Reminder: Montana Requires ID Course for Bear Hunters

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds all black bear hunters of the responsibility to avoid mistakenly shooting a grizzly bear during the state’s upcoming spring black bear hunt. Montana’s spring black bear hunting season begins April 15.

Before first-time bear hunters can purchase a black bear hunting license, they must be certified by successfully completing FWP’s bear identification training. FWP offers a bear identification training course on its website under the Education tab at fwp.mt.gov. Click “Hunter Education,” and then “Bear Identification Program”.

FWP urges bear hunters to take advantage of the free bear identification training and to ensure they have the required certification before purchasing a hunting license. There are multiple ways to obtain and take the test-go online or by pick up a mail-in test from any FWP office. Bear identification tests can also be obtained by writing to: FWP Bear Test, 1420 E. 6th Ave., Helena, MT 59620-0701.

Hunters may purchase black bear hunting licenses online at fwp.mt.gov, at FWP license providers, or download and print a paper license application and mail it to FWP. Licenses issued through the mail may take two weeks to process.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

We manage Montana's world-renowned fish, wildlife, and state parks for the enjoyment of our citizens and our visitors.