Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Hunting License Info

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department functions as the regulatory state entity, which has the power to set licensing fees and regulations.

Fishing

Montana's streams and rivers are famous for their plentiful but wily trout. It is possible to fish throughout the year in lakes and large rivers. However, late June through October are the most popular months for sinking a hook.

Before you go fishing on any Montana waters, you should always check the Montana fishing regulations or boating regulations for additional important information. The State is divided into three fishing districts, Western Fishing District, Central Fishing District, and Eastern Fishing District.

The area in and around Bozeman lies within the Central Fishing District. For the purpose of this discussion, we will be concentrating on the Central Fishing District.

Fishing Regulations (Central District)

• Waters operated as fish hatcheries or rearing ponds are closed for public fishing.
• Most areas above and below dams are closed to the public.
• Beaver ponds on streams are governed by the same regulations that govern that particular stream.
• Man-made irrigation canals and ditches are open year round unless otherwise stated.
• Check for current regulations on reservoirs as they are affected by the time of year and water height.
• It is unlawful to possess or transport live fish.
• Obtain a complete copy of Montana Boating laws and adhere to them.

Fishing License
To fish in Montana, most anglers need two licenses: a Conservation License and a Fishing License. Conservation license applicants are required to provide their social security number in addition to the information usually requested. A valid driver's license or a valid photo ID is required to purchase a license. A fishing license is nontransferable and nonrefundable. The license enables one to fish from March 1 through the end of February of the following year.

Fees/Costs

• Resident
  Age 1-11 – Neither a Conservation or Fishing License required. Must observe all limits and regulations.
  Age 12-14 – Only a Conservation License required.
  Age 15-61 – Conservation License - $8.00 - plus a Fishing License - $5.00 for two consecutive days or $18.00 for the whole season.
  Age 62 - Conservation License only
• Non-Resident
  Age 1-14 – No license required if accompanied by an adult that has a valid Montana Fishing License.
  Age 15-16 – Conservation License - $10.00 – plus a Fishing License - $15.00 for two consecutive days, $43.50 for ten consecutive days, or $60.00 for the whole season
  Age 62 - Conservation License only

Hunting

With great open spaces and thousands of acres of wilderness occupying the State of Montana, it is no wonder why the nation's fourth largest state is home to some of the finest hunting in the country. 

Hunting Regulations
The rules and regulations for hunting in Montana are specific to the hunting district (Montana has seven of them), the species of animal, the particular season, etc. Check with the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department to obtain current, correct rules and regulations.

Hunting Licenses – Fees/Costs
A license provides an opportunity to "harvest" the species for which the license is valid. A permit does not allow a hunter to "harvest" the species for which the permit is valid. A permit must be used in conjunction with a license. License and permit deadlines, costs, availability, and other details are available for each species and permit type. Check with the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department for specifics.

Hunting Season
Typically, the hunting season starts in late September and concludes near the middle of November. Again, as with permits, seasons vary with each animal and location.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Contact Info

1420 East Sixth Avenue Helena, MT
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Phone: (406) 444-2535
Website: http://fwp.mt.gov/