Trout

• Montana’s rainbow trout is known for its beauty and gentile flavor. Trout prefer clear and chilly waters with a moderate current over sand, rock and gravel. Montana’s rivers, streams and lakes provide a perfect habitat for rainbow trout as well as for four other varieties (brown, cutthroat, brook and lake trout). Montana’s Fisheries Information System provides information about fish distribution on various waterways in the state. Resident and nonresident fishing licenses are available online or through tackle and fishing shops around the state.
  
  

Bighorn Sheep

• One of the most coveted game trophies is the bighorn sheep. Montana protects its bighorn population by offering only a limited number of licenses each year. Resident and nonresident hunters may submit applications and nominal drawing fee. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) provides an informative video about specific restriction, licensing and tips about bighorns. The Montana Outfitters and Guides Association website provide a list of outfitters with special expertise in hunting bighorn sheep and other trophy game.
  
  

Montana's SuperTag

• Montana has a unique big-game hunting opportunity for eight lucky hunters. A SuperTag lottery provides a license for bighorn sheep, mountain goat, bison, moose, elk, mountain lion, deer and antelope. The SuperTag may be used in all hunting districts, including traditional trophy districts such as District 380 (elk) and District 441 (deer). Montana has 705 hunting districts. An interactive topographic map of big-game species and hunting district information is available on the FWP Hunter Planner site.
  
  

Upland and Migratory Birds

• Upland game birds include partridge, sage grouse, mountain grouse, pheasant and turkey. Migratory birds include ducks, doves, geese, sandhill cranes, snipe and coots. Special requirements and licensing fee information for migratory bird hunters is set forth on the FWP website. Bird licenses are limited but are available to resident and nonresident hunters.
  
  

Bow Hunters

• Montana bow hunters born after January 1, 1985, are required to complete and pass a bow hunter’s education course in order to obtain a bow-hunting license. In addition, bow hunters are required to obtain a hunting license. FWP provides detailed information about bow hunting licensing and regulations. The Montana Bow Hunter’s Association and the Montana Outfitters and Guide Association features updated news and current trends about bow hunting in Montana.
  
  

Statistical Information

• FWP publishes yearly statistics that include information from hunters and landowners about species populations and hunter success in previous years.
  
  

International Hunters

• International hunters entering Montana for the purpose of hunting for big game and bird hunting should review the “Game and Hunting Trophies” section of the U.S. Customs and Border Control website.