If you are at all serious about hunting Montana, and I can list hundreds of reasons why you should be, you should know that the all-important point-only period is now open and runs through September 30. You can purchase both preference and bonus points, and there is a difference.
Preference Points
Preference points are used to draw the deer combo, elk combo, and big-game combo tags. These tags allow you to hunt any of the general units in the state. And 75% of these tags are awarded to those with the most points (maximum is three points); the remaining 25% of general tags are then awarded to applicants who were unsuccessful and have zero points. This makes Montana’s general elk and deer tags some of the easiest to draw in the West.
Bonus Points
Bonus points are for antelope, moose, sheep, mountain goat, and limited-entry/permit area deer and elk units. For each bonus point accumulated, you get another name in the hat. These bonus points are then squared, making each of these bonus points significantly more valuable. Call and we can go over points in more detail.
Most of us know about the fantastic moose, sheep, and mountain goat hunting in the state of Montana. The quality on these species, combined with the fact that Montana issues a comparatively large number of non-resident tags, makes it a must-apply state, and I don’t say that lightly.
Also, don’t forget about the incredible elk hunting in Montana’s special permit areas. In 2022, the state reorganized the elk permit areas into smaller units, most notably the 900-20 archery area. This reorganization resulted in a better distribution of allocated tags. In short, your bonus points just became more valuable. There were some extremely high-quality elk tags drawn with as few as 0 to 3 bonus points in 2022. Again, we can go over this in detail when you call.
If you haven’t already purchased your preference points and/or bonus points in Montana, don’t pass up the opportunity. Take advantage of the extended point-only period. It ends on September 30. I know I already mentioned that, but I don’t want you to miss out.
This is my advice, stated as clearly as I can: Start building your points today. Our WTA TAGS consultants can help you with the process and create a strategy to draw the tags you want most. Call 800-755-8247 today or click here to email and we’ll reach out to you.
