Montana combo leftovers/alternate list

[TheCougar]

So in 2019, we were unsuccessful in the main draw for elk combo. There was some sort of leftover draw on the website at 5am a few weeks later and we managed to snag leftover combo tags. This was totally separate from the alternate list, which we tried and failed at for deer. When I check the “surplus” licenses for MT, it appears to have changed to a random system and is only for LE licenses. Is my 2019 experience no longer valid and it has switched to an alternate list only random draw, or is the “surplus” list also for NR combo licenses? I read the both relevant sections on the Montana FWP website and it still isn’t crystal clear, and I’d hate to miss an outside chance at an elk tag. Thanks all.

 

[ManyBullets]

Last year the alternate list was random, but in the past it was first come first serve. You can throw your name on the list on May 15th this year.

 

[TheCougar]

Thank you. I kind of figured it had moved to a randomized list and no longer the early bird gets the worm. Bummer. I liked my chances at 0500...

 

[CMF]

How far down the alternates list did they make it last year, any idea?

Don't they let you know your number?

I have a buddy that wants to get a tag to go with us.

 

[Packer9037]

I believe I read that you will know your spot on the list, but I'm not positive as this will be my first time through it as well. Your buddy can also look into an Elk B license if that's an option in the area you're looking to go. Good luck!

 

[Brownbear932008]

How far down the alternates list did they make it last year, any idea?

Don't they let you know your number?

I have a buddy that wants to get a tag to go with us.

they tried to give me an alternate tag twice last year after I turned in a combo tag if that tells you anything and I was well down the list. Not sure why I even signed up looking back on it.

 

[Tony8108]

I didn't get drawn this year. Hoping for an alternate tag.

 

[HalfmanB]

I drew on alternates for elk at like 350 something. I’ve heard people drawing deer alternates in the 600’s

 

[Deerman82]

What’s the odds of getting drawn before archery season? Just curious if anyone has

 

[bsnedeker]

What’s the odds of getting drawn before archery season? Just curious if anyone has

Leftovers will absolutely be done before archery season. I think it happens in mid July...not exactly sure.

Alternates kind of happen as they happen as far as I can tell (I'm a resident so I don't know a lot of details). Some people get picked before archery, some are announced later. Last year they announced there were a handful of alternate tags that were available the last week of rifle season!

 

[Deerman82]

Thanks for the info

 

[strattonje2020]

i drew combo tag a week into rifle season at 695 last year. if your below 250 on the list i would say your chances are good before archery. if not then you prob wont. they are suppose to make a better system though.

 

[Deerman82]

i drew combo tag a week into rifle season at 695 last year. if your below 250 on the list i would say your chances are good before archery. if not then you prob wont. they are suppose to make a better system though.

Thanks for the info

 

[TheCougar]

What’s the odds of getting drawn before archery season? Just curious if anyone has

I believe they release the list on 15 July, at which point you can see you position in the lottery. Anything below 1000 has a shot at getting a tag, although it varies yearly and you can’t predict it. The lower numbers will get drawn earlier in the season, with the later numbers getting drawn closer to rifle opener. A couple of years ago I had a mule deer alternate and I think they went through about 1000 tags, though I could be wrong.

 

[DBL-Lung]

Hi All,

Brand new here but have been following and reading posts for a year or so. I usually try and hunt in my home state of Arizona but Elk tags are pretty difficult to draw on a yearly basis and our OTC is slim to none. So this year I found out about the Montana alternate list on like June 29 so I jumped on it; found out yesterday I was in the mid 100's so I am pretty pumped. I am hoping that's low enough to grab a tag.

I still don't know what to expect so I am trying to research the specifics of the seasons and units in Montana. Anyone have any advice? I still need to read through Montana Fish and Games specifics but just seeing if anyone can add a little assistance.

Thanks,

 

[j_volt]

Hi All,

Brand new here but have been following and reading posts for a year or so. I usually try and hunt in my home state of Arizona but Elk tags are pretty difficult to draw on a yearly basis and our OTC is slim to none. So this year I found out about the Montana alternate list on like June 29 so I jumped on it; found out yesterday I was in the mid 100's so I am pretty pumped. I am hoping that's low enough to grab a tag.

I still don't know what to expect so I am trying to research the specifics of the seasons and units in Montana. Anyone have any advice? I still need to read through Montana Fish and Games specifics but just seeing if anyone can add a little assistance.

Thanks,

Congrats on your lost position! General tags can be used in general units during the general seasons. If your personal situation allows, you could archery hunt in September and return in October or November with a rifle if your tag isn’t filled. Besides that, remember that these tags are OTC for residents so to be successful, you need to be different than the average Joe. Good luck!

 

[Bdubwright23]

648 on the alternate list out of 1500 and something as of today

 

[Usi05]

I believe they release the list on 15 July, at which point you can see you position in the lottery. Anything below 1000 has a shot at getting a tag, although it varies yearly and you can’t predict it. The lower numbers will get drawn earlier in the season, with the later numbers getting drawn closer to rifle opener. A couple of years ago I had a mule deer alternate and I think they went through about 1000 tags, though I could be wrong.

And I’m like 1005 or something. Still crossing my fingers after the draws were all cruel to me.


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[Bdubwright23]

Yea I'm headed to Colorado for OTC I didn't have no problem getting a tag las year for Montana but this year everyone decided to go elk hunting

 

[yoopshoot]

Good luck to all! I was #498 last year and was notified the first week of September that it was my turn to purchase a license.


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