Montana’s 2025 Legislative session has introduced new hunting and fishing regulations, significantly impacting hunters and anglers. The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission has adopted these changes, and Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) recently detailed the updates in a post. These updates include changes to licensing procedures, game regulations, and fee adjustments.
The FWP has launched a “License Ambassador Program,” transforming how licenses are obtained. Businesses now provide a dedicated station, such as a tablet or computer, for license purchases. This web-based model reduces administrative costs and enables more businesses to sell licenses, marking a shift from outdated systems. A list of participating businesses is available, and licenses cannot be purchased with cash.
FWP Director Christy Clark 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 permit system remains largely unchanged, with an available app offering a digital wallet for tags and licenses.
Deer hunting regulations now limit residents to three deer licenses, including General Deer, a decrease from eight. Nonresidents are restricted to one license unless they obtain a combo license, allowing two. Changes to elk hunting affect the 799-20 Elk License quota near Ekalaka, now set at 325.
Black Bear and Shed Hunting Adjustments
Region 5 now offers black bear permits, and hunters can earn bonus points in FWP’s lottery system by harvesting bears. Nonresident shed hunting has new restrictions, stemming from an incident involving the Montana National Guard. Nonresidents can’t collect antlers in wildlife management areas during the first seven days of public access in spring. Licenses for nonresidents are $50, with no changes for residents.
License Fee Adjustments
Nonresident base hunting license fees increased from $15 to $50. Bird license costs have also changed: 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.
Combo License Price Changes for Residents
- Upland bird from $7.50 to $10
- Sportsman without Bear from $62 to $64.50
- Sportsman with Bear from $77 to $79.50
Nonresident Combo License Price Changes
- Upland Bird (season) from $110 to $127
- Upland Bird (three-day) from $50 to $60
- Big Game Combo to $1,312
- Elk Combo to $1,112
- Deer Combo to $760
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