Montana nonres elk point question

[831hunter]

Quick question… I have 2 preference points for Montana going into this season. I will be hunting my home state of Idaho this year and planned on hunting Montana next year. If I don’t apply for the big game drawing by April 1st will I lose those preference points? Or can I just buy a preference point during that buy only period and go into the draw next year 2026 with 3? Thanks

 

[Turkeygetpwnd38]

You will lose your points

 

[Packer9037]

You need to apply or lose your points. If you buy a point and apply, you’ll draw a tag. If you apply without buying a point you’ll be about 90% to draw. You can do a group app with someone who has zero points, neither of you buy a preference point, and you shouldn’t draw with a group average of 1. You can then keep your two pts and apply again next year.

 

[831hunter]

Copy that. Thank you

 

[AHayes111]

You need to apply or lose your points. If you buy a point and apply, you’ll draw a tag. If you apply without buying a point you’ll be about 90% to draw. You can do a group app with someone who has zero points, neither of you buy a preference point, and you shouldn’t draw with a group average of 1. You can then keep your two pts and apply again next year.

Montana's NR drawing is so screwed up.

 

[Indian Summer]

Montana's NR drawing is so screwed up.

What makes you say that? There will never be a perfect system when it comes to preference points. But they have certainly eliminated point creep. You can draw an elk tag every one to three years max. OTC isn’t better that’s for sure. That’s why inevitably Colorado is having to eliminate that. Is there a state that offers you more opportunities to hunt bull elk?

They do have the worst website out of every state in my opinion. I’ll give you that!

 

[Packer9037]

I agree…draw is a little confusing at first but overall it’s a great chance to regularly hunt bulls with a decent allocation to non res. Plus and minuses to every state for nonres.

 

[Scottf270]

He could not apply and let his points go to zero. Then buy a point later this year and another one when applying next year. This will put him back at two points for 2026.

May cost a few dollars more but will be back at two vs drawing when he doesn't want to or loosing fees applying with a lesser point holder.

If I'm wrong, correct me, I'm still learning to work within Montana's system myself.

 

[Erict]

MT has done a pretty good job rewriting their Bonus and Preference Point explanations, so the answer is HERE.

 

[AHayes111]

What makes you say that? There will never be a perfect system when it comes to preference points. But they have certainly eliminated point creep. You can draw an elk tag every one to three years max. OTC isn’t better that’s for sure. That’s why inevitably Colorado is having to eliminate that. Is there a state that offers you more opportunities to hunt bull elk?

They do have the worst website out of every state in my opinion. I’ll give you that!

Lets start with FWP has messed up the drawing a few times in recent years. Then I would say the the issues happen when NR were allowed to break up there Deer/elk combo tags when they do not draw a limited quota deer or elk tag. It is nice that point creep is not an issue, but it is crazy that you have a better chance with zero points than with one and that if you hunt with an outfitter you get spotted a few points. Makes it hard to plan a hunt unless you have a tag in hand, but what do I care. I am a resident.

 

[WCB]

You lose points...follow directions above to group apply with a ZERO point holder or let your points go away and buy a point during the point only period then buy a point at time of applying next year.

IMO Montana is one of the easiest to apply for in regards to General tags. Don't have to worry about seasons codes, dates changing, 1st draw, 2nd draw....blah blah blah. Sad story for some that you can't just bank points but you also don't have to worry about point creep as on right now.

 

[Dos Perros]

What makes you say that? There will never be a perfect system when it comes to preference points. But they have certainly eliminated point creep. You can draw an elk tag every one to three years max. OTC isn’t better that’s for sure. That’s why inevitably Colorado is having to eliminate that. Is there a state that offers you more opportunities to hunt bull elk?

They do have the worst website out of every state in my opinion. I’ll give you that!

You can party app in Montana, but if you don't draw your general in the first go they split you up and you can draw a returned license. But your buddy didn't. Sucks.

 

[Indian Summer]

That sucks