HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSE YEAR BEGINS MARCH 1

HELENA – The new license year opens March 1, which means that is the day you can buy your 2023 hunting and fishing 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, bison, bear, turkey – can be made beginning March 1.

Hunters and anglers can also take advantage of the MyFWP mobile app, if they haven’t already. The app holds and displays licenses, permits and E-Tags, which can be downloaded and used in the field without cell service. Hunters and anglers will need a MyFWP account to use the app, which is a secure and convenient digital profile that stores licenses, permits and related information.

To create a new account, visit the MyFWP login page. Users need to make sure to link their ALS number to the MyFWP account to ensure their hunting and fishing licenses are attached to their MyFWP account.

A MyFWP account is not used to apply or make purchases. Purchases and applications are done through the online licensing system.

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 March 31; 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.

Remember, if you’re applying for a special license or permit, you will need to have a valid email address.

Application deadlines 

Feb. 15: Smith River Permit

March 23: Upper Missouri River Paddlefish harvest tag (white tag)

April 1: Deer and elk permits, and non-resident big game combinations

May 1: Moose, sheep, goat, bison

June 1: Deer B, elk B, antelope

HUNTING REGULATIONS AVAILABLE EARLY THIS YEAR

HELENA – Hunting regulation booklets for deer/elk/antelope, moose/sheep/goat and light goose are now available on Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ website at fwp.mt.gov/hunt/regulations. Hard copies of the deer/elk/antelope booklets are also available at FWP offices; hard copies of other regulations will be available soon. Hunters can reference the regulations booklets as they prepare for the new license year, which begins March 1.

Hunters will notice that the booklets for deer/elk/antelope and moose/sheep/goat include quota ranges instead of a specific quota number this year. These ranges are approved by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission, and FWP can adjust annual quotas within these ranges. The annual quota adjustments are based primarily on survey data from FWP biologists in the field. Typically, the adjustments are minor.   

FWP TO SET UP HUNTER/BOWHUNTER EDUCATION ADVISORY COMMITTEE

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is forming a committee to develop recommendations to enhance the hunter and bowhunter education programs, with a particular focus on field days and bolstering the ranks of instructors.

“With the increase in online education, and the resulting need to offer additional in-person field days, our education programs need to adapt,” FWP Director Hank Worsech said. “We’re interested in working with people who are as passionate as we are for making sure graduates of our courses know how and where to hunt safely, legally, and ethically.”

The advisory committee will meet at least twice this spring for day-long meetings. The group will review the manuals, online programs and field day outlines, and develop actionable recommendations for Worsech and the hunter/bowhunter education staff to implement.

Committee members should also plan on spending some time outside of meetings to review course materials and complete other homework.

During the past two years, many hunter and bowhunter education students in Montana have been certified through the online course. Last year, in-person classes increased dramatically from 2021, when COVID concerns limited in-person activities.

Students interested in taking hunter or bowhunter education this year can take advantage of FWP’s free, in-person courses. Online options are also still available as well.

People interested in participating in the hunter/bowhunter education advisory committee should email Communication and Education Division Administrator Greg Lemon at [email protected]. Please include the reasons you’re interested, where you reside and a bit about yourself. Ideal applicants will have an interest in working with a diverse group of people to find common solutions.

Application emails are due by March 4.