BELGRADE — Anyone wanting to hunt in Montana born after Jan. 1, 1985, must complete a hunter education course.
Montana's general hunting season is seven months away, but a segment of Montana's population is busy getting ready through a special FWP program.
Now that FWP is in its new license year, people are gearing up for the upcoming hunting season and that means Montana's younger population needs to take a hunter's education course.
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“Hunter education is required to be able to hunt in Montana if you were born after January first of 1985,” FWP spokesman Morgan Jacobsen said.
In order to make that happen, FWP is putting its training schedule online so those who need it can get it before the season begins.
“So far this year, we've held or have scheduled more than 50 classes across the state that are available and that does not include the option of taking the class online and taking an in-person field day,” Jacobsen told MTN.
The in-person field day requirement is key for sending new hunters into the field safely.
“How to be safe when you're in the field, how to handle a firearm safely, how to make good, responsible, ethical decisions when you're in the field in respect for wildlife and respect for the sport as well as respect for landowners and access wherever you are,” Jacobsen explained.
For the young people who take hunter education, it is the first step into the adult world. Field days put firearms in their hands, and skill instructors show them the safe ways to use them. When completed, they are allowed to hunt just like an adult.
“Priority is safety, and a big part of learning that is getting hands-on practice with firearms, and that is something that this course provides: a hands-on learning experience for people to provide an environment where they can learn, develop safe habits, and be successful in the field,” Jacobsen said.
Additional information about in-person and online courses can be found on the FWP website.
Montana's general hunting season opens on Saturday, October 25, 2025.
