No, most non-residents cannot purchase over-the-counter hunting tags in Montana. Unlike residents who may have access to certain over-the-counter tags, non-residents typically obtain their hunting licenses through a lottery drawing system.
How Non-Residents Obtain Deer Licenses in Montana
For non-residents interested in hunting deer in Montana, obtaining a General Deer License is not an over-the-counter transaction. Instead, non-residents must successfully draw one of the following specific licenses via a random lottery drawing:
| License Type | Acquisition Method | Key Components (Common) |
|---|---|---|
| Big Game Combination License | Random Lottery Drawing | Deer A tag, Elk A tag, fishing, upland game bird, conservation stamp, etc. |
| Deer Combination License | Random Lottery Drawing | Deer A tag, fishing, upland game bird, conservation stamp, etc. |
| Landowner Sponsored License | Random Lottery Drawing | Specific to participating landowners and their allocated tags. |
These combination licenses are comprehensive packages that grant various hunting and fishing privileges, but their acquisition relies on the lottery drawing outcomes rather than direct purchase. The drawing process is a fundamental aspect of managing hunting opportunities for non-residents in Montana.
Prospective non-resident hunters should consult the official Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) website well in advance of their planned trip to understand application periods, deadlines, and specific regulations for each hunting season. Given the lottery-based system, early planning and application are essential.
