Big Sky Country is a big opportunity state when it comes to hunting Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Shiras moose and Rocky Mountain goat but to get in on these Montana opportunities you must apply by the May 1, 2021, deadline.
Let me put it this way. Montana offers the very best Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep hunting in North America. The three units encompassing the Missouri River Breaks offer an opportunity at 190-inch-plus rams for those lucky enough to draw. In addition, every other unit available to non-residents this year will provide opportunity at rams exceeding the 170-inch mark. That is why I say Montana is best for Rocky Mountain bighorns.
Montana is also known as a trophy Shiras moose state. To be clear, you’ll have to be willing and able to hunt hard but many units offer a chance at moose exceeding widths of more than 40 inches. The highest populations of moose are found in Regions 1 and 3; however, good bulls can be found in any region with effort and perseverance – and a little luck won’t hurt either. But I put more faith in effort and perseverance.
The majority of Montana’s mountain goat units produce above-average goats with 9-inch-plus potential and this year non-residents have a chance at drawing up to 16 tags, the second highest offering from any state in the West. Typically, mountain goat hunts are tough and Montana is no exception. Hunters should be prepared for a physically and mentally demanding hunt. For those up to the challenge (and lucky enough to draw), success rates on mature billies often exceed 90 percent.
The Montana moose, sheep and goat draw operates on a bonus point system, awarding up to 10 percent of tags to non-residents. Essentially, a bonus point gives you an extra “name in the hat.” During the drawing, bonus points are squared. For example, if you have three bonus points, you’ll have nine chances (plus this year’s application) to draw a tag. As you continue to build bonus points, your odds continue to increase.
With the quantity and quality of tags available for moose, sheep and goat, I consider Montana a must-apply state for anyone with a serious interest in these trophy animals. And, if that’s not enough to convince you, consider this: The cost to apply for these three Montana species is one of the lowest in the country.
My advice is you should highly consider applying and building points for all three animals.
Contact a WTA TAGS Consultant today to discuss getting your name in the hat for one of the “Big Sky Big Three!”
1-800-755-TAGS (8247). Don’t wait for the May 1 deadline.
