Montana hunting residency rules

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

Who counts as a resident

Summary
To buy Montana resident licenses, you must have physically lived in Montana for at least 180 consecutive days immediately before buying; register your vehicles in Montana; be registered to vote in Montana if you are registered at all; not hold or have applied for resident hunting, fishing or trapping privileges in another state or country; and file Montana income tax returns as a resident if you are required to file. Source: FWP Residency Information. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Time required
180 consecutive days Source: FWP Residency Information. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Keeping residency
Once residency is established, you must keep meeting these requirements and physically live in Montana as your principal home for at least 120 days per year (days need not be consecutive). Source: FWP Residency Information. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Who is not a resident
You are not a resident if you claim residence in any other state or country for any purpose, or are an absentee property owner paying property tax on Montana property. Source: FWP Residency Information. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Proof of residency
To buy an annual resident Conservation License you must show a valid Montana driver's license, Montana ID card or Tribal ID (MCA 87-2-106). If it was issued less than six months ago, additional proof may be required. An out-of-state driver's license is not accepted. Source: FWP Residency Information. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.
Proof of residency
Statute reference: MCA 87-2-102 Source: FWP 2026 Deer, Elk & Antelope Hunting Regulations, p. 14. License year 2026. Checked Oct 26, 2026.

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