Montana FWP launches new License Ambassador Program for 2026 license seasons starting March 1

Starting with the 2026 season hunters and anglers will no longer be able to purchase their licenses with cash at retail locations in Montana. The change is part of the unveiling of the new FWP License Ambassador program that will help the department navigate the challenge of working with outdated equipment and allow more flexibility for businesses looking to sell hunting and fishing licenses according to a state at FWP.MT.gov. 

“Change can be hard, but we hope it will be an easy transition. New 2026 licenses will be available for purchase online on March 1,” said Mel Glaser, the owner of Shedhorn Sports in Ennis who has transitioned from offering tags in-person to being a part of the new license ambassador program. 

“Shedhorn processes thousands of licenses and tags every year, so in an effort to support our community, we signed up to be a FWP License Ambassador,” Glaser explained. “We are prepared to use Shedhorn computers to access the OLS and help customers purchase licenses and tags. We also have step-by-step instructions printed and available for customers to follow and purchase off their own mobile device; customers may access our guest wi-fi network which will support multiple customers at a time. All purchases must be done by credit card as they are online only and not being processed through the Shedhorn registers. There will be no cash or check purchases on licenses/tags.”

FWP has removed the computer licensing equipment from Shedhorn and its other retail license sales locations. 

“Starting with the 2026 license season, FWP has removed their computers from their license providers across the state,” she continued. “The systems were outdated, and it became too costly to continue to manage them. This means a license provider like Shedhorn Sports no longer has access to the FWP ALS system as of February 10th. In order to buy licenses, everyone must use the same online licensing system (OLS) that anyone with internet service can access at home, at the library, or on a mobile device by going to ols.fwp.mt.gov.”

The loss of many hunter and fisherman’s traditions that involved buying their tags and last minute supplies in person has some concerned about the impact it could have on a business like Shedhorn. 

“Although we've seen concern about stores like Shedhorn losing business due to this change, we believe the bigger impact is the loss of the tradition of purchasing your license or tag at a local sporting goods store,” Glaser explained. “While we can still help you purchase your license or tag, the hope is that the love for Shedhorn Sports and the vast array of outdoor products draws customers more than just having to get their license. We have many local and out-of-state customers that wait to get to Ennis to make their outdoor purchases because they want to support local and they know the gear we have is better suited for our region. Many hunters even wait until the day before season opens to purchase their tags during the Ennis Hunter’s Feed. It is traditions like this that will fade away over time as more and more things go online.”

Glaser anticipates that more hunters will switch to e-tags and has equipped Shedhorn to help print those tags for a printing fee. She also noted that “OHV stickers and Trail Pass stickers are not being sent to license providers any longer. These are available online only through the FWP OLS; FWP will mail a physical copy of the sticker after the purchase is made online.”

She also has advice for hunters and fishermen who are purchasing their licenses online for the first time. 

“Save yourself some hassle by knowing your ALS number,” she said. “This number is printed at the top of any previous license or tag and is the number following your birthday. This will make it easier to search for your information on the OLS. If you don't know your ALS number, the OLS allows for a search by using your phone number, zip code, and birthday.”

“If you have a smart device, you can take it a step further by downloading and accessing the MyFWP app,” she continued. “The app will allow you to connect directly to your account every time you open it instead of having to search on the OLS. Your information on the app can serve as your proof of license just as it would a paper license, and the app allows you to download your e-tag for those choosing the electronic hunting tag. For outdoorsmen and women purchasing licenses every year, it is recommended to download the MyFWP app as you have all your licenses and tags in one place.”

The new license year starts on March 1. For more information or help with the online system you can contact the FWP Region Three office at (406) 577-7900.