Hunter Safety Certification
Montana Hunter
Education 2026
Hunter education certification requirements, online course options, field day rules, apprentice license info, and bowhunter education for Montana. Montana requires hunter education for all first-time hunters. In-person instruction is preferred, though an online + field day option is available. Apprentice (youth) licenses allow young hunters to hunt under supervision.
Online Course Available
Field Day Required
Accepts Reciprocity
Apprentice License Available
2026 Hunter Education Quick Facts
Verified 2026
Required?
Yes
All first-time hunters
Online Course
Available
$0.00 via Montana FWP online portal
Field Day
Required
$0.00 fee
Course Hours
11
hours minimum
Course Requirements
Montana Hunter Education Course Details
Enrollment options, fees, and what to expect from the Montana hunter education certification process.
Issuing Agency
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP)
— Official Site
Required
Required — for all first-time hunters
Online Course
Available
$0.00 via Montana FWP online portal
Field Day / Skills
Required
Fee: $0.00 — hands-on firearm safety demonstration required with certified instructor
In-Person Fee
Free (volunteer instructors)
Minimum Hours
11 hours (completion time varies based on pace and method)
Reciprocity
Does Montana Accept Out-of-State Certifications?
Reciprocity Accepted
Montana accepts valid hunter education certifications issued by any other US state, territory, or Canadian province. You do not need to retake the course when purchasing a Montana hunting license.
Montana accepts valid hunter education certifications issued by any other US state, territory, or Canadian province. You do not need to retake the course when purchasing a Montana hunting license.
Apprentice Program
Montana Apprentice Hunting License
Apprentice License Available
Hunt before completing hunter education with a licensed adult mentor
Must hunt alongside a licensed adult mentor at all times
Full hunter education certification required for subsequent license purchases after apprentice license(s) are exhausted
Bowhunter Education
Montana Bowhunter Education
Montana offers a separate bowhunter education course covering archery safety, equipment selection, shot placement, and ethical bowhunting.
Take the Bowhunter Education course →
Take the Bowhunter Education course →
Course Curriculum
What Topics Are Covered?
The Montana hunter education course covers the following subjects:
Firearm safety
Archery safety
Wildlife ID
Montana regulations
Ethics
Conservation
Survival
First aid
Important Notes
Montana-Specific Requirements
Montana strongly encourages in-person courses over online study. Online option available but field skills day with certified instructor still required. FWP hosts numerous free in-person courses throughout the state annually.
Source: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) (fwp.mt.gov).
Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current course fees and enrollment options directly with the agency before registering.