Montana Preference Points Planning- 2024 & 2025 Elk Hunts

[Gar]

Just spoke with a Montana licensing specialist. The following was for Elk in 2024:

Chance of draw:
0 Preference Points: 56.6%
1 Preference Point: 0%
2 Preference Points: 90.3%

In 2025, I have two opportunities to purchase Preference Points. I can purchase (1) point when I apply for my Elk tag on March 1st 2025. Which means I will not draw a tag for 2025, and waist to money spent on the Elk tag application.

Or

I can skip applying for the Elk tag in 2025, and wait till July 2025 and just purchase (1) Preference Point. Then in 2026, I can apply for an Elk tag and purchase a point with the tag, which will give me (2) points and a 90% chance of drawing a tag in 2026 (this is what I have been doing to successfully draw a Montana Elk tag every other year).

Another option is to apply in 2025 and not purchase a point, which gives me a 55-60% chance of securing a tag (depending on how many folks apply).

But if I am not successful in drawing a tag in 2025 with no points, I do not get the option to purchase a Preference point that year (2025).

Which means that in 2026, I start over, and would have to skip applying for a tag (unless I wanted to take a chance with no points) in the spring, purchase a Preference Point in the summer when that is allowed, then apply in 2027 with (1) point in the bank so to speak, and purchase another point when I apply for the Elk tag in 2027, which would give me a 90% chance of drawing in 2027. -If I didn’t draw, then I would purchase another point with my Elk application in 2028, and be pretty much guaranteed a tag with (3) points in 2028.

Not confusing at all. Lol But seriously, it makes sense to me now that I have been playing the game as a DIY public land Montana hunter.

 

[weakender]

Just spoke with a Montana licensing specialist. The following was for Elk in 2024:

Chance of draw:
0 Preference Points: 56.6%
1 Preference Point: 0%
2 Preference Points: 90.3%

Well shoot, for some reason I thought 1-2 points was 0%, so with a goal of hunting in 2026, I purchased a point last week with the intent of getting point 2 in 2025 with no draw and go into 2026 with 3 points.

But if odds remain as above, looks like I better plan on going a year early. I better hit the gym.


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[ez_willie]

Well shoot, for some reason I thought 1-2 points was 0%, so with a goal of hunting in 2026, I purchased a point last week with the intent of getting point 2 in 2025 with no draw and go into 2026 with 3 points.

But if odds remain as above, looks like I better plan on going a year early. I better hit the gym.


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Always could skip buying a PP in 2025 and apply with your one and not draw, then go in with 2 in 2026.

 

[mn_bowhunter]

You can buy a preference point during your application to give you two points

 

[weakender]

Always could skip buying a PP in 2025 and apply with your one and not draw, then go in with 2 in 2026.

Wow that didn’t occur to me. I’m so used to applying in Colorado each year and getting that preference point after unsuccessful draw.


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[Kyden]

Just spoke with a Montana licensing specialist. The following was for Elk in 2024:

Chance of draw:
0 Preference Points: 56.6%
1 Preference Point: 0%
2 Preference Points: 90.3%

In 2025, I have two opportunities to purchase Preference Points. I can purchase (1) point when I apply for my Elk tag on March 1st 2025. Which means I will not draw a tag for 2025, and waist to money spent on the Elk tag application.

Or

I can skip applying for the Elk tag in 2025, and wait till July 2025 and just purchase (1) Preference Point. Then in 2026, I can apply for an Elk tag and purchase a point with the tag, which will give me (2) points and a 90% chance of drawing a tag in 2026 (this is what I have been doing to successfully draw a Montana Elk tag every other year).

Another option is to apply in 2025 and not purchase a point, which gives me a 55-60% chance of securing a tag (depending on how many folks apply).

But if I am not successful in drawing a tag in 2025 with no points, I do not get the option to purchase a Preference point that year (2025).

Which means that in 2026, I start over, and would have to skip applying for a tag (unless I wanted to take a chance with no points) in the spring, purchase a Preference Point in the summer when that is allowed, then apply in 2027 with (1) point in the bank so to speak, and purchase another point when I apply for the Elk tag in 2027, which would give me a 90% chance of drawing in 2027. -If I didn’t draw, then I would purchase another point with my Elk application in 2028, and be pretty much guaranteed a tag with (3) points in 2028.

Not confusing at all. Lol But seriously, it makes sense to me now that I have been playing the game as a DIY public land Montana hunter.

So the way I read this, if i purchased a preference point last year (I did not apply, just purchased a point) and I apply this year, my application this year will count as a point as well so I’ll be applying with 2 points?

 

[GrayGoose]

So the way I read this, if i purchased a preference point last year (I did not apply, just purchased a point) and I apply this year, my application this year will count as a point as well so I’ll be applying with 2 points?

You'll have to purchase a point at the time of application.

 

[Kyden]

You'll have to purchase a point at the time of application.

Thanks for the info. Hopefully I draw this year.

 

[Gar]

Kyden,

If you already have a point from last year, then you must purchase another point when you purchase your tag this year (if you want to hunt this year). -That will give you a 90% chance this year.

Punched my bull elk tag on day two of the rifle opener last year (solo/DIY/public land).

Best to ya this year!