BILLINGS – Hunter and Bowhunter Education in-person classes and field days will be offered in several locations in south-central Montana this spring. These classes and field days are taught by skilled volunteer instructors and offer hands-on learning experiences, mentoring opportunities and the ability for students to ask questions of experienced hunters.
To purchase or apply for a Montana license or permit, anyone born after Jan. 1, 1985, must complete a Hunter Education course issued by Montana, any other state, or any Canadian province. Hunters can also hunt as an Apprentice beginning at age 10. To purchase a Montana bow-and-arrow license, a hunter must complete a certified bowhunter education course, or show any prior year's bowhunting license from any state or province.
There are multiple options to complete these requirements based on student age.
In-person, instructor-led course
In-person courses are led by volunteer instructors who are passionate about preserving Montana's hunting tradition, teaching firearm and archery equipment safety, ethics, and other outdoor skills.
Students age 10 to 11 can take the in-person course and hunt as an Apprentice Hunter but will not be fully certified until the year they turn 12. Students must be at least 11 years old for Bowhunter Education. In-person classes are free.
Registration is currently open for these in-person courses:
Hunter Education
- Columbus, starts Feb. 21
- Bridger, starts Feb. 23
- Worden, starts Feb. 23
- Laurel, starts March 16
- Billings, Medicine Crow Middle School, starts March 16
- Billings, Riverside Middle School, starts March 16
- Billings, Ben Steele Middle School, starts March 16
Bowhunter Education
Online and Field Day combination course
Students age 12 to 17 and students who will turn 12 by Jan. 16 of the current license year (March - Feb.) can take Hunter and Bowhunter Education online, but must also pass an in-person field day to be certified. The online Hunter Education course costs $25 and the online Bowhunter Education course costs $30. Field days are free.
Registration is currently open for these field days for online students:
Hunter Education
Bowhunter Education
Online-only course
The self-paced online Hunter and Bowhunter Education courses are available for students 18 and older. Once certified, graduates may purchase or apply for licenses. No in-person field day is required but FWP strongly encourages participation at an in-person field day. The online Hunter Education course costs $25 and the online Bowhunter Education course costs $30.
To register for these or other courses, visit: fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education. This webpage will be updated as more classes are scheduled around the state.
FWP is always looking for more volunteer instructors. If you are interested in the future of hunting, improving sportsmanship and safety in the field, or teaching an appreciation for the vast hunting resources in Montana, then we need you! Application details are available here: fwp.mt.gov/hunt/education/volunteer-instructors.