Mountain lion limited draw license application deadline nears

Mountain lion hunters who are applying for a Limited Mountain Lion License need to apply online no later than 11:45 p.m. MDT on July 22, or at an FWP office no later than 5 p.m. on July 22.

For those hunters who apply for a Limited Mountain Lion License and are not successful in drawing that license, they are not eligible to purchase an Unlimited Mountain Lion License. Unsuccessful Limited Mountain Lion License applicants are eligible to purchase an over-the-counter Restricted Mountain Lion License, which is valid during the archery-only and fall season without dogs, and may be used in any valid Lion Management Unit (LMU), even if the LMU is a Limited Mountain Lion License LMU during the winter season. The LMU will close during either the archery-only or the fall season without dogs when the harvest reaches a number nearest to 20 percent of the quota for that given LMU.

Region 7 does not have a Limited Mountain Lion License but does manage mountain lions using an Unlimited Mountain Lion License (700-05) that is valid throughout Region 7. The 700-05 Unlimited Mountain Lion License is valid until the quota of 45 mountain lions has been reached or the season closes on April 14, 2025, whichever comes first.

These licenses are available for purchase either online at ols.fwp.mt.gov, at license providers, or at FWP offices. Unlimited Mountain Lion Licenses must be purchased by February 28, 2025. Like the Limited Mountain Lion Licenses, the Unlimited Mountain Lion Licenses are only valid in the region, LMU, or group of LMUs specified on the license. It is the hunter’s responsibility to know the regulations of the license they are applying for and all rules and regulations for the pursuit and harvest of mountain lions.