HELENA – Waterfowl season across Montana opens on Oct. 4. This includes ducks, mergansers, geese and coots. Swan hunting is allowed only by special permit.
Last year, FWP introduced a new Migratory Bird Stamp to raise awareness of wetland habitats in the state. The stamp is commemorative only and not required to hunt in Montana. Proceeds from migratory bird license sales will support wetland habitat conservation and restoration.
Reminders for the 2025 season:
- The Central Flyway is divided into two “zones” in order to increase opportunity (see map on page 8 in the Waterfowl Regulations). The two zones have different season dates. Zone 2, includes Big Horn, Carbon, Custer, Prairie, Rosebud, Treasure and Yellowstone counties. Zone 1 includes all other counties in the Central Flyway portion of Montana.
- Be aware of split seasons and carefully note closed and open days for hunting and note zone differences. All split seasons have been eliminated except for Central Flyway Zone 2.
- Special restrictions apply when hunting at Canyon Ferry. See exceptions on page 7 of the Waterfowl Regulations.
To purchase a license, go to fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply.
-fwp-
