Montana hunting guide

License year: 2026 and 2027. Each fact shows its own license year, source and the date we checked it. Always confirm with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks before you apply.

Key facts

Validity: 2026 regulations were adopted by the F&W Commission on Dec. 4, 2025 (MCA 87-1-301) and are valid March 1, 2026, through Feb. 28, 2027 Source: FWP 2026 Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunting Regulations, p. 8. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026 nonresident combination license drawing — opens: March 1, 2026, 5 a.m. MST Source: FWP Nonresident License Fees. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026 nonresident combination license drawing — closes: April 1, 2026, 11:45 p.m. MST Source: FWP Nonresident License Fees. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026 deer and elk permit applications — deadline: April 1, 2026 Source: FWP 2026 Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunting Regulations, p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026 Deer B and Elk B license drawings — deadline: June 1, 2026 Source: FWP Hunt by Species: Elk. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Over-the-counter Deer B and Elk B licenses on sale — opens: June 15, 2026 Changed for 2026. Source: FWP 2026 Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunting Regulations, p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

Topics

What changed

2026: Over-the-counter Deer B and Elk B licenses go on sale June 15 (date changed) Source: FWP 2026 Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunting Regulations, p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026: Many mule deer B licenses are now restricted to private land only Source: FWP 2026 Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunting Regulations, p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
2026: Resident deer hunters are limited to three deer licenses per license year Source: FWP 2026 Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunting Regulations, p. 7. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

Montana hunting questions

When is Montana's nonresident combo license deadline?

2026 nonresident combination license drawing — opens: March 1, 2026, 5 a.m. MST. 2026 nonresident combination license drawing — closes: April 1, 2026, 11:45 p.m. MST. Checked Oct 26, 2026. Source: FWP Nonresident License Fees.

How much is a nonresident elk license in Montana?

Nonresident elk tag price: $1,112. Checked Oct 26, 2026. Source: FWP License Fees for 2026 (license ambassador sheet).

Can residents buy elk tags over the counter in Montana?

Resident elk tag over the counter: Yes. Residents can buy the General Elk License over the counter. Checked Oct 26, 2026. Source: FWP Hunt by Species: Elk.

Who needs hunter education in Montana?

Required if: Born after Jan. 1, 1985. Accepted courses: A hunter education course issued by Montana, any other state or any Canadian province. Apprentice or mentored option: Students age 10 to 11 can take the in-person course and hunt as an Apprentice, but are not fully certified until the year they turn 12. Checked Oct 26, 2026. Source: FWP Hunter Education.

Montana elk and mule deer draw odds by unit: past results from each state agency, with the source for every number.