can also be purchased without applying for a license, allowing nonresident hunters to build up points over time for future hunts.
A nonrefundable fee is charged when purchasing either preference or bonus points. It is critical for applicants to understand how these points work, as they can significantly impact the license drawing results.
Hunting License Regulations
Montana’s diverse landscapes offer unique opportunities for hunting, which are regulated to ensure sustainable wildlife populations and ethical hunting practices.
Understanding Montana Hunting Regulations
Montana's hunting regulations are established under the Montana Code Annotated and enforced by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). Non-resident hunters are required to obtain a hunting license and should be aware that licenses are species-specific. The state implements season dates and hunting districts to manage wildlife effectively. To hunt legally, the hunter must hold a valid license for the specific season and the game they intend to hunt.
Big Game Combo: Includes both elk and deer permits, enabling hunting for these species within the designated season.
Elk B and Deer B: Permits for hunting antlerless elk and deer respectively, often with specific district or season restrictions.
General Deer Combination and General Elk Combination: These are combination licenses allowing for the hunting of either species, subject to certain regulations.
Hunters must adhere to detailed hunting regulations, which include how and when weapons can be used, hunter education requirements, and reporting of harvests.
Species-Specific Permits and Seasons
Each game species in Montana has specific permits and seasonal regulations that the hunter must follow.
Upland Game Birds: These seasons have specific start and end dates, which may vary by region and species.
Turkey: Requires a permit, and there are both spring and fall seasons, each with particular regulations.
It’s critical that hunters familiarize themselves with the specific regulations for the game they are targeting, as these are subject to change and can vary even within a single hunting season. Hunters can access current regulations, season start and end dates, and permit requirements from the Montana FWP website or by setting up a MyFWP account for personalized information. Compliance with regulations is mandatory for all hunters to maintain the integrity of the sport and the health of Montana's wildlife populations.
Additional Opportunities & Information
Montana offers a variety of specialized hunting licenses to accommodate different groups, including landowners, youth, students, and military personnel. Each program has specific eligibility requirements and provides unique opportunities for those seeking to hunt in the state.
Landowner and Sponsored Licenses
To support land management and foster good relations between hunters and landowners, Montana has established programs like the Landowner Sponsored Deer License. These licenses are reserved for nonresident hunters who have secured permission to hunt on the land of a Montana resident landowner. The Nonresident Native License is a nod to those with Montana roots; applicants must have previously held a resident hunting license in the state.
Youth and Student Hunter Opportunities
Montana encourages young hunters through the Youth Combination License, designed for nonresident youth under 18, offering a chance to participate in Montana's storied hunting tradition. Moreover, nonresident college students attending a Montana college are eligible for hunting opportunities, mirroring those available to resident students.
Military Personnel Hunting Opportunities
A mark of gratitude for their service, active military personnel stationed in Montana have access to resident hunting licenses, including opportunities for hunting migratory birds. The Come Home to Hunt License extends a similar privilege to veterans and active-duty members inviting them to return and enjoy hunting in their home state once again.
State Related Licenses & Passes
In Montana, non-resident hunters must secure appropriate licensing for their activities. Fishing licenses are necessary for those looking to fish in Montana's waterways, and the state offers various options to cater to different fishing seasons. A season fishing license allows anglers to fish throughout the entire season, providing flexibility for extended fishing adventures.
For hunting upland game birds, a specific upland bird license is required in addition to the standard hunting license. This is essential for those targeting species such as pheasant or grouse across Montana's vast landscapes.
An important consideration for both resident and non-resident hunters and anglers is the procurement of an Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (AISPP). This pass is critical for conservation efforts, helping to prevent the spread of invasive species in Montana's aquatic ecosystems.
Below is a summarized table showcasing these essential licenses and passes:
Hunters and anglers should ensure they comply with all license and pass requirements to support Montana's wildlife management efforts and to enjoy their recreational activities lawfully.
Maintaining License Eligibility
For nonresidents to maintain eligibility for hunting licenses in Montana, they must adhere to specific criteria.
Address Verification: License applicants should provide a current, verifiable nonresident address. Authorities may request proof of residence if there are changes to their documented address.
Yearly Participation: Consistency in application or participation can affect eligibility for licenses that favor return applicants, like special permits drawn through a lottery system.
Consecutive Years: Nonresidents who apply for licenses requiring a history of applications must ensure their participation record reflects consecutive years where applicable.
Home of Record: Military personnel should maintain their Montana address as their official home of record to qualify for resident license rates.
Home of Residence: Individuals must not claim residency in another state or country for the purpose of obtaining a hunting or fishing license.
Adhering to these protocols is crucial in ensuring continued eligibility for Montana's nonresident hunting licenses. Noncompliance with residency and application requirements may lead to disqualification.
Contact and Support Resources
When seeking assistance regarding the Montana non-resident hunting license, individuals have several reliable resources at their disposal. The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is the principal agency that manages hunting regulations and licensing.
Online Support The most direct way to address questions or concerns is through the FWP's online licenses service. Here, individuals can:
Purchase licenses
Access hunting worksheets
Find information on fees
Discover important deadlines and drawing dates
FWP Offices and Regional Contacts Personal support can be found at any FWP office or through FWP regional offices throughout Montana. Below is contact information for regional offices:
Region City Contact Number Email Region 1 Kalispell (406) 752-5501 [email protected] Region 2 Missoula (406) 542-5500 [email protected] Region 3 Bozeman (406) 994-4042 [email protected] Region 4 Great Falls (406) 454-5840 [email protected] Region 5 Billings (406) 247-2940 [email protected] Region 6 Glasgow (406) 228-3700 [email protected] Region 7 Miles City (406) 234-0900 [email protected]
Mailing and Email Options In inquiries that are not urgent, mailing or emailing may be sufficient. Correspondence should be addressed to: FWP Licensing - Native PO Box 200701 Helena, MT 59620-0701 Email: [email protected]
For comprehensive details on support resources, it is recommended to visit the official Montana FWP website or directly contact regional offices for specific inquiries.
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