License Information

General License Information

All Montana nonresident licenses are designated for both archery and rifle hunting. Montana does not allow crossbow hunting during archery season nor does it have a muzzleloader only season.

For MT hunting regulations or other information, click on the following link:
Montana FWP

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Licensing Dept (406) 444-2950

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Important Deadlines

April 1
General Elk/Deer License Applications Due

April 14
Spring Black Bear License Deadline

May 1
Mountain Goat License Applications Due

July 1-Sept 30
Extra Preference Point Purchase Option
(see details below under Big Game Combo or Elk Combo)

License Costs & Fees (effective March 1, 2020)

License Fee: $1,089.50
Preference Points: $50 each

Preference Points (PP) can be purchased from July 1 through Sept 30 for up to 2 years prior to applying for a nonresident big game license ONLY if you have not already obtained a nonresident license already for the current year. For example: If you booked a hunt for 2022, then you would purchase a PP from July-Sept of 2020 and 2021 (only if you do not already have a nonresident license for 2020) and then in March of 2022, you would purchase a third PP when you apply for a nonresident license. This will greatly increase your odds in the drawing and should almost guarantee you a license. THIS IS A HUGE INCENTIVE TO BOOK AT LEAST TWO YEARS IN ADVANCE!
License Fee: $925.50
Preference Points:$50 each

Preference Points (PP) can be purchased from July 1 through Sept 30 for up to 2 years prior to applying for a nonresident big game license ONLY if you have not already obtained a nonresident license already for the current year. For example: If you booked a hunt for 2022, then you would purchase a PP from July-Sept of 2020 and 2021 (only if you do not already have a nonresident license for 2020) and then in March of 2022, you would purchase a third PP when you apply for a nonresident license. This will greatly increase your odds in the drawing and should almost guarantee you a license. THIS IS A HUGE INCENTIVE TO BOOK AT LEAST TWO YEARS IN ADVANCE!
License Fee:$10

There are special requirements for archery hunters. They must purchase a Bow and Arrow License in addition to a Big Game license. If this is your first time archery hunting in Montana, you must have proof of having archery hunted in another state a previous year OR proof of a bowhunter education class in order to obtain the Bow and Arrow License.
Big Game Combo License Fee: $550.50
Elk Combo License Fee: $474.50
The youth hunter can obtain this license only after a Big Game license is purchased by a parent or grandparent. The applicant must be 18 or under at the time of application processing (which means the youth cannot turn 19 before April 15th).
License Fee: $350
In order to purchase a MT nonresident Bear License, the hunter must take a bear identification test online: Bear Identification Test
Application Fee: $50 (Non-Refundable)
License Fee: $1250 (If Drawn)
Bonus Point: $20
We offer hunts in goat districts 323 and 330. Non-residents can only apply in district 323.
Bonus Point System
  • The fee to participate in the bonus point system is $20.00
  • You must pay the fee when applying to use or gain bonus points
  • Applicants accumulate one bonus point for each unsuccessful year. Bonus points become extra chances in future drawings.
  • The number or chances in a drawing equals the existin bonus points squared plus one.
  • Once successful, the applicant loses all points for that species.
  • Bonus Points are accumulated independently for each species and only apply to "first-choice" districts.
  • An applicant may skip two consecutive years of participation without forfeiting accumulated points, but if an applicant misses the third year, all accumulated points for that species will be lost. Rejection of an application because of applicant error is equivalent to failure to apply.
  • Bonus points are non-transferable.
  • Applicants cannot apply just for a bonus point.
  • Current bonus point status is available online
  • If short money for bonus points, no bonus points will be applied to any of the species choices.
Big Game Combo License Fee: $560.50
Elk Game Combo License Fee: $479.50
A law encourages nonresidents 18 years of age or older, who once lived in Montana to "come home to hunt" with parents, siblings and other close family members. The program is aimed at continuing Montana family traditions by making an effort to bring sons and daughters and family back home during hunting season. A total of 500 Nonresident Big Game Combination licenses, 500 Nonresident Elk Combination licenses and 500 Nonresident Deer Combination licenses will be issued to nonresident adults who have completed a Montana hunter safety course, or have previously purchased a Montana resident hunting license and who are sponsored by a Montana resident family member.