Hunting in Montana: 4 Things to Know Before Applying for a Hunting Permit for Your Kids

Hunting is a popular sport among kids in Montana. Youth hunters must follow state regulations, and parents should be aware of several important considerations before applying for a hunting permit for a kid.

Children accompanied by a licensed adult can start hunting at age 12. In an effort to expose more children to hunting, the Montana state legislature recently considered a bill that would legalize hunting for children as young as 9, The Billings Gazette reported.

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Here are four important things young hunters must know before applying for a permit, according to the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP).

1. Hunter Education Courses Are Required
All youth hunters between ages 12 and 17 must attend a hunter education course. Currently, aspiring hunters as young as 11 years old can enroll in the program with the Montana FWP. This free 12-hour course teaches proper safety etiquette and follows guidelines established by the International Hunter Education Association.

2. Hunter Education Classes Can Be Completed Online
All hunter education classes can be completed at the Montana FWP website. Students can attend classes over a wide range of specified dates and times. However, to officially complete the education training, a student must attend an education field day where they will receive a certificate.

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3. Licenses Are Free
Hunting licenses for youths between ages 12 and 17 are free. This license also grants the holder multiple ancillary benefits, including fishing privileges and the ability to hunt deer, elk and upland game birds.

4. Youth Deer Hunt
The Montana FWP holds a special annual youth deer hunt for hunters between ages 12 and 15 in mid-October. It’s specifically scheduled to align with days off for students during the school year, coinciding with the state's two-day teachers' convention.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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