I don't want to open a can of worms here, as was already done on another post, but you can see non residents account for a vast majority of the hunting and fishing license income. Due to the population size of the state verses the amount of land, we are able to offer above average hunting and fishing.
For the resident, jobs are scarce and low paying. There is no way the state could offer such great hunting, fishing and management if it wasn't for the non resident apps as the average resident's income is below average.
I also feel that the money they keep for a few months out of my application for tags is a way for me to support the FWP here in Montana as a Resident.


2005 Revenue Sources
Hunting And Fishing Licenses
This revenue source includes all license sales, interest earnings and miscellaneous revenues. Nonresident sales account for approximately two-thirds of license revenue.



Federal Revenue
Montana receives a variety of federal funds for fish and wildlife programs, including funds from the Federal Aid in Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration programs. More than $12 million comes from an excise tax on sporting arms and ammunition, handguns and certain archery equipment. Additional federal funding comes from an excise tax on fishing equipment and electric trolling motors, a federal fuel tax and import duties on fishing tackle and pleasure boats. In 2004, Montana also received about $1 million from the federal State Wildlife Grant program to help fund research and management programs for species that have special conservation needs. The Land and Water Conservation Fund offers additional federal funding for State Parks and local communities.

Other State Revenue
Other state revenue sources include: state parks fees, a portion of the state's lodging facilities tax, a small percentage of the state fuel tax, and interest earnings from coal severance tax receipts.



Private Funds
FWP is developing partnerships with the private sector to help fund the ongoing development of the Montana Wildlife Center in Helena, including finishing touches on the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center and construction of the new Nature Education Center.



No State General Fund
A common misconception is that FWP is funded with Montana tax dollars. In fact, the agency receives no state general fund revenue.


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Revenue Source Details
The revenue sources here illustrate how FWP is funded. Actual annual revenues may fall above or below the total revenue in this illustration.

Hunting and Fishing Licenses $41,270,746
Other State Revenue $8,662,446
Federal Revenue $20,185,120
Private Revenue $1,300,000
Total Revenue $71,418,312