Idaho vs Montana Hunting License Cost

A side-by-side look at Idaho and Montana hunting-license planning costs, deer-tag context, and the purchase-path differences western hunters usually compare first.

Last updated: April 22, 2026
Idaho Resident $15.75 Resident Hunting License
Montana Resident $10 Base Hunting License
Idaho Non-Resident $185 Non-Resident Hunting License
Montana Non-Resident $50 NR Base Hunting License
By Kevin Luo Published April 22, 2026

Headline Takeaways

  • Montana is cheaper for the primary resident base license by $5.75.
  • Montana is cheaper for the primary non-resident base license by $135.
  • Idaho deer planning starts with "Archery: Aug 30 - Sep 30", while Montana starts with "Archery: Sep 6 - Oct 19".

Side-by-Side Table

Planning Item Idaho Montana
Resident base license $15.75 $10
Non-resident base license $185 $50
Hunter education Required for hunters born after 1975-01-01 Required for hunters born after 1985-01-01
Resident deer tag $24.75 $16
Non-resident deer tag $351.75 $760
Deer season snapshot Archery: Aug 30 - Sep 30 Archery: Sep 6 - Oct 19
Deer draw rule No deer draw required for the primary path Draw required by Nonresident combination applications typically run Mar 1-Apr 1; resident and B-license rules vary by district
Official agency Idaho Department of Fish & Game Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Planning Notes

  • Idaho official purchases flow through Idaho Department of Fish & Game; Montana uses Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
  • Idaho: Required for hunters born after 1975-01-01. Montana: Required for hunters born after 1985-01-01.
  • Idaho: No deer draw required for the primary path. Montana: Draw required by Nonresident combination applications typically run Mar 1-Apr 1; resident and B-license rules vary by district.

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