New hunting, fishing and conservation license year begins March 1

The new license year opens March 1, which means that is the day hunters and anglers can buy 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.   

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 at https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpExtPortal/login/login.jsp.   

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 double check 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 – Aug. 1 

NR Winter Hound Licenses – Sept. 1 

For more information on Montana hunting licenses and permits, go to fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply/hunting-licenses.