If you were born after January 1, 1985, you need your hunter education certification information from any state or province to purchase or apply for a Montana hunting license. Look up your Montana issued Certificate or find a Hunter/Bowhunter Education Course.

Montana manages abundant populations of game animals including deer, elk, antelope, ducks, geese, swans, game birds, and furbearers. Species Guides provide helpful information about each.

Montana’s vast 147,164 square miles is divided into seven administrative regions. Each region is broken down into hunting districts. The regions are numbered 1 through 7 with the hunting districts in the region corresponding to that number. Example: Region 1 hunting districts start with 1 or 001; Region 2 starts with 2 or 002, etc. Use the Hunt Planner to view maps and unit descriptions.

Montana offers a six week archery season, a five week general big game season, a 101 day waterfowl season, spring and fall turkey and bear seasons, a six month wolf season, and a liberal upland game bird season. Find dates and details for Hunting Seasons.

In Montana, there are two primary types of licenses: General licenses that can be purchased over the counter; and special limited permits and licenses that are available through drawings. The availability of special limited permits and licenses is dependent on the hunting district and/or species you want to hunt, and what you would like to hunt with, such as rifle or archery equipment. Different licenses and permits have different deadlines. Familiarize yourself with the Regulations.

It is every hunter's responsibility to know the land ownership of the area he or she intends to hunt and any land use restrictions that may apply there. The law requires every hunter to have permission from the landowner, lessee or agent before hunting on private property regardless of whether the land is posted or not. Learn more about Access Opportunities.