How does the MT points system work?

GodSpeed1

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 15, 2021
Messages
155
Montana - is it a preference point system? random draw? 90/10? how does it work? THX
 
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Feb 17, 2013
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I’ll try to give you the short version.

Preference points go toward a license. You need a license no matter where you hunt.

Limited quota units require a permit in addition to the license. Bonus points go toward permits.

They set aside a % of licenses for people with zero points. So in essence that’s your random draw. That’s their way, like Wyoming, to keep new hunters interested in taking a chance to draw a license.
 
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realunlucky

Super Moderator
Staff member
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Jan 20, 2013
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Eastern Utah
You build some points, ignore(never knew they changed) the rule changes and lose all your points and then quit applying. That is how Montana worked for me anyway.
I do think this is the Montana plan - extract as much money as possible from non residents while providing the least amount of opportunity.

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dtrkyman

WKR
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Oct 2, 2014
Messages
2,970
Yeah I got into the groove of just buying points and missed the memo on actually having to apply, they changed that after I had drawn once already. Have not applied since.
 

mms2

FNG
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Oct 28, 2021
Messages
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I'm just starting to look into MT I bought a preference point will see if i wasted money
 

go4thegusto

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May 16, 2012
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Fargo ND
What I can't seem to ferret out is....if you draw a general tag and cannot go so you turn it back in for the 20% tax, do you lose your points?
 
Joined
Jul 29, 2014
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I'm just starting to look into MT I bought a preference point will see if i wasted money

Did you buy a preference point or a bonus point? My understanding, is that you should only purchase a preference point if you actually plan on applying that year for that specific species. Can someone tell me if that’s correct?


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Joined
Mar 29, 2017
Messages
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I will be at 5 bonus points after this year. If i was to try to hunt a breaks unit next year should i buy a preference point this year then apply for the tag next year???
 

mms2

FNG
Joined
Oct 28, 2021
Messages
52
Did you buy a preference point or a bonus point? My understanding, is that you should only purchase a preference point if you actually plan on applying that year for that specific species. Can someone tell me if that’s correct?


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preference point seemed to me you have to start getting those when you are about 3 years out from trying to go
 

grossklw

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 24, 2017
Messages
226
Location
Wisconsin
preference point seemed to me you have to start getting those when you are about 3 years out from trying to go
Not anymore- need to apply for an actual license every other year or your points go to zero. MT draw system is certainly not my favorite.
 

Erict

WKR
Joined
Jun 28, 2020
Messages
604
Location
near Albany, NY
My understanding, is that you should only purchase a preference point if you actually plan on applying that year for that specific species. Can someone tell me if that’s correct?
- For those who don't know, learn the difference between MT Preference Points PP and Bonus Points BP.

-Up to 10% general combo licenses go to NR.

-75% of those go to NR with 1-3 PP, 25% to those with 0 PP.

-Max PP is 3.

-Once you have a PP, you must apply for a general license every year or your PP get zeroed.

-If you apply for PP only (up to Dec 31), you will have 1 PP. When the license app period opens, you can buy an additional PP, getting you to 2 in the draw. High probability of drawing a GENERAL NR combo tag with 2 PP. Highest with 3. Lower with 0. Almost no chance drawing with 1 PP.

-BEST chance to draw a NR combo tag in 2024 would be to go in to 2023 draw with 1 PP. Buy another with 2024 application, going in with 2 PP.
 
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