All State Regulations

    Beekeeping Laws & Regulations in Montana

    Everything you need to know about legally keeping bees in Montana - from state registration to city-specific ordinances.

    Last updated: April 1, 2026

    Key Facts - Montana Beekeeping

    Registration Required

    Yes - through MDA

    Residential Hive Limits

    No statewide residential hive limit.

    State Agency

    Montana Department of Agriculture

    State Registration Requirements

    Montana has one of the oldest and most distinctive apiary laws in the U.S. Beekeepers must register all apiary locations with the Montana Department of Agriculture, and Montana enforces a three-mile protection zone around registered commercial apiaries - no new commercial apiary can be placed within three miles of an existing one. This system protects Montana's valuable honey production and is critical for anyone planning to scale up.

    Registration Fees

    Hobbyist registration is a small annual fee. Commercial beekeepers pay per-apiary fees and must comply with Montana's three-mile apiary protection rule.

    Register with MDA

    Residential Beekeeping Rules

    Hive Limits - Residential

    No statewide residential hive limit. Local ordinances typically allow 2 to 4 hives on standard residential lots.

    Hive Limits - Rural / Agricultural

    No statewide limit on rural or agricultural land, but commercial apiaries are subject to the three-mile protection rule.

    Setback Requirements

    No statewide setback for residential beekeeping. Local ordinances typically require 5 to 25 feet from property lines with flyway barriers near neighbors.

    City-Specific Regulations

    Billings

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives allowed on residential lots, with additional hives allowed on larger parcels.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines, placed in rear yards, and screened by a 6-foot fence or flyway barrier near neighbors.

    Notes

    Billings is generally supportive of backyard beekeeping. Beekeepers must register with MDA and provide a water source. HOAs in newer subdivisions may further restrict hives.

    Missoula

    Hive Limits

    Generally 2 hives per residential lot, with more allowed on larger lots. Missoula has historically been supportive of urban agriculture.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines, placed in rear yards, and behind a flyway barrier when close to neighbors.

    Notes

    Missoula's urban agriculture ordinances are beekeeper-friendly. Beekeepers often participate in community pollinator gardens and farmers markets.

    Bozeman

    Hive Limits

    Up to 2 hives on standard residential lots, with additional hives allowed on larger parcels per a sliding scale.

    Setbacks

    Hives must be at least 10 feet from property lines, placed in rear yards, and screened by a 6-foot fence or flyway barrier.

    Notes

    Bozeman supports urban beekeeping and pollinator-friendly landscaping. Beekeepers must register with MDA. Winter is severe, so beekeepers should plan for heavy stores and insulation.

    Key Laws & Statutes

    Montana Apiary Law

    MCA Title 80, Chapter 6

    Establishes the Montana Department of Agriculture's authority over apiary registration, inspection, and disease management. The law creates the distinctive three-mile apiary protection zone around registered commercial apiaries, protecting established operations from new competition and overcrowding.

    Montana Beekeeping Association

    Montana State Beekeepers Association

    The Montana State Beekeepers Association supports hobbyist and commercial beekeepers across Big Sky Country. MSBA hosts an annual convention, publishes a newsletter, advocates for Montana's beekeeping industry, and supports research on varroa management, wintering, and honey production in Montana's challenging climate.

    Visit Montana State Beekeepers Association

    Climate & Regional Considerations

    Montana is one of the most challenging beekeeping climates in the lower 48. Winters are long, cold, and dry, with temperatures regularly well below zero. Successful overwintering requires 80-100 pounds of honey stores, strong populations of healthy winter bees, wind protection, and insulation or wraps. Many Montana beekeepers move hives to sheltered locations or use indoor wintering buildings. Summers are short, dry, and productive, with strong flows from alfalfa, sweet clover, knapweed, and wildflowers in July and August. Varroa management must be completed by late August to produce healthy winter bees. Fall comes fast, so treatment windows are narrow.

    Tips for Montana Beekeepers

    • Register all apiary locations with MDA - this is required by law and also gives you standing under Montana's three-mile apiary protection rule.
    • Montana winters are long and severe. Plan for 80-100 pounds of honey stores, strong fall populations, wind protection, and insulation from October through April.
    • Complete varroa treatment by late August or early September - Montana's short fall means winter bees must be healthy and mite-free.
    • Montana's summer alfalfa, clover, and knapweed flows can be spectacular. Be ready with extra supers in July and early August.
    • If you plan to go commercial, understand the three-mile rule before you site new apiaries - existing registered yards have priority.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Other State Regulations

    Beekeeping Cost Calculator

    Estimate startup costs, ongoing expenses, and potential honey revenue for your beekeeping operation in Montana.

    Calculate Costs

    Do You Need a License to Keep Bees?

    Most states require hive registration, not a license. Our guide explains the difference and what Montana expects before you start.

    Read the Guide

    Cookie Notice

    We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All", you consent to our use of cookies. We use Google Analytics to analyze usage of our website.Read our Privacy Policyfor more information.