State law allows any resident and nonresident youth 10 or older to hunt with a valid license during an open season, with certain restrictions applying.
If a hunter turns 12 by January 16, 2025, they may hunt any game species with a valid license during an open season after August 15, 2024. They must first, however, successfully complete an approved hunter education course.
The Apprentice Hunter program allows anyone 10 or older to hunt for up to two years without completing a hunter education course. Certain restrictions apply, and anyone certified as an Apprentice must be accompanied by a certified Mentor.
Montana’s young hunters will have a special treat the weekend of the youth waterfowl and pheasant special seasons, September 27-28, 2025. Licensed hunters, 15 and under, will be able to hunt ducks, mergansers, geese, coots and pheasants statewide on these 2 days.
The 2-day youth hunt is open to:
legally licensed 12-15 year olds who have completed hunter education and who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult at least 18 years of age;
and properly certified and legally licensed apprentice hunters 10-15 years of age who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult "mentor" at least 21 years of age.
All regulations apply. The Canyon Ferry WMA is an exception— only to the youth waterfowl season shooting hours— they will be one-half hour before sunrise to noon.
A youth hunt for deer limited to youngsters between the ages of 10–15 was approved for October 16-17, 2025. These dates coincide with Montana’s annual 2-day teachers’ convention, which are no-school days for most public school students.
The 2-day youth hunt is open to:
legally licensed 12-15 year olds who have completed hunter education and who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult at least 18 years of age;
and properly certified and legally licensed apprentice hunters 10-15 years of age who are accompanied by a non-hunting adult "mentor" at least 21 years of age.
This hunt is for deer only. Elk hunting is prohibited. All regulations apply.
Includes fishing, upland game bird (excluding turkey), general deer and general elk licenses. Conservation with State Lands, Base Hunting and AISPP must be purchased separately. Available only to Montana residents 12-17 years of age.
Fees: $31
A youth, age 12-17, can be sponsored for a discounted Big Game, Elk or Deer Combination license by a parent, grandparent, or sibling at least 18 years of age, who at the time of application possess a valid 2024 Nonresident Big Game, Elk or Deer Combination license or a valid 2024 Resident Deer or Elk license.
Youth Big Game (ages 16 and 17): $653.50
Youth Big Game (under age 16): $646
Quota: Unlimited
Youth Elk Combo (ages 16 and 17): $556.50
Youth Elk Combo (under age 16): $549
Quota: Unlimited
Youth Deer Combo (ages 16 and 17): $394.50
Youth Deer Combo (under age 16): $387
Quota: Unlimited
Not available for purchase online
Use the following application to prepare and apply for the Exceptional Youth special status license offered by FWP. The form must be completed and returned to FWP as instructed on the form.
Youth trapping licenses are available over the counter at FWP Offices only.
Fees: $0