Initiative 161
I-161 revises the laws related to nonresident big game and deer hunting licenses. It abolishes outfitter-sponsored nonresident big game and deer combination licenses, replacing the 5,500 outfitter-sponsored big game licenses with 5,500 additional general nonresident big game licenses. It also increases the nonresident big game combination license fee from $628 to $897 and the nonresident deer combination license fee from $328 to $527. It provides for future adjustments of these fees for inflation. The initiative allocates a share of the proceeds from these nonresident hunting license fees to provide hunting access and preserve and restore habitat.
FWP is prohibited by law to take a position for or against voter initiatives. This information is provided as a public service. [Learn more]
Some Surplus Licenses are Still Available
Surplus licenses are those still remaining after Montana's recent special deer, elk and antelope license and permit drawings. The remaining licenses are sold on a first-come, first-served basis until the quota is filled.
Surplus List
This list will be updated daily, beginning on August 9, 2010.
Surplus Listing (
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Sales Locations
FWP offices, many license providers (check operating hours), and the Online Licensing System will begin selling licenses at 7:00 AM, on August 9, 2010.
Applications
Applications for surplus licenses are available on the Hunting License & Permit Applications page.
Application Deadlines
License and permit deadlines, costs, availability, and other details are available for each species and permit type:
- Quick Reference Application Deadlines—Chart of species and their application deadlines.
- Licenses Information—Licensing information about each species including: application deadlines, cost, and availability for Montana residents.
Obtain a General License and Apply for Special Drawings
Hunters have four options to obtain a license or apply for special drawings:
- Online Licensing System—Use the online system to apply for your license and/or apply for special drawings.
- FWP Regional Offices—Visit an FWP Regional Office where you may purchase your license and/or apply for special drawings.
- FWP License Providers—Visit an FWP License Provider to purchase general licenses and pick up special drawing application for moose, sheep, goat, deer, elk, and antelope. Special drawing applications are entered only at FWP offices (see FWP License Providers under Paper Applications below).
- Mail in—Mail in a paper application to the address indicated on the application (see Paper Applications below).
Paper Applications
There are several places to find a paper (or printable) application which you may either mail in or take to a Regional Office to apply for your license or permit:
- FWP Regional Office—Locate the regional office near you where you may purchase licenses, pick up applications, and/or apply for special drawings.
- FWP License Providers—FWP License Providers carry paper applications for the big game special drawings and sell most licenses (see FWP License Providers under Obtain a General License and Apply for Special Drawings above).
- Online printable applications—We provide license and special drawing applications in PDF format that you may print.
Permit and License Status
Use the Automated License System (ALS) to check on licensing questions such as:
