Information to learn about Montana's draw system for big game hunts to help you prepare to apply
Montana is a primary destination for hunters of many backgrounds, with plenty of hunting opportunities for deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, moose, mountain goat, and more. The Big Sky State has been a destination for western hunters for years, but its complicated tag system can make planning hunts there very difficult. There are some over-the-counter (OTC) opportunities available; however, the vast majority of hunts require hunters to draw a tag. Montana primarily uses a bonus point system but also employs a classic preference point system for its nonresident combination licenses, which are for general season deer/elk hunts.
Before applying, it's essential to understand the state's draw and point system thoroughly. By carefully planning and strategically using your points, you can enhance your chances of drawing a tag and hunt the Big Sky State more often.
Be sure to check out our Application Strategy articles to learn in-depth research and application tips when it comes time to apply in Montana.
Montana uses two primary draw systems for their tags and permits. The general deer and elk licenses — also known as combination licenses — are drawn using a preference point system, while limited entry permits are drawn using a bonus point system. There is no point system for bison hunts where the tags are drawn randomly.
Preference points are used exclusively for the nonresident big game combination licenses. This includes the Big Game Combo, the Elk Combo and the Deer Combo. The combination licenses essentially act as a general tag for Montana and must be drawn. Unlike limited entry permits, the combination licenses are distributed through a preference point system where 75% of the tags are reserved for the highest point holders and the remaining 25% of the tags are then put into a random draw with the remaining applicants who have ZERO points. Because the remaining 25% of the tags only go to applicants with ZERO points, a weird hole is created in draw odds where an applicant actually has higher odds with zero points than they would with one point. Preference points are accumulated each year when an applicant pays the point fee during the application or by purchasing a point during the points-only purchase period. Points are removed after drawing a tag.
Bonus points are used for the drawing of limited entry tags for deer, elk, antelope, bighorn sheep, moose, and mountain goat. There are no tags guaranteed to high point holders during this draw, but each applicant's point will be squared during the drawing process to increase your odds of drawing. For example, applicants entering the draw with 10 points would enter the drawing with 101 chances, 100 for the squared bonus points, plus one for the current entry. Bonus points are accumulated each year when an applicant pays the point fee during the application period or by purchasing a point during the points-only purchase period. Points are removed after drawing a tag.
One big caveat that applicants need to be aware of when it comes to Montana preference points is that these points are purged during the next draw cycle if an applicant doesn’t apply. For example, if you purchase a point this year, but don’t apply next year, the state will remove your preference points. This point becomes very important when hunters start planning their application strategies — timing is crucial. Bonus points are never purged.
One big quirk to note for Montana points — both preference and bonus — is that points that are purchased at the time of application will be applied to the current application. For example, if you currently hold zero points, but elect to purchase a point while submitting your application, you will apply with one point.
Montana gives applicants two chances to build a point each year. One is during the application period where an applicant can purchase a point and, if unsuccessful, retain that point and any remainder for subsequent drawings. Or, applicants can purchase points during a special points-only purchase period that begins on July 1.
At GOHUNT, we know keeping track of your points in one central place is vitally important. We have a feature called Point Tracker that allows you to enter the number of points you have for each state and species. Then, as you research through Filtering and Draw Odds, your point total will automatically be highlighted.
We have a great step-by-step article that showcases how to look up the Montana points you have built up over the years. Check out that article below:
Montana grants nonresidents up to 10% of a district’s tag quota; however, the 10% is not guaranteed. In some years, the nonresident applicant pool will fill the entire 10% cap, and in other years, it can be significantly less.
Montana allows each applicant to select multiple hunt choices on his or her application. All first choice applications are considered before any additional selections are. Drawing a tag as a second or third choice does not remove your accrued points.
In addition to individual applications, hunters can also apply for deer and elk permits and/or nonresident combination licenses as a party. The maximum party size is five. When processing a party permit, the state will consider the average number of points between all of the party members and then round to the nearest whole number for a final party permit total. For example, a party with an average of 2.33 points would enter the draw at two points, while a party with 2.66 points would enter at three. When it comes to nonresident combination licenses and preference points, the state looks at party applications somewhat differently. With preference points, the group goes into the draw with the exact average of points for the group. For example, if a group of three applicants averages 1.66 points, then the group will apply at exactly 1.66 points.
Learn more information about hunting applications, draw systems, hunt regulations, tag allocations, and more in our State Profile sections:
