New Montana Outdoor License Requirement: What You Need To Know

If you plan to engage in any sort of outdoor recreational activity this summer in Montana, you'll need to purchase a new special recreation permit.

In 2023, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks implemented a new requirement for residents and visitors. For many years, hunters, anglers, and trappers have been required to purchase a conservation license, but now, everyone who plans on recreating outdoors in Montana will have to purchase the license.

The fee for the license is $8 for residents and $4 for seniors and children ages 12-17.  In the past, users didn’t need to have any sort of license to use fishing access sites or wildlife management areas, with the exception of some site-specific fees for overnight camping.

WHO NEEDS TO PURCHASE A CONSERVATION LICENSE IN MONTANA?

The conservation license is required for the following types of recreation.

• Launching watercraft (floating any river in the state)
• Hiking
• Biking
• Wildlife Viewing

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That's right! If you plan on spending any time on state land in Montana, you'll need a conservation license. It's important to get online and purchase your license before you head outdoors. You can find out more on the Montana FWP website.

WILL YOU GET A TICKET IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE?

Beginning March 1, 2024, recreationists not holding a Conservation License may be issued a written warning, upon a first offense. Subsequent offenses may me cited.

Wildlife officials gave residents a grace period to adjust to the new requirements, but now they are mandatory. Click here for additional details about the conservation license requirement in Montana.