New Hunting, Fishing and Conservation License Year Begins

February 20, 2024 - Helena, Mt The new license year opens on March 1st, which means that is the day you can buy your 2024 hunting, fishing, and conservation licenses and begin applying for permits and special licenses. The deadline to apply for deer and elk permits is April 1st. Applications for most species including deer, elk, antelope, deer B licenses, elk B licenses, antelope B licenses, moose, sheep, goat, bison, bear, and turkey can be made beginning March 1st. A new online feature this year is the option for applicants 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 1st. 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 1st through April 1st. After April 1st the hours will return to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The call center can be reached at 406-444-2950. This year FWP produced clearer information for hunters on bonus points and how they are used. A bonus point is an extra chance for a hunter to draw a license or permit in a Montana drawing. Preference points are used only for drawing Nonresident Combination Licenses. Preference points move you ahead in line for the drawing. If you are a Montana resident, preference points don’t apply to you. 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. 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 permits/licenses have changed. Everyone 12 and older must have a Conservation License to access most state lands, including fishing access sites, wildlife management areas, and wildlife habitat protection areas. 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.