Montana Waterfowl Hunting
Plan your Montana waterfowl hunt with season dates, license options, and hunting opportunities organized by unit. Browse available private-land hunts and book access directly from landowners.
Last updated by Aricin Rotarius
Find Hunts by Unit
Browse private-land waterfowl hunts across Montana, organized by unit, and book directly with landowners.
Montana Waterfowl Seasons
These dates represent the “general” season dates. Check the individual hunting unit regulations for the most accurate season dates and regulations.
Central Flyway
–
Conservation Order
–
No daily bag or possession limits.
Special Hunt
–
Youth hunters; 10 to 15
A youth 10-15 participating as an apprentice hunter must be accompanied by a nonhunting adult mentor at least 21 years of age. Otherwise, youth 12-15 who are Hunter Education Certified must be accompanied by a nonhunting adult at least 18 years of age.
Special Two-day
–
Youth hunters
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is allowing two additional days to provide a special hunting opportunity to encourage youth participation in waterfowling. The bag limit, shooting hours, and all other regulations that apply to the regular waterfowl season shall apply to this special season.
Coots
–
Ducks (including Mergansers)
–
Scaup season closes Dec. 27.
Geese
–
Montana Waterfowl Licenses
Resident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandhill Crane License | — | — | $10.00$10.00 application fee not included |
| Swan Hunting License | — | — | $10.00$10.00 application fee not included |
Nonresident Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandhill Crane License | — | — | $75.00$50.00 application fee not included |
| Swan Hunting License | — | — | $75.00$50.00 application fee not included |
Other Licenses
| License | Availability | Eligibility | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Goose Conservation Order License | OTC | — | $0.00 |
Free special light goose conservation order license. No other license is required. A federal 'duck stamp' is not required. Available at all Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices, FWP Ambassadors throughout the state, and online at fwp.mt.gov. | |||
| Sandhill Crane Over-the-Counter Permit | OTC | — | $0.00 |
Persons wishing to hunt sandhill cranes in the Central Flyway outside of the special license drawing areas must obtain a free permit available from all statewide Fish, Wildlife & Parks offices and license ambassadors. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Light Goose Conservation Order License (for eligible hunters; over the counter) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Availability depends on the hunt, so check the current regulations before purchasing.
Yes. Nonresidents can hunt waterfowl in Montana. Sandhill Crane License (nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License, Conservation License, and MT Migratory Bird License. Applications are due June 1, 2026. Swan License (resident and nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Swan Special License (resident and nonresident draw) requires Base Hunting License and Conservation License. Check the current regulations for the license and hunt you plan to pursue.
Swan License applications are due June 1, 2026 for eligible applicants. Sandhill Crane License applications are due June 1, 2026, for residents and nonresidents.
Montana’s 2026 waterfowl season dates are approximate and vary by season. The season includes Central Flyway from March 1 through May 15, 2026, Conservation Order from March 1 through May 15, 2026, Special Hunt from September 26 through September 27, 2026, Special Two-day from September 26 through September 27, 2026, Coots from September 26, 2026 through January 15, 2027, Ducks (including Mergansers) from September 26, 2026 through January 15, 2027, and Geese from September 26, 2026 through January 15, 2027. Check the regulations for your unit for exact dates and requirements.
See the latest Field Notes from properties offering waterfowl hunts in Montana.
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