Happy Fishing and Hunting New Year, Montana: 2024 License Updates

For fishing, hunting, permits and more, a new year is on the horizon in Montana.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has asked us to help spread the word that the new license year opens March 1, which means that is the day you can buy your 2024 hunting, fishing and conservation 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, including deer, elk, antelope, deer B licenses, elk B licenses, antelope B licenses, moose, sheep, goat, bison, bear and turkey, can be made beginning March 1. Hunters and anglers can buy licenses and apply for permits on the Montana FWP site beginning at 5:00 a.m. on March 1. Along with in-person purchases as sporting goods stores, most FWP offices are open from 8 - 5 Monday through Friday.

ANYTHING NEW WE NEED TO SCOPE OUT?

Other than continuing efforts to make online transactions easier and more user-friendly, not much to tell you here. But, in that online category, a new feature this year is the option for applicants to reapply for the same offerings as last year with just a simple click, eliminating the need to search through previous applications. There are also more details on the hunter Bonus Points program.

HELPFUL TIPS AND ADVICE FROM THE FWP KIOSK

>>>Don’t wait until the last day to apply.

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

>>>Make sure to double-check the regulations before applying. Some permits/licenses have changed.

>>>Everyone 12 and older needs a Montana Conservation License to access most state lands, including fishing access sites, wildlife management areas and wildlife habitat protection areas. Montana State Parks do not require a Conservation License.

There is always lots of eager anticipation for the seasons ahead this time of year. You can get plenty of useful information on licenses and permits from this Montana FWP webpage.