Montana Preference Points Planning- 2024 & 2025 Elk Hunts

[willfrye027]

I think I just srewed up... why does MT have to be so convoluted?

My son and I each have 1 pref point and enough bonus points to draw the LE archery tag we want(in theory). Thinking we would not draw the general with 1 point I put us in and then put a tough to draw LE tag as our choice also selecting to buy a pref point. Thinking that we would then have 2 pref points for next year. I guess I did not get the fact that the point would be used for this draw. So now it looks like we will draw the general, but not the LE archery tag and will have to start over again next year at 0 pref points.

If I understand correctly you have one preference point (not bonus point).

You can apply with one PP this year, you will almost certainly NOT draw, then buy a PP this summer/fall for next years draw to have 2pp.

If you don’t apply I believe you lose the point you have and will go back to zero.

 

[elkocd]

If I understand correctly you have one preference point (not bonus point).

You can apply with one PP this year, you will almost certainly NOT draw, then buy a PP this summer/fall for next years draw to have 2pp.

If you don’t apply I believe you lose the point you have and will go back to zero.

I already applied and selected to purchase a pref point, which according to people in this thread gets added to the draw this year meaning I will have 2. MT does not let you make changes after applying.

What I should have done, had I known, was applied without the option to buy the pref point then later in the summer bought the pref point after not drawing. I think... but MT is so convoluted I'm not even sure about that

 

[willfrye027]

Ahh. Well if you don’t draw the LQ tag you can always return the general tag for a partial refund (or just hunt it). Odds of drawing again next year with zero id guess around 50/50.

 

[chrisdixon1]

I already applied and selected to purchase a pref point, which according to people in this thread gets added to the draw this year meaning I will have 2. MT does not let you make changes after applying.

What I should have done, had I known, was applied without the option to buy the pref point then later in the summer bought the pref point after not drawing. I think... but MT is so convoluted I'm not even sure about that

I thought if you were applying as a non res in MT that the only time you could buy a PP was when you put in for the draw. If you didn’t buy a PP then, didn’t draw, then you can’t apply for one in the later window.

I certainly could be mistaken, but this was my understanding.

 

[CMF]

I don't disagree, but this would be extremely complicated. It would require rewriting legislation pertaining to general tags, special permits, bonus points, preference points, the draw process, refunds and probably more. One example of the problem - Hunter A has 20 bonus points and 1 preference point, Hunter B has 20 bonus points and 3 preference points. They both apply for the same special permit HD. Hunter A gets drawn in the special, but would never have drawn a general with 1 PP. How to you resolve that?

I'll bet they're losing money not resolving it, I'll bet more would bank bonus points if it wasn't so complicated to draw with them.

I don't even get bonus points in MT because they're ridiculous system. I just look at like a general tag I'll go after again one day and hope to draw with zero.

 

[elkocd]

I thought if you were applying as a non res in MT that the only time you could buy a PP was when you put in for the draw. If you didn’t buy a PP then, didn’t draw, then you can’t apply for one in the later window.

I certainly could be mistaken, but this was my understanding.

That could be true... as said it's so convoluted it's hard to track. It's such a scam. I'm just looking to burn my bonus points and I will likely have to draw multiple general tags at this point to do so. It's my own fault, but it does not need to be so complicated.

Who knows, maybe we'll hit the lottery and draw the LE rifle tag I put us in for with about 5% odds and then it will all be OK

 

[GrayGoose]

It is 100% correct that if you apply for the draw, you cannot buy a preference point when they are available for purchase in the summer.

 

[Chief23]

Anyone have any suggestions on this. I currently have 1 PP and would like to put in for the Montana draw this year to gain a second point. The only issue is I don't want to hunt Montana this year as I have several other hunts that I have either applied for or am going to. And don't want to stretch myself to thin. I'm kind of at a loss on what to do. I don't want to draw then lose my points by turning my tag back in. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[willfrye027]

Anyone have any suggestions on this. I currently have 1 PP and would like to put in for the Montana draw this year to gain a second point. The only issue is I don't want to hunt Montana this year as I have several other hunts that I have either applied for or am going to. And don't want to stretch myself to thin. I'm kind of at a loss on what to do. I don't want to draw then lose my points by turning my tag back in. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Apply with one point and you won’t draw

 

[millerstone]

Apply with one point and you won’t draw

Yes, but then he couldn't buy another point over the summer. I don't think there's a way he can keep his point and get another this year unless he buys one when he applies, and then he'll probably draw. Best thing to do would be apply with one point, not draw, and buy another point with his application in two years when he wants to draw. Montana is stupid.

Edit: My whole point is there's no way to go into 2026 with 3 points unless he gets "unlucky" and doesn't draw with 2 this year.

 

[willfrye027]

Yes, but then he couldn't buy another point over the summer. I don't think there's a way he can keep his point and get another this year unless he buys one when he applies, and then he'll probably draw. Best thing to do would be apply with one point, not draw, and buy another point with his application in two years when he wants to draw. Montana is stupid.

Edit: My whole point is there's no way to go into 2026 with 3 points unless he gets "unlucky" and doesn't draw with 2 this year.

Yes I may have worded it poorly that was what I am suggesting. Go in with 2 the following year and most likely draw

 

[Chief23]

Thanks much for your suggestions. I have applied for two hunts in Wy. I may have to look at my hunts in Colorado and maybe drop one. I hate to lose that point and have to start all over. Plus I have done extremely well on elk in Montana. Kinda foolish to pass that hunt over. But thanks again for your suggestions. Maybe its just me, but there draw system seems a little odd. To say the least.

 

[Packer9037]

Anyone have any suggestions on this. I currently have 1 PP and would like to put in for the Montana draw this year to gain a second point. The only issue is I don't want to hunt Montana this year as I have several other hunts that I have either applied for or am going to. And don't want to stretch myself to thin. I'm kind of at a loss on what to do. I don't want to draw then lose my points by turning my tag back in. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

It’ll cost you but get someone else that doesn’t have any points to apply with you. You each buy a point this year but with a group average of 1.5 pts you won’t draw. It’s a bonus if they want the point.

 

[MallardSX2]

Kind of a dumb ? But

Can I apply and deny being awarded a point? In other words, I want to go in with 0 every year. I have a bunch of bonus points.

 

[Scottf270]

You buy the point. Montana does not "award" points for just applying.

 

[MallardSX2]

ok. Let’s try this again.

Can I just apply with 0 and not buy a preference point every year?

 

[CarterHunt]

ok. Let’s try this again.

Can I just apply with 0 and not buy a preference point every year?

Yes you can