HELENA, Mont. — The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) has officially released 2026 elk and deer permit drawing results, marking one of the most anticipated milestones in Montana’s annual hunting cycle.
The results, posted in mid-April, include limited-entry elk and deer permits along with nonresident deer and elk combination licenses. Thousands of hunters across Montana and beyond are now logging into the MyFWP portal to see whether they secured tags for the upcoming fall seasons.
For many hunters, the draw results signal the start of the real planning phase — scouting units, reviewing access options, and preparing for fall hunts months in advance.
What Results Were Released
The recent draw release includes several major license types that Montana hunters rely on each year:
- Limited-entry elk permits
- Limited-entry deer permits
- Nonresident deer combination licenses
- Nonresident elk combination licenses
- Bonus point drawings tied to permit applications
These permits allow hunters access to highly managed hunting districts and are often required for pursuing elk and deer in specific areas with controlled harvest limits.
Hunters who successfully drew permits will now begin preparing for their fall hunts, while those who did not draw still have additional opportunities ahead.
Black Bear Hound Applicants Should Also Check Results
In addition to elk and deer permits, Montana also conducts early spring drawings for certain bear licenses.
Nonresident hunters who applied for black bear hound licenses should check their accounts as those drawings are typically conducted shortly after the April 1 deadline. These specialized licenses are separate from many other bear opportunities and often follow their own timeline.
Interest in black bear hunting — particularly guided hound hunts — has continued to grow, making these licenses increasingly competitive.
Next Big Deadline: June 1 Applications
Even with major results now posted, the application season is far from over. June 1, 2026, is the next major deadline that many hunters will be watching closely.
Applications due on June 1 include:
- Antelope licenses
- Deer B licenses
- Elk B licenses
- Sandhill Crane permits
- Tundra Swan permits
These licenses provide additional opportunities for hunters who want to expand their hunting plans or who were unsuccessful in earlier draws. Results for June applications are typically released in mid-June, giving hunters time to prepare for early fall seasons.
Trophy Species Results Coming Soon
Earlier this spring, Montana hunters also submitted applications for some of the state’s most coveted tags.
The May 1 deadline covered:
- Moose
- Bighorn Sheep
- Mountain Goat
- Bison
- Unlimited bighorn sheep units
These highly competitive permits attract thousands of applicants each year due to limited availability and exceptional trophy potential. Results for these species are expected later in May, making this one of the busiest times of year for hunters watching draw announcements.
Alternate List Offers Another Chance
Hunters who did not draw combination licenses still have another opportunity to obtain tags. Montana’s alternate list system allows hunters to receive returned licenses that become available after the main draw. The June 30, 2026, deadline is the final day to sign up for the alternate list. Each year, a number of returned licenses are redistributed through this system, offering a valuable second chance for hunters hoping to secure tags.
Mountain Lion Applications Coming Later This Summer
Another important application period will arrive later in the year.
Hunters interested in limited-entry mountain lion opportunities should note:
- Application deadline: July 22, 2026
- Results expected: Mid-August
Although lion applications receive less attention than big-game draws, they remain an important opportunity for hunters targeting predators during the winter season.
What Hunters Should Do Now
With results now available, Montana hunters should take time to review their status and begin planning accordingly.
Key next steps include:
- Check draw results immediately
- Begin scouting if successful
- Review remaining application deadlines
- Consider alternate opportunities
- Monitor leftover license announcements
Early planning gives hunters more time to secure access permissions, identify hunting areas, and prepare equipment before fall seasons begin.
Key Montana Hunting Dates Still Ahead
Important upcoming dates for Montana hunters in 2026 include:
- June 1: Antelope, Deer B, Elk B, Swan, and Crane applications due
- June 30: Alternate list signup deadline
- July 22: Mountain lion limited license applications
- September 30: Bonus point purchase deadline
Looking Ahead
With elk and deer permit results now posted, Montana hunters are entering the next phase of the season — planning and preparation. More drawing results, including those for moose, sheep, goat, and bison, are expected in the coming weeks.
Hunters are encouraged to continue monitoring updates from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks as the 2026 application season progresses and additional opportunities become available.
