Deer and elk permit application deadline is April 1
HELENA – The new license year opens March 1, which means that is the day you can buy your 2025 hunting, fishing and conservation licenses and begin applying for permits and special licenses. The deadline to apply for deer and elk permits is April 1.
Applications for most species – deer, elk, antelope, deer B licenses, elk B licenses, antelope B licenses, moose, sheep, goat and bison – can be made beginning March 1.
Applicants have the option to reapply for the same offerings as last year with just a simple click, eliminating the need to search through previous applications.
Hunters and anglers can buy licenses and apply for permits on the FWP website beginning at 5 a.m. on March 1; click on “Buy and Apply.” Most FWP offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Click here to watch a video tutorial for Montana residents on how to buy and apply for licenses and permits online. Click here to watch a video tutorial for nonresidents on how to buy and apply for licenses and permits online.
The licensing call center will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from March 1 through April 1; after April 1, the hours will return to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The call center can be reached at 406-444-2950.
Hunters and anglers can also take advantage of the MyFWP mobile app. The app holds and displays licenses, permits and E-Tags, which can be downloaded and used in the field without cell service. To create a My FWP account, visit the MyFWP login page.
Tips and reminders
- Don’t wait until the last day to apply.
- If you’re applying for a special license or permit, you will need to have a valid email address.
- Make sure to doublecheck the regulations before applying. Some permit/licenses have changed.
- The Online Licensing Service is available from 5 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
- Everyone 12 and older needs a Conservation License to access most state lands, including fishing access sites, wildlife management areas and wildlife habitat protection areas (WHPA). Montana State Parks do not require a Conservation License.
- A separate and rotating moose, bighorn sheep or mountain goat SuperTag lottery for resident hunters will be conducted annually. Montana residents will receive one free chance in the lottery for every General Elk or General Deer License purchased.
Application deadlines
- Smith River Super Permit – April 1
- Paddlefish (white tag) – April 1
- Deer and Elk
- Permits – April 1
- B Licenses – June 1
- Bighorn Sheep – May 1
- Bison – May 1
- Moose – May 1
- Mountain Goat – May 1
- Antelope – June 1
- Sandhill Crane – June 1
- Swan – June 1
- SuperTags
- Antelope, Bighorn Sheep, Bison, Deer, Elk, Moose, Mountain Goat and Mountain Lion – June 30
- Mountain Lion Special Licenses – 1
- NR Winter Hound Licenses – Sept. 1
For more information on Montana hunting licenses and permits, go to fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/hunting-licenses.
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