Can you actually buy over-the-counter hunting tags in Montana — and which ones are available?
When it comes to western hunting, Montana stands out as a prime destination for elk, deer, and more. One of the biggest questions hunters ask when planning a trip to Big Sky Country is: Can I buy over-the-counter (OTC) tags in Montana? The answer is — yes and no. And it’s more no than yes when it comes to big game species, but there are some options.
Over-the-counter tags for residents vs. nonresidents
Montana residents have access to a broader range of over-the-counter hunting opportunities. General deer and elk tags are available to residents over the counter without needing to go through a draw.
For nonresidents, it’s a little different. Montana does NOT offer over-the-counter deer and elk tags for nonresidents like some other western states. Instead, nonresident hunters must apply for a combination license (either Big Game Combo, Elk Combo, or Deer Combo) through the annual draw, which usually opens in early March and has a deadline typically of April 1. Learn more about the Montana draw by checking out the elk and deer Application Strategy articles for this state.
That said, if leftover licenses remain after the draw (licenses turned back in), they may become available to nonresidents through another drawing called the nonresident combination license alternate list. Staying on top of draw results and leftover lists is crucial.
What hunting tags are available over-the-counter in Montana?
Montana resident over-the-counter tags
If you're a resident, the following tags are typically available over-the-counter:
General Deer License – Valid across most of Montana in general hunting districts.
General Elk License – Valid across most of Montana in general hunting districts.
Deer B and Elk B license – Antlerless only. Valid in specific hunt districts. Purchase beginning June 15 typically.
Black Bear – Spring and fall seasons with over-the-counter tags, but hunters must pass a bear ID test.
Wolf – Available over-the-counter for both residents and nonresidents, with regulations around quotas and reporting.
Mountain Lion – over-the-counter in some districts, but harvest quotas vary — check regulations closely.
Turkey – Spring and fall seasons with over-the-counter tags.
Unlimited Bighorn Sheep – Certain bighorn sheep hunt districts have unlimited (one per hunter) licenses available for purchase over-the-counter. Those hunting districts with unlimited license opportunities have limited sheep harvest quotas of two legal rams per district. Once the quota is approached, or met, the district will close upon 24 hours notice. The license purchase deadline is May 1. If you purchase an unlimited over-the-counter license, you cannot apply for the same species through the special drawing process.
Montana nonresident over-the-counter tags
If you’re a nonresident, the following tags are typically available over-the-counter:
Deer B and Elk B license – Antlerless only. Valid in specific hunt districts. Purchase beginning June 15 typically.
Black bear – Spring and fall seasons with over-the-counter tags, but hunters must pass a bear ID test.
Wolf – Available over-the-counter for both residents and nonresidents, with regulations around quotas and reporting.
Mountain Lion – over-the-counter in some districts, but harvest quotas vary — check regulations closely.
Turkey – Spring and fall seasons with over-the-counter tags.
Unlimited bighorn sheep – Certain bighorn sheep hunt districts have unlimited (one per hunter) licenses available for purchase over-the-counter. Those hunting districts with unlimited license opportunities have limited sheep harvest quotas of two legal rams per district. Once the quota is approached, or met, the district will close upon 24 hours notice. The license purchase deadline is May 1. If you purchase an unlimited over-the-counter license, you cannot apply for the same species through the special drawing process.
Final Thoughts
Again, for nonresidents, general deer and elk licenses are not available over the counter but are distributed via the draw system. Montana does offer some over-the-counter options, but it’s not a free-for-all — especially for nonresidents. Know the difference between general licenses, limited-entry permits, and leftover tags. If you’re planning a hunt, check all of the tools and resources available on GOHUNT, pay attention to application deadlines, and draw results.
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