Montana preference point system question

[Jaegerr]

Application strategy question

Pulled an elk general this year and was fortunate to harvest a bull, so I know I’m 2 years from drawings again more than likely.

The deer combo has a 50/50 chance roughly with 1 point to draw based of this years draw odds. This got me thinking about applying in 2026 and buying a point (I have no preference points currently). My dilemma is I know I can’t apply for elk and deer separately, but can I simply buy an elk preference point later in 2026 and apply in 2027?

If I do the above and I lose and don’t draw a deer tag in 2026, I would lose my deer preference point in 2027 if I applied for just the elk combo since I can’t apply separately?

Trying to secure a mule deer hunt next year but I do not have any point in any state at the moment as I am youngish and starting to get my feet wet western hunting. Trying to secure a hunt next year!

 

[Erict]

Read THIS

No such thing as deer or elk preference points - they are nonresident combination license PPs.

You either buy a point with your combo license application or buy a point later in the year, but not both.

 

[Jaegerr]

Read THIS

No such thing as deer or elk preference points - they are nonresident combination license PPs.

You either buy a point with your combo license application or buy a point later in the year, but not both.

Yeah I’m dumb now that I re-read the rules. I was focused solely on elk and so I thought it would be different. Thanks for the info!

 

[Scottf270]

With the recent reduction of approximately 2,500 non resident deer tags, it may well take 3 years to draw a deer tag unless applications drop.

We have drawn a deer tag the last 3 years with one point with less than 50% odds.
Im already looking elsewhere this year.

 

[Jaegerr]

With the recent reduction of approximately 2,500 non resident deer tags, it may well take 3 years to draw a deer tag unless applications drop.

We have drawn a deer tag the last 3 years with one point with less than 50% odds.
Im already looking elsewhere this year.

Any good options you’ve found?