FWP starts new license year March 1
Feb. 22—Everything in the little orange pocket folder you have been carrying around since early last year is going to expire Feb. 28, if it hasn't already.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks starts their new license year on March 1, which means residents will need to update and buy a 2023 hunting and fishing licenses.
Hunters and anglers can take advantage of the MyFWP mobile app, if they haven't already. The app holds and displays licenses, permits and E-Tags, which can be downloaded and used in the field without cell service. Hunters and anglers will need a MyFWP account to use the app, which is a secure and convenient digital profile that stores licenses, permits and related information.
To create a new account, outdoors enthusiasts must visit the MyFWP login page. Users need to make sure to link their ALS number to the MyFWP account to ensure their hunting and fishing licenses are attached to their MyFWP account.
However, a MyFWP account is not used to apply or make purchases. Purchases and applications are done through the online licensing system.
It can be frustrating so before you blow a gasket, it's advisable to go to a FWP Regional Headquarters for assistance or a FWP Licensing agency which are usually where you purchase your shotgun shells and fly line.
In Montana, there are two primary types of hunting licenses: General licenses that you can purchase on-line or over the counter. Then there are the special limited permits and licenses that are in the lottery program and must be drawn.
The availability of the limited tags is dependent on the hunting district and/or the species which can vary each hunting season. Different permits and licenses have different deadlines to apply and these dates can catch people off guard if they aren't paying attention. Applications for most species can be made beginning March 1 for deer, elk, antelope, deer B licenses, elk B licenses, antelope B licenses, moose, sheep, goat, bison, bear and turkey.
A valid fishing license is required for all types of fishing on state waters for anyone 12 or older. A fishing license allows a person to fish for and possess any fish or aquatic invertebrate authorized by the state's fishing regulations. It is nontransferable and nonrefundable.
Additionally, the Angler Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Pass (AISPP) is required for all individuals who fish in Montanan. This program was initiated by the 2017 Montana Legislature to help fund the fight against aquatic invasive species. This program assists with the Watercraft Inspection pull-outs along roads that examine watercraft for any hitchhiking creatures or aquatic plants that are not welcome in the Big Sky Country.
Speaking of water vessels, owners of motorboats, sailboats or personal watercraft (PWC) need to get new, free 2023-2026 validation decals for their watercraft soon. The current red decals expire Feb. 28. Boaters who have permanently registered their boats, sailboats, or PWC must still obtain two free boat validation decals every three years at FWP regional and area offices, or by going to the FWP website at fwp.mt.gov/activities/boating.
And if your head hasn't exploded yet with this information overload, trapping season for bobcats and martens in Regions 1, 2 and 3 will close at midnight Feb. 15.
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