Archery License

Montana Archery
License 2026

Complete guide to archery hunting in Montana - stamp and license requirements, crossbow rules, draw weight and broadhead specifications, and archery deer and elk season dates. Montana offers archery seasons for deer, elk, antelope, and black bear. Crossbows are not permitted during archery-only seasons. Montana's archery elk season in September is world-renowned for spot-and-stalk hunting.

Min. Draw Weight: 40 lbs

2026 Archery License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Resident Fee

$15.00

License fee

Nonresident Fee

$394.00

NR license fee

Min. Draw Weight

40 lbs

Minimum for legal archery hunting

Crossbow

Not in archery season

Separate season may apply

License & Stamp Details

Montana Archery License Requirements

Review all archery license and stamp requirements before your hunt. Regulations change annually.

Requirement	Details
Archery Stamp Required	No - included with hunting license
Resident License Fee	$15.00
Nonresident License Fee	$394.00
Standalone Archery License	Requires base hunting license
Sunday Hunting	Allowed

Equipment Rules

Montana Archery Equipment Specifications

Legal archery equipment requirements in Montana. Using non-compliant equipment during archery season can result in citation and license revocation.

Draw Weight

40 lbs min.

Minimum draw weight required for big game archery hunting in Montana.

Arrow Length

No minimum arrow length specified. Standard hunting arrows (26"–32") are typical.

Broadhead Requirement

Broadheads are required for big game hunting. Both fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads are generally accepted.

Other Equipment Rules

Lighted nocks: Allowed
Rangefinder: Allowed
Minimum 40 lb draw weight. Broadheads must have a minimum cutting width of 7/8". No crossbows permitted in archery season.

Crossbow Regulations

Montana Crossbow Rules for Archery Season

Crossbows are not permitted during the traditional archery season in Montana. Crossbows are NOT permitted during archery-only seasons. Crossbows may be used during general firearm seasons by disabled hunters with a permit. A separate crossbow or late-season permit may be available - check with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks for current rules.

Season Dates

Montana Archery Season Dates

Approximate archery season dates for 2026. Season dates may vary by zone or wildlife management unit - always confirm with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Archery Deer Season

Sep 6

Through Oct 18

Archery Elk Season

Sep 6

Through Oct 18

Important Notes

Montana-Specific Archery Rules

Montana nonresident archery license ($394) includes archery deer and elk. Some elk units require a draw tag. Montana's September archery elk season during the rut is considered among the best bowhunting in North America.

Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (fwp.mt.gov). Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current license fees, equipment specs, and season dates directly with the agency before hunting.

Montana