March 1 in Montana isn’t just another date on the calendar — it’s basically Opening Day for paperwork. Licenses go on sale, special draw applications open up, and it’s officially time to make sure you’re legal before you head for the hills (or the river).
But this year, don’t just click “same as last year” and call it good. There are quite a few rule changes rolling in thanks to the 2025 Legislature and the Fish and Wildlife Commission — and some of them are the kind you’ll want to know before you’re standing at the trailhead.
Quick highlights:
- Deer hunters can now hold three deer licenses total (not eight… yes, eight used to be a thing).
- A bunch of Mule Deer B and Region 1 Elk B licenses are now private land only, so read your district details.
- Bighorn sheep tags are now draw-only.
- Nonresident shed hunters need a $50 license and have to wait a week after WMAs open. Residents are still in the clear.
- Some fees went up — especially for nonresidents and combo licenses.
- Nonresident upland bird hunters start 10 days later than residents.
License sales are shifting fully online through the new License Ambassador system, so double-check that your usual tag-dealer is still in the game.
Bottom line: March 1 is go-time. Get your licenses, actually read the regs (because they do change), and make sure your 2026 season starts off on the right side of legal.
You can check out the press release from Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks here for details and more information.
Photo credit: Doug Michaels from Getty Images
