E Tag Family Fun! Scope Out New Montana Hunting License Rules

A new law went into effect on Tax Day that might make presenting hunting licenses a little less, well, taxing.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks tells us that as of April 15, hunters can now carry E-Tags for their spouses and minor children. That is the result of the recent signing of House Bill 98 by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte.

Previously, Montana law allowed hunters to carry only paper carcass tags for their children and spouses, not E-Tags. House Bill 98 changes that for families. Additional licensing accounts for spouses and minor children can be linked through the MyFWP web portal. These linked accounts are displayed in the mobile app, and E-Tags are available for download. However, E-Tags must be validated by the person who harvests the animal at the time of harvest.

This new law applies only to direct family members – spouses and their minor children.

In addition, recent security upgrades to the Android version of the MyFWP app mean it is available once again through the Google Play Store.

The MyFWP mobile app is a digital wallet that allows people to store their licenses electronically on their mobile device. It also allows users to access E-Tags for carcass tags they’ve purchased. E-Tags must be downloaded while the phone has internet or cell service but can be validated while in the field and out of cell coverage.

By now many Montana hunters are probably familiar with the E Tag system of licensing, as the state has been moving in that direction for some time. Montana FWP does their best to simplify the process for those who might not be as tech savvy as others with pretty thorough tutorials on the Buy And Apply page of their website. Check it to see if it's the right option for you.

Oh, and PS: Good luck to all Montana hunters participating in spring black bear and turkey seasons, which also opened April 15!