Black bear gathering huckleberries in the west boulder campground on the Yellowstone District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest during the fall of 2024. Photo taken September 9, 2024. (USDA Forest Service photo by Brandon Yoder.)
Recent legislative changes in Montana have introduced new hunting and fishing regulations, impacting hunters and anglers. The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks department highlighted these changes in a recent post. A significant update is the FWP’s “License Ambassador Program,” which changes how licenses are obtained, now using business-owned equipment like tablets or computers for sales.
According to FWP, this web-based model reduces administrative costs and replaces outdated systems. Not every business will sell licenses, but a searchable list of participating locations and marketing materials help identify where licenses are available. Cash payments are not accepted for licenses. Christy Clark, FWP Director, stated, “This change will ultimately provide more businesses where hunters and anglers who like to buy or apply for licenses in person, can go for help.”
The online purchasing system remains largely unchanged, with an app providing a digital wallet for tags and licenses. Changes in deer regulations aim to protect mule deer populations: Mule Deer B licenses are now mostly valid on private land, and hunters should verify with district guidelines. Residents are limited to three deer licenses, down from eight, while nonresidents can have one, unless they have a combo license.
Elk regulations include a reduced quota for the 799-20 Elk License near Ekalaka, famous for quality hunting. Guided trips in this area start at $8,450. Region 1 Elk licenses are restricted to private land. Region 5 now offers black bear permits, with bonus points available for successful harvests.
Nonresidents face new restrictions on shed hunting due to recent legislative changes linked to a National Guard incident. They cannot collect antlers in wildlife management areas for the first week of public access. Nonresident shed hunting licenses cost $50, with no changes for residents. License costs have increased, including nonresident base hunting license fees rising from $15 to $50.
Bird hunting fees have also been adjusted. Crane and Swan licenses are $10 for residents and $75 for nonresidents, with application fees of $10 and $50, respectively. Resident migratory bird licenses are now $10.
License Changes for Residents and Nonresidents
Combo license prices have been revised. For residents, upland bird licenses increased from $7.50 to $10, sportsman without bear from $62 to $64.50, and sportsman with bear from $77 to $79.50. For nonresidents, upland bird (season) licenses rose from $110 to $127, and upland bird (three-day) from $50 to $60. The big game combo is now $1,312, elk combo $1,112, and deer combo $760.
