Another Montana question

[BrentLaBere]

Instead of jumping in on the other bonus points/preference points thread I thought I would start my own. Wanting to keep building my bonus points for an LE and also wanting to grab a PP for next year in case the trend is up again in Montana. Last year I believe was the first year you could purchase bonus points during the summer months. Can you purchase both bonus and preference points? I found this in the regulations:

Preference Points & Bonus Points
Note: A person can purchase one bonus point or preference point per year; either at the time of application or between july 1st and September 30th in the current year.

Seems as though you need to choose. I have also found it under the bonus point portion you can only buy one bonus point per year, which is typical for every state I apply in.

 

[wannakillabigbull]

Last year I bought both a preference point and a bonus point for elk. $25 for the bonus point and $50 for the preference point plus tax so I paid $78.19.

 

[BrentLaBere]

Thanks! Thats what I was hoping to hear

 

[StopMakingSense]

You could even draw a Big Game Combo last year and still purchase a preference point in the summer, we'll see if they close that loophole this year in July.

 

[rackcity24]

So can someone explain the difference between bonus point and preference point? Is a preference point just go to a specific unit?

 

[wannakillabigbull]

So can someone explain the difference between bonus point and preference point? Is a preference point just go to a specific unit?

Preference points are for nonresidents only and are used to draw general tags, either big game combo or elk combo (which are OTC for residents). Then there's bonus points which are for drawing controlled tags. You can only apply for controlled tags once you already drew a general tag with your preference points.

 

[nrh6.7]

Last year I bought both a preference point and a bonus point for elk. $25 for the bonus point and $50 for the preference point plus tax so I paid $78.19.

I won't be applying in MT this year but want to buy both for next year. MT's website says you buy the bonus point between 7/1 - 9/30 but I can't find anything regarding the preference point. Is it the same time frame? Thanks!

 

[wannakillabigbull]

I won't be applying in MT this year but want to buy both for next year. MT's website says you buy the bonus point between 7/1 - 9/30 but I can't find anything regarding the preference point. Is it the same time frame? Thanks!

Yes it is. This article from goHUNT explains it all for you.

ALERT: Montana's New Bonus Point Application Period | goHUNT

 

[nrh6.7]

Yes it is. This article from goHUNT explains it all for you.

ALERT: Montana's New Bonus Point Application Period | goHUNT

Thanks!

 

[rackcity24]

Thanks!

 

[StopMakingSense]

I really wish this was how Wyoming did their point system... two seperate runs for the general tags and limited entry tags. Instead you've got the general point creep competing with people who are trying to accrue for good units that end up quiting and going to general.

 

[kingfisher]

Be aware of the expiration of bonus points/preference points in the states you buy them in. A number of states require you to buy an actual license every so often to keep your points. Montana every 2 years, Colorado every 5? Is this right?

 

[jmez]

The way MT does their points is no better. Really a waste of money. It doesn't increase your odds much in the good areas.

 

[jmez]

Be aware of the expiration of bonus points/preference points in the states you buy them in. A number of states require you to buy an actual license every so often to keep your points. Montana every 2 years, Colorado every 5? Is this right?

No, I believe in MT you have to buy a license or a point every 2 years or you lose them. They don't make you buy the license.

 

[Riplip]

MT Bonus Points do not expire - until or unless you draw a tag using those points. You do not need to apply or purchase points every 2 years to keep them.

 

[bow_dozer]

If you dont buy a bonus point during a 3 year time frame you will lose your points.

 

[Riplip]

This is incorrect info - MT changed this rule in 2017. Your Bonus Points do not expire, unless you draw a LE tag as a first choice.

Preference Points expire. Hunters must apply for the license at least every other year to retain their preference points. Failure to apply for the license for two consecutive years zeroes out the preference points.