How Montana's Surplus License List Works For Hunters

Hunters who signed up for Montana’s Surplus License List can now check their status online as Fish, Wildlife and Parks begins distributing remaining deer and elk licenses from the 2026 drawing.

FWP officials said the list includes leftover Deer B and Elk B licenses that were not issued during the initial draw. Hunters can view their placement through the MyFWP portal and should monitor their email for notification if selected.

Those at the top of the randomized list will be contacted by email with instructions to complete their purchase within a specified timeframe. Officials said hunters must finalize the transaction before the deadline or the license opportunity will be offered to the next person on the list.

FWP may also make any remaining unsold licenses available to over-the-counter customers through its online licensing system.

State regulations limit how many licenses hunters may hold. Residents may purchase up to three deer licenses, which can include three Deer B licenses or a combination of two Deer B licenses and one general deer license. Nonresidents are limited to one Deer B license, or two if they hold a nonresident combination license.

FWP officials said certain nonresident hunters, including those with a nonresident native license, youth combination license or nonresident college student combination license, may purchase Deer B and Elk B licenses at a reduced cost of half price.