LICENSING

With the passage of a new State Initiative, I161, the Outfitter Sponsored Guaranteed License is no longer available.

All non-resident licenses are now available through a draw system. You can go online to MFWP, www.fwp.mt.gov, to learn more about the new changes. Do not be discouraged, your chances of drawing a combination elk/deer license are quite good. You are also allowed to apply as a “party” for the draw if there are two or more of you wanting to hunt together.

Applications for the General Draw for elk and deer licenses can be made online through Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks, www.fwp.mt.gov, (406-444-2950). The General Draw application deadline for elk and deer is March 15th.  The drawing takes place mid-April.

Applications for Special Draw Permits can be made online through Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks, www.fwp.mt.gov , (406-444-2950).

The Special Draw application deadline for bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goat and bison permits is May 2nd.  The drawing for bighorn sheep, moose and mountain goat takes place the 3rd week in June.  The drawing for bison takes place mid-September.

The Special Draw application deadline for elk and deer permits is June 1st. The drawing for elk and deer special permits takes place the 3rd week in July. *In order to apply for a special draw permit for elk non- residents must first apply for and draw a Big Game or Elk Combination license through the Montana drawing system.  Residents must hold a valid elk license to apply for a special elk permit.  *In order to apply for a special draw permit for deer non-residents must first apply for and draw a Deer Combination License through the Montana drawing system.  Residents must hold a valid Deer A license to apply for a special deer permit.

2011 OFFICIAL APPLICATION DEADLINES
NON RESIDENT LICENSE AND PERMIT PRICES
Dates & Prices for 2012 are released by
Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks in early February.
Dates and prices change very slightly each year.
www.fwp.mt.gov

*Youths 12-17 years of age - 300 Licenses Available- First come, first served
(Adult immediate-family member must possess a deer/elk license.)
                          
*The license/permit is not guaranteed but the license/permit price is refundable if not drawn. However, there is a $5 non-refundable drawing fee.

STEPS TO RECEIVE YOUR LICENSE

Non Resident General Draw Licenses for Elk and Deer
For elk/deer, call for an application or apply online with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, 406-444-2950, www.fwp.mt.gov.  You can use a General Elk/Deer License to hunt in most of our permitted areas.  However, a few of our areas require a Special Draw Permit so please check with us first before you apply.  If you are sure of the hunt you want to pursue you can secure your spot with a $1000 deposit which will be fully refunded if you do not draw.  We take two to six hunters per hunt so this is the best way to secure your spot and avoid the chaos at the time of the draw.  Most hunters put in for the Big Game Combo license which allows you to hunt both elk and deer.  However, check with us first to make sure this is the right license for the area you plan to hunt. You can also apply as a party if there are two or more of you wanting to hunt together. If you have questions about the online application process we will be glad to assist you.
March 15th is the deadline for applying for the General Draw.
The general drawing takes place mid-April.

Non Resident Special Draw Permits for Elk and Deer
For elk/deer, if the area you wish to hunt requires a special permit, you must first obtain a general draw license in order to apply for a special draw permit. Apply online with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, 406-444-2950, www.fwp.mt.gov or call for an application.  If you are applying for one of our special permitted areas please check with us before you apply to verify the area.
June 1st is the deadline for applying for special permits.
The drawing for special permits takes place the 3rd week of July.

Non-Resident & Resident Special Draw Permits for Other Species
For mountain goat, moose and bison, apply online with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, 406-444-2950, www.fwp.mt.gov or call for an application.  The deadline for applying for these species is May 1st. Our special permit areas for mountain goat are 323 and 329.  Special permit areas for moose is 516.  If you draw a special permit (permit drawings for these species are the last week of June), please contact us with the dates you want to hunt.  Once the dates are confirmed, you book your hunt by sending us a 50% deposit.

For black bear or wolf (wolf is currently unavailable), call for an application or apply online with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, 406-444-2950, www.fwp.mt.gov to purchase a guaranteed tag. 

For Bighorn sheep, call for an application or apply online with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, 406-444-2950, www.fwp.mt.gov .  You must apply for a specific area. 
Be sure to check with Absaroka-Beartooth Outfitters (406-579-3866) before applying to verify our Bighorn sheep areas.

Resident General Licenses and Special Draw Permits for Elk and Deer
For elk/deer, apply online with Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, 406-444-2950, www.fwp.mt.gov, visit a FWP Regional Office or stop by a FWP License Provider to purchase a General License for Elk and Deer or to apply for a Special Draw Permit.