Montana and Wyoming have opened their 2021 point-only application periods so applicants can purchase all-important preference and bonus points for all species in each state. These points are becoming more and more valuable – especially considering that general elk and mule deer tags in both states now require points to guarantee a draw. I highly recommend you consider purchasing these points. Get ‘em while the getting is good.
Montana
During this point-only purchasing period, you can buy bonus and preference points. Preference points help you draw the general tag, which allows you to hunt any of the general units in the state. General tags are for either deer, elk or the big-game combo (deer and elk). Bonus points are for the limited-entry units. Montana is unique in that you have to draw a general tag to apply for a limited-draw tag for deer or elk. The general tag is getting harder to draw these days. In fact, we expect it to take the maximum of three preference points to guarantee a tag – and two preference points to even be considered. Bonus points are for antelope, moose, sheep, mountain goats and the limited-entry deer and elk units.
You can never have too many bonus points. For each bonus point you have, you get another chance in the hat!
Wyoming
Like Montana, Wyoming has historically been a state where you can hunt many areas with little or no points but that is quickly changing. For example, drawing the general elk tag jumped to three points in the special category and four points in the regular category to guarantee a tag. Some of the deer and antelope units that have been 100% draw with zero points, and often had leftover tags, are going to require a point in the future.
With all this being said, these are still two of the most nonresident-friendly states in the West. Also, if you play your cards right and start building points today, you could have the opportunity to hunt these states every year by rotating between states and/or species. Also, you have the option to build points and in the future hunt some of the very special trophy units these states offer.
Now is the time to get these points and get ahead of the game – and ahead of changes coming down the road. Call and we can talk about it.
Whether you are a current WTA TAGS client, or want to start applying and missed the deadlines this year, you should definitely consider taking advantage of this point-only period and start banking points for the future.
Contact a WTA TAGS consultant today and let’s get started. 1-800-755-TAGS (8247).
