Hunting, fishing license year begins March 1

The new license year opens March 1, which means that is the day hunters and anglers can buy their 2023 hunting and fishing 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, bison, bear, turkey – can be made beginning March 1.

Hunters and anglers can also take advantage of the MyFWP mobile app, if they haven’t already. The app holds and displays licenses, permits and E-Tags, which can be downloaded and used in the field without cell service.

Hunters and anglers will need a MyFWP account to use the app, which is a secure and convenient digital profile that stores licenses, permits and related information.

To create a new account, visit the MyFWP login page. Users need to make sure to link their ALS number to the MyFWP account to ensure their hunting and fishing licenses are attached to their MyFWP account.

A MyFWP account is not used to apply or make purchases. Purchases and applications are done through the online licensing system.

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.

The licensing call center will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. from March 1 through March 31; 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.

Remember, those applying for a special license or permit will need to have a valid email address.

Application deadlines

Feb. 15: Smith River Permit

March 23: Upper Missouri River Paddlefish harvest tag (white tag)

April 1: Deer and elk permits and non-resident big game combinations

May 1: Moose, sheep, goat and bison

June 1: Deer B, elk B, antelope