Applying to Montana antelope as a non resident confusion

[Elite]

Hello everyone,

My dad and I are looking to apply for antelope tags in Montana. I have researched this and can’t seem to find a clear answer.

We are wanting to hunt possibly in 2025 as 2024 is going to be a busy year and unable to make it.

From my understanding the priority points don’t apply to the antelope draws? Only bonus points do?

So if we put in before the deadline this year but do not buy a bonus point does this gain us anything? Or is there any way to keep building points until you decided to draw? Looking at drawing 670


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[johnsd16]

You are correct for MT pronghorn there are no “preference points” (not priority) only bonus points. They improve your chances of drawing but the applicants with the most points aren’t guaranteed the tag like they are with preference points.

The point only (when you can just buy a point) timeframe for MT is July-Oct. Its $25 for a pronghorn bonus point.

 

[Elite]

You are correct for MT pronghorn there are no “preference points” (not priority) only bonus points. They improve your chances of drawing but the applicants with the most points aren’t guaranteed the tag like they are with preference points.

The point only (when you can just buy a point) timeframe for MT is July-Oct. Its $25 for a pronghorn bonus point.

Thanks, So I would be better off with just buying a point in July vs applying before the dead line? Does this work for a party application?


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[Erict]

Montana has done a pretty good job updating THIS webpage that explains Bonus Points and Preference Points. Spend some time reading and learn - look closely at how Bonus Points are kept and lost.

If planning on an antelope hunt 2025 or later, individually purchasing a bonus point only July 1 - Sept 30 this year is the least expensive and proper choice. If we discussed units here, I'd tell you that your odds of drawing with a group average of 1 BP is historically very, very low. Good luck.

 

[johnsd16]

Thanks, So I would be better off with just buying a point in July vs applying before the dead line? Does this work for a party application?


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If you don’t want to hunt in 2024, then yes just buy a point in July and apply in 2025.

Just FYI, the odds of drawing 670-20 with one point in 2023 was <5%. Even 5 points was <50%.

 

[Elite]

Thanks guys. Is there a better resource to use for stats then for drawing? The regulations say 21%

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[Rifleman86]

Thanks guys. Is there a better resource to use for stats then for drawing? The regulations say 21%

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Go to the MT website and search for drawing statistics, and click on detailed draw report. The stats above aren’t broken down by bonus points and doesn’t tell the whole story.

While you technically have a chance at any bonus point level, your chances exponentially increase with more bonus points.

 

[mtmiller]

Go to the MT website and search for drawing statistics, and click on detailed draw report. The stats above aren’t broken down by bonus points and doesn’t tell the whole story.

While you technically have a chance at any bonus point level, your chances exponentially increase with more bonus points.

Don't ever refer to the MT regulations for draw stats. More accurate info available out there.

FWP :: Drawing Statistics Search

 

[johnsd16]

As above the draw stats in the regulations are the overall odds. They include residents and nonresidents, don’t break it down by points, etc so they mean almost nothing.