How Much Does a Montana Hunting License Cost?

June 16, 2026

Hunter in the snow with buck after hunt, how much does an Montana hunting license cost concept.

For the 2026-2027 season, Montana residents pay $10 for a base hunting license, while non-residents will pay $50. Most hunters will also need a Conservation License, which costs $8 for residents and $10 for non-residents, and an AIS Prevention Pass before they can buy most hunting licenses.

How much does a Montana hunting license cost you out the door? Well, the total starts with more than just the main hunting license, and it can climb quickly depending on your residency and the species you plan to hunt.

If you have your Montana hunter education and know the fee structure ahead of time, you'll have a much easier time planning the hunt you actually want.

Montana Hunting License Costs — Quick Facts
Adult Resident Base License Costs $10	Adult Non-resident Base License Costs $50	Additional Costs Conservation License, AIS Prevention Pass, Species licenses, hunter education
Who Needs One Anyone ages 16+ who hunts in Montana

Hunter kneels with turkey after hunt, cost of Montana hunting license concept.

How Much Does a Montana Hunting License Cost?

Montana's hunting costs depend heavily on residency, species, and license type. Every hunter pays a few required fees, but after that, costs can vary widely.

Residents generally have very affordable access, while non-residents often pay much more for big game hunting.

For non-residents, that difference is a big deal. Many hunters don’t travel to Montana on a whim. They are often planning a mule deer or elk trip that has been on their bucket list for a long time, and the license cost is only one part of the investment. That’s why we recommend a comprehensive planning process.

Base and Required Fees (All Montana Hunters)
	Residents	Non-Residents
Base Hunting License	$10	$50
Conservation License	$8	$10
AIS Prevention Pass (AISPP)	Varies	Varies

These charges are mandatory before you can purchase a license. That means the basic deer or elk price is the starting point.

We recommend building these modest fees into your budget in advance.

Resident License Fees (2026)

Montana residents can buy some licenses over the counter, while others may require drawings. For residents, the state still offers a relatively affordable path into several different seasons.

The resident fee structure includes:

Montana Resident License Fees
	Adult (18–61)	Senior (62+) / Youth
General Deer	$16	$8
General Elk	$20	$10
Sportsman (With Bear)	$79.50	$32.25
Sportsman (Without Bear)	$64.50	$32.25
Upland Game Bird	$10	$5
Turkey	$6.50	$6.50

The Sportsman License is worth it because it includes deer, elk, fishing, and upland bird licenses. For active hunters who spend a lot of time in the field across multiple seasons, it's often the most complete resident package.

Montana's resident pricing is one reason the state remains such an attractive place to live and hunt. If you're a resident, it's much easier to build a full season without spending the kind of money non-residents often have to commit.

Non-Resident Combination Licenses

For non-residents, the cost and process are very different. Most non-residents must enter a drawing for the main big game combination packages, and those licenses cost much more.

The primary Montana non-resident combination packages are:

General Big Game Combo (deer and elk): $1,312
General Elk Combo: $1,112
General Deer Combo: $760
Youth Big Game Combo:
- Ages 16-17: $723.50
- Under 16: $716

These packages include fishing and upland bird hunting (such as Montana pheasants), which helps explain part of the cost. Even so, for many traveling hunters, these prices are the first real sign that a Montana hunt should be approached as a serious trip rather than a simple tag purchase.

This is especially true for non-residents chasing Rocky Mountain elk or mule deer. These are the kinds of hunts many people save for, talk about for years, and try to do right the first time.

When you're planning a western hunt like that, the license cost becomes part of a much bigger decision that includes draw odds, travel, time off, gear, and whether you want deer, elk, or both.

Additional Tags and Add-Ons

Some hunts call for more than just the main license package. Montana also has additional tags and add-ons that can affect your total.

A bow and arrow license costs $10 and is required for archery seasons. That's an easy fee to miss if you're focused on deer or elk pricing and forget that the hunting method has its own added requirement.

Montana also offers specialized species licenses through drawings only. These include moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, and bison.

Residents: $125
Non-residents: $1,250

Those are very different from standard deer and elk licenses, and they show just how much the state's cost structure can vary by species. We recommend reviewing every add-on and application requirement and contacting the state before assuming you know the full price of your hunt.

Hunter in blaze orange holds bird during hunt, Montana hunting license cost concept.

What Is a Hunting License?

A hunting license is a legal permit issued by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP). It allows you to hunt specific species during regulated seasons in accordance with the state's rules.

That license helps the state manage wildlife populations and fund conservation efforts. In practical terms, licensing supports habitat work, species management, and the systems that keep hunting available over time.

Female hunter with bow and buck deer on the ground after a hunt.

In Montana, the license also ties directly to the species you're pursuing and, in some cases, whether you got access through a draw. That’s one reason the process can feel a little more layered than it does in some other states.

The system is built to manage opportunity and demand in a place where both residents and traveling hunters want access to the same high-value species.

What Are the Requirements to Get a Montana Hunting License?

Before you can get licensed to hunt in Montana, you need to make sure you meet the state's core requirements.

Hunter Education

Hunter education is required for anyone born after January 1, 1985. To qualify, you must complete a certified hunter education course.

The course covers:

Firearm safety
Wildlife conservation
Ethical hunting practices

This is one of the most important first steps for newer hunters. If the requirement applies to you, complete your Montana hunter education course early rather than waiting until you're close to an application deadline or planned trip.

Button to take the Montana hunter safety course online, get an Montana hunting license concept.

Additional Requirements

You also need valid identification and proof of residency to qualify for resident pricing. On top of that, you need to comply with Montana's state hunting regulations, which can vary by species, unit, and season.

That matters because getting licensed in Montana isn't only about paying the fee. You also need to make sure your documentation, education, and hunt plan all align.

Large bull elk bugles in a field, Montana hunting license cost concept.

Who Needs a Hunting License?

In Montana, residents need a hunting license to hunt wildlife in the state. Non-residents also need licenses for all hunting activities. Youth hunters usually need licenses as well, though they may qualify for reduced fees.

There are some limited exemptions. Landowners may qualify in certain situations, and some disability permits can affect licensing in specific cases. Even so, most hunters should assume they need a valid license unless they know for certain that an exception applies.

That is especially important for traveling hunters. If you're coming to Montana for elk or mule deer, this isn't the kind of trip where you want to make assumptions about paperwork.

We can't stress enough that you'll need to know the exact requirements before you apply and travel.

How to Get a Montana Hunting License (3 Ways)

Montana offers several ways to get licensed, depending on what you want to hunt.

3 Ways to Get a Montana Hunting License

Online: You can buy and apply through the official Montana FWP Online Licensing System. For many hunters, this is the easiest place to start because it lets you handle applications, purchases, and account information in one place.
In Person: Licenses are also available through licensed vendors, including sporting goods stores and outfitters, as well as FWP offices. That option can be useful if you want in-person help or are already on the road.
Drawings: Some hunts require more than a license purchase. Drawings are required for non-resident big game combos and limited-entry species.

These applications usually need to be submitted before spring deadlines. If you're dreaming about an elk or mule deer hunt in Montana, the process often starts months earlier than most hunters first expect.

Why It's Important to Have a License

A hunting license supports the whole structure that makes Montana hunting possible.

Legal Compliance: Hunting without the right license can lead to fines, penalties, and even confiscation of gear. That alone is a compelling reason to make sure everything is correct before the season starts.
Wildlife Conservation: License revenue also funds habitat protection and species management. Funding is vital in a state like Montana, where public land access, wildlife health, and long-term hunting opportunities all depend on strong conservation systems.
Ethical Hunting: Licensing also supports ethical hunting by reinforcing fair chase and sustainable harvest practices. That is a big part of maintaining hunting access and public trust.
Access and Opportunity: Finally, licenses help maintain public hunting lands and programs. In Big Sky Country, public land opportunities are the main reason hunters travel there in the first place.

Over the shoulder view of hunter with buck deer on the ground after hunt.

Take an Online Hunter Education Course to Get Your Hunting License in Montana

Montana offers outstanding hunting opportunities, but just how much a Montana hunting license costs depends on whether you're a resident or a non-resident. Residents get relatively affordable access to deer, elk, upland birds, and sportsman packages.

Non-residents, on the other hand, should expect a much higher price structure, especially if they are applying for big game combos and planning the kind of Rocky Mountain elk or mule deer trip that feels like a hunt of a lifetime.

That is why we recommend planning as early as possible. When you understand the required fees, combo packages, add-ons, and draw process ahead of time, it's much easier to build a realistic budget and avoid surprises before the season starts.

If hunter education applies to you, taking the Hunter-Ed course for Montana can help you meet that requirement and get ready for your dream Montana hunt.

Yellow CTA button to take the Montana hunter safety course online, get an Montana hunting license concept.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

We’ve got answers to some of the most common questions about Montana hunting licenses.

Q: How much does an out-of-state hunting license cost in Montana?

A: For 2026, non-residents pay a $50 base hunting license fee. Hunters must also purchase a Conservation License and other required items before obtaining most hunting licenses or combination packages.

Q: Can a non-resident buy a deer tag in Montana?

A: Yes. Non-residents can hunt deer in Montana by obtaining a Deer Combination License, Big Game Combination License, or certain special licenses. Most non-residents must receive one of these licenses through a drawing before they can hunt deer.

Q: Is Montana an over-the-counter elk tag?

A: For most non-residents, no. Non-residents generally must draw an Elk Combination License or Big Game Combination License to hunt elk in Montana. Residents, however, can purchase a general elk license over the counter.

Q: How much is a wolf tag in Montana?

A: For 2026, a non-resident wolf license costs $50 without a non-resident combination license. Hunters who already hold a combination license can purchase their first wolf license for $25, with additional wolf licenses costing $50 each.

Q: How many non-resident deer tags does Montana give out?

A: Montana does not issue unlimited non-resident deer tags. Non-resident deer hunting opportunities are allocated through a drawing system for combination licenses, and license quotas are established annually by Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks.

Q: Do you have to draw for a deer tag in Montana?

A: Usually, yes if you are a non-resident. Most non-residents must draw a Deer Combination License, Big Game Combination License, or Landowner Sponsored License to obtain a general deer license. Residents can generally purchase a general deer license over the counter, although some permit hunts require separate drawings.