Changes to MT hunting and fishing licenses ahead of sale date

MONTANA — Outdoor enthusiasts in Montana are gearing up for an important date this Sunday, March 1, as hunting and fishing licenses for 2026 become available for purchase.

One significant change this year is a reduction in the number of nonresident deer licenses by 2,500. Chrissy Webb from Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks explained that this decision aims to prevent overhunting.

"Our state legislatures and our commissioners around the state have been hearing concerns from our hunters about increased hunting pressure a lot of the times from nonresident hunters," said Webb. "So, in response to some of those concerns, that's where some of these changes are coming from."

Kevin Farron, the conservation director at the Montana Wildlife Foundation, noted that this change alters a previous policy that allowed unused nonresident deer licenses to be resold.

"What FWP has been doing, is then taking that returned or what they call orphaned deer license, repackaging it, and reselling it,” said Farron. “And so, I think what most Montana hunters think is a set number of non-resident hunters, ends up being more than that."

There are also changes to the number of deer permits available to Montana residents, along with some smaller regional adjustments.

For more information, visit the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks website.