My Fwp Montana (2024)

FAQs

How do you look up your Montana preference points? ›

Looking up your bonus points and nonresident preference points in Montana is fairly simple. You can see your points by going to your MyFWP account.

No one may hold more than 3 preference points.

Everyone ages 12 and older needs a Montana Conservation License to access most state lands. This includes all types of recreation—launching watercraft, hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, etc.

All special permit applicants can check their status by visiting fwp.mt.gov, then clicking on the MyFWP tab at the top, then on Check Drawing Results, Register for Lists button on the left. Call our Licensing Division at (406) 444-2950 if you have questions.

Hunters may view their preference point totals online. Hunters will need to enter your name, date of birth and GO ID exactly as it appears on the hunting license or drawing receipt.

You can check how many points are on your license in Montana by going to the Montana Department of Justice website and clicking “Driver History Records Service.” Checking your license points in Montana will cost you $7.87 online or $4.12 in person.

Any accumulated preference points are lost when the hunter draws a Nonresident Combination License or if they do not apply in consecutive years. Bonus points are used in drawings for first-choice licenses or permits.

Montana is one of a handful of states that allows hunters to purchase points directly, outside of the standard draw windows for respective species. Hunters can also purchase both bonus and preference points during the draw process for the species or license they are seeking.

All base bonus points accumulate over time until you draw a permit. Montana also has a preference point system for Big Game Combination, Elk Combination, and Deer Combination Licenses. Preference points increase the chances of drawing a combination license and essentially move you ahead in line.

Contact your local FWP office for more information and an application or download the application from the FWP website. No fishing license is required to fish on licensed, privately stocked fish ponds. Fishing license requirements apply to all other ponds and/or waters on private land.

Do you need a permit to kayak in Montana? ›

Nonmotorized watercraft fee is $10. Required for all nonmotorized watercraft (both hard/rigid and inflatable) including drift boats, canoes, kayaks, rafts, catamarans, row boats, pedal boats, stand-up paddle boards, fishing pontoon boats and other similar vessels.

Do I need a permit or license for my pond? The answer is a definite “maybe.” Depending on your location and the pond design details, you may need a well permit or a building permit. Also, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks requires a permit to stock a pond with native fish.

Landowner Preference & Sponsor Licenses

Landowners are critical to the work of conserving Montana's wildlife populations and habitat. To recognize their important role in conserving these resources, landowners have opportunities to receive licenses or permits and to sponsor hunters to hunt on their deeded land.

The SuperTag, a special hunting license awarded by lottery, allows winners to hunt in any Mon tana hunting district, including the famous limited- entry trophy areas. Laughery says that winning the coveted hunting license gave him a new lease on life.

Automated Licensing Service [ALS]

As of 2022, preference points are now $100 each, and applicants must apply every other year, or the state will zero any accumulated preference points.

All base bonus points accumulate over time until you draw a permit. Montana also has a preference point system for Big Game Combination, Elk Combination, and Deer Combination Licenses. Preference points increase the chances of drawing a combination license and essentially move you ahead in line.

Even a GENERAL elk area takes preference points. In 2022 a General elk tag took 4 points on special to guarantee a license.

Find your ALS number on any current or previously issued license or permit. You can also use the Lookup ALS No tool. Please contact Licensing if you need help finding your ALS number. Contact information is available under the Support link.