Montana hunters and conservation groups have a new opportunity on the horizon. Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) is now accepting proposals from nonprofit organizations interested in auctioning or running a lottery for special hunting licenses.
These aren’t regular draw tags. They’re premium licenses — often valid in any district — and they bring serious fundraising power. FWP partners with trusted nonprofits to handle the auctions or lotteries, and most of the money raised goes directly to wildlife conservation and habitat work.
So if your organization has experience in fundraising and a solid conservation track record, this could be your chance to make a real impact. Just know that proposals have to be sharp and specific.
What Are These Special Licenses, Exactly?
Every year, FWP sets aside a limited number of high-demand tags for species like elk, mule deer, and bighorn sheep. These licenses are intended for auction or lottery by qualified conservation groups. They generate significant funding — sometimes tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars — which is reinvested into habitat improvements, research, and access projects.
The commission doesn’t run these events themselves. Instead, they select nonprofit partners who have the experience and trustworthiness to manage the process. That’s where this proposal window comes in. It’s how your group gets a shot at being one of those partners.
What You Need to Submit
Proposals are limited to five pages and must include:
- A clear statement of your organization’s purpose
- A summary of your group’s past conservation work related to the species involved (stick to one species per proposal)
- A rundown of your experience with auctions or lotteries
- A description of how the auction or lottery will be run, including estimated revenue
- A note saying whether your organization plans to retain up to 10% of proceeds for reasonable costs (which is allowed)
FWP also requires a copy of your bylaws or articles of incorporation and a certificate of good standing as an addendum.
Important Dates and How to Submit
The deadline is July 15. You can email your proposal to payton.schild@mt.gov. If you’re sending large or sensitive files, use the Montana File Transfer Service at transfer.mt.gov.
The final decision will be made at the August 21 commission meeting. You’re not required to attend, but it’s recommended in case commissioners have questions about your proposal.
Why This Matters to Hunters
This program turns a handful of premium tags into real, on-the-ground conservation results. The money raised supports the work we all care about — better habitat, stronger wildlife populations, and improved access.
It also keeps things in the hands of the hunting community. Instead of outside interests calling the shots, trusted conservation groups — often run by hunters themselves — carry out these high-stakes fundraisers.
For hunters, the benefits are clear. These tags open doors for rare opportunities. And even if you’re not bidding, your license fees and public land use are being strengthened by the dollars raised from those who do.
Final Reminder
Not every organization will be selected. The commission can reject any or all proposals. But for groups with the right experience and focus, this is a real chance to help wildlife — and hunting — thrive in Montana.
Just don’t miss that July 15 deadline.
