Montana preference point system question

[Vadimbrutskiy]

Well, at some point you have to be at 1 PP. Some NR just don't do the homework to see that, at least through 2025, it's money down the drain to apply with 1 PP.

Many NR have looked at the stats and are now opting to save money by not purchasing a $100 PP and going in to the draw with 0 PP. If they draw, great, if not, FWP collects a bunch of fees and send a partial refund. As the number of "cheapskates" increases, their odds will come down. Applying with 0 PP is never a guaranteed draw.

The only time applying with 1 PP make sense is if one had 1 PP before the application period AND didn't want to lose that $100 PP. It will cost them fees, but this allows them to go in to the following year draw with 1 PP, then buy 1 PP at time of application for a total of 2 PP. Applying with 2 or more PP is almost always a guaranteed draw.

I know this is the Elk forum, but know that the PP odds differ when looking at the Deer Combo.

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Not necessarily true. I applied in 2023 with 0 points, drew a tag. The filling year, decided to apply with 1 point, knowing my odds were next to zero (in my benifit, my son was to be born that September) drew with one point that year somehow. Applied last year again, with zero points and drew on the redraw.

 

[Vadimbrutskiy]

I have a question about drawing a permit. Say i want to draw a permit that requires 10 bonus points, do i have to wait until i have 7 bonus points to begin to acquire 3 preference points to be sure to draw the general? I think i'm just confusing myself. Mabe the better question is, what strategy would be best to draw a permit that requires 10 bonus points?

I think that would be the best plan of attack. Just factor in point creep. And make sure to check the box saying you forfeit your general tag if you don’t draw the limited entry. Because in all likelihood, you’ll draw the general on 2 points