Montana hunters planning to pursue trophy species this fall should mark their calendars now, as the first of two major spring application deadlines is approaching quickly.
The deadline to apply for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and bison licenses is Friday, May 1, 2026, at 11:45 p.m. Mountain Time, according to the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP). These species are issued through limited drawings, making early preparation essential for hunters hoping to secure one of the coveted tags.
A second major deadline follows shortly after. Applications for elk B licenses, deer B licenses and antelope must be submitted by Monday, June 1, 2026, at 11:45 p.m. Mountain Time. These licenses are widely used for antlerless opportunities and population management hunts across the state.
Where to Apply
Montana hunters have several options when submitting applications:
- Online: Through the official FWP Online Licensing System
- In person: At FWP regional offices or licensed vendors
- Mobile: Using the MyFWP mobile application
- License providers: Authorized “License Ambassador” locations statewide
Most FWP offices that sell licenses are open Monday through Friday, typically from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving hunters the ability to complete applications in person if needed. Applicants must have the required base licenses—such as a conservation license and base hunting license—before submitting applications for limited-entry species like moose, sheep or goat.
What Happens After You Apply
Hunters who submit applications before the deadlines can expect drawing results on the following general timeline:
- Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Bison: Mid-May drawing results
- Elk B, Deer B and Antelope: Mid-June drawing results
Successful applicants will receive further instructions through their MyFWP accounts or via official notifications.
Why These Deadlines Matter
Moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and bison licenses are among Montana’s most competitive hunts, often requiring years of bonus points to draw. Missing the May 1 deadline means waiting an entire year for another opportunity. Meanwhile, the June 1 deadline is especially important for hunters looking to secure antlerless elk and deer opportunities, which can play a major role in filling freezers and managing wildlife populations across Montana. For hunters traveling from out of state—or planning multi-species applications—early submission is strongly recommended to avoid last-minute issues with licensing requirements or payment processing.
Key Dates at a Glance:
- May 1, 2026: Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Bison applications due
- June 1, 2026: Elk B licenses, Deer B licenses and Antelope applications due
- Mid-May: Moose, Sheep, Goat and Bison drawing results expected
- Mid-June: Elk B, Deer B and Antelope drawing results expected
Hunterizer Takeaway for Montana Hunters
These spring application deadlines are among the most important dates of the year for Montana hunters. Whether you’re chasing once-in-a-lifetime species like bighorn sheep or planning meat hunts with antlerless tags, getting applications submitted on time is critical. For hunters tracking multiple states or species, tools like the Hunterizer Seasons App can help keep deadlines and seasons organized—especially as application season overlaps across much of the West.
