Technically, you’re allowed to call yourself a Montanan simply by having a Montana address. But those who have called the Treasure State home for awhile know there are some other experiences, expressions and rites of passage that help you earn the title.

If you’ve done the majority of these 13 things, we give you permission to call yourself a Montanan whether you were born here or not.

1. You have experienced the Miles City Buckinghorse Sale...
Jerry Huddleston / Flickr
... and lived to tell the tale, albeit barely.
2. You have realized that this is the best ice cream on the planet.
John G / Yelp
Wilcoxson ice cream is made in Montana, just like nature intended.
3. You've teased Missoula and its "black sheep" residents, but every time you've gone you've had a wonderful time.
Visit Missoula! Facebook
Missoula is beautiful. And awesome. But Montanans will rarely admit that.
4. You've had burgers here...
Brian M / Yelp
5. And you've definitely eaten here.
Rachael B. / Yelp
And if you haven't, but you've had other classic Montana staples like an Ugly Burger from Rod's Drive-In in Havre, you get a pass.
6. You have camped under the stars...
Troy Smith / Flickr

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7. ... and of course, you've definitely spent some time here.
Cody Wellons / Flickr
Glacier National Park is our greatest treasure.
8. You have made jokes at Californians' expense.
Alex Lebedev / Flickr
Bonus points if you have done this and you're actually from California.
9. You've gone fishin'.
Bugeater / Flickr
Not every Montanan hunts, but you are unlikely to find one who has reached adulthood without picking up a pole.
10. You've come to realize that beach vacations are overrated.
Troy Smith / Flickr
The ocean is great and all, but why go that far away when Flathead Lake, Seeley Lake and Lake Como exist right here in Montana?
11. You've visited our local landmarks and you know the histories behind them.
Arthur T. LaBar / Flickr
Bannack State Park, Virginia City, the St. Ignatius Mission, Garnet Ghost town, the Old Prison in Deer Lodge... if you haven't been to any, they're definitely on your list.
12. You've relaxed in one of our hot springs pools and felt rejuvenated afterwards.
Heather M. / Yelp
Montana has some of the best hot springs in the country.
13. You've looked up at the night sky, taken a deep breath of fresh air, and realized there's nowhere in the entire world you'd rather be.
Bureau of Land Management / Flickr
And you've done this many times.

Whether you’ve lived in Montana all your life or you moved here as an adult, it’s always easy to appreciate. If you were born and raised here in the Last Best Place, you’ll probably relate to this list.

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