Official 2026 Montana Draw Thread

[MTHunt’r]

This is correct


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[LostWapiti]

What are the Kalshi odds this happens today?

 

[velvet muley]

Has it said in progress in the past? I can’t remember.

 

[BadEarth]

Yup, in the past once they start your results will show something like “drawing in progress”

 

[velvet muley]

OK, I looked in the 2025 draw thread and did some research. People were actually talking about it not ever saying drawn progress just pending and all of a sudden the permit started showing up in early afternoon. Looks like we still have a chance.

 

[MTHunt’r]

OK, I looked in the 2025 draw thread and did some research. People were actually talking about it not ever saying drawn progress just pending and all of a sudden the permit started showing up in early afternoon. Looks like we still have a chance.

I would agree, I don’t remember it ever doing that personally, but I do recall drawing results did not post until afternoon.


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[HouseCL]

I am probably the only person in this thread who is hoping to NOT draw LOL. Went in with 1 preference point from last year hoping to not draw the combo tag because I don't have time to hunt it this year, but don't want to lose my point from last year.

 

[LostWapiti]

I am probably the only person in this thread who is hoping to NOT draw LOL. Went in with 1 preference point from last year hoping to not draw the combo tag because I don't have time to hunt it this year, but don't want to lose my point from last year.

Assuming you didn’t buy a 2nd point this year then you are set

 

[HouseCL]

Assuming you didn’t buy a 2nd point this year then you are set

I did not buy a point this year. Next year I will though so will go into the draw with 3 so that should be about as good as guaranteed from my understanding.

 

[Abrugger12]

I did not buy a point this year. Next year I will though so will go into the draw with 3 so that should be about as good as guaranteed from my understanding.

If you applied this year and didn’t buy a preference point I’m pretty sure you’re unable to do so later. Late preference point purchase is only for non applicants I believe.

 

[ZAP035]

If you applied this year and didn’t buy a preference point I’m pretty sure you’re unable to do so later. Late preference point purchase is only for non applicants I believe.

This is correct, I called fwp and asked for clarification on this just the other day.

 

[HouseCL]

If you applied this year and didn’t buy a preference point I’m pretty sure you’re unable to do so later. Late preference point purchase is only for non applicants I believe.

Don't you earn a preference point if you don't draw though?

 

[Abrugger12]

Don't you earn a preference point if you don't draw though?

No not in montana. You’ll have 2 points next year if you choose to apply then and buy a preference point at the time of application

 

[JMundy84]

Don't you earn a preference point if you don't draw though?

only if you buy one when you apply

 

[LostWapiti]

Don't you earn a preference point if you don't draw though?

What you should have done was just not applied this year. Then later this year you could have bought your 2nd preference point and bonus points. This is assuming you did in fact apply last year. This would have allowed you to make sure you don’t draw this year but be a guaranteed draw next year with 3 preference points, 1 point from last year, 1 point purchased this fall, and 1 more point purchased when you apply next year. Now next year you will only have 2 preference points but most likely won’t be an issue as you will probably draw anyways but just won’t be a guarantee.

 

[HouseCL]

No not in montana. You’ll have 2 points next year if you choose to apply then and buy a preference point at the time of application

Oh wow, I had the wrong impression then. I guess that makes it pointless that I applied this year then, as otherwise I would've lost my point from last year but could have bought it again this fall. Doh. oh well. Montana got a free loan for a few weeks

 

[HouseCL]

What you should have done was just not applied this year. Then later this year you could have bought your 2nd point preference point and bonus points. This is assuming you did in fact apply last year. This would have allowed you to make sure you don’t draw this year but be a guaranteed draw next year with 3 preference points, 1 point from last year, 1 point purchases this fall, and 1 more point purchased when you apply next year. Now next year you will only have 2 preference points but most likely won’t be an issue as you will probably draw anyways but just won’t be a guarantee.

I don't think this is the case - if you don't apply, you lose any accumulated preference points. For example, I did not apply but purchased a pref point in 2024. Then in 2025, did not apply for the draw. My pref points then reset to zero, my preference point from 2024 was not retained. I then purchased a point in the fall of 2025, which is the point that I have now. If i did not apply, I would've lost that point. However, even if I lost that point, I could just buy it again this fall so either way I would end up with 2 points for next year's draw I guess.

 

[LostWapiti]

I stand corrected. I thought you could skip 1 year of applying and retain the preference points but that is not the case. A bit brutal but do appreciate what they are doing as it prevents any point creep from happening for the general tags.

 

[TWill_61]

I stand corrected. I thought you could skip 1 year of applying and retain the preference points but that is not the case. A bit brutal but do appreciate what they are doing as it prevents any point creep from happening for the general tags.

I learned that the hard way at the expense of $100 as well. They do spell that out in a very short sentence in the regs if you read them.

In some ways I’m glad it’s complicated because I think that does deter some folks from applying. I explain how the general point vs bonus point works to some buddy’s and I have to get out a whiteboard so their head doesnt spin.

 

[LostWapiti]