Now is the perfect time to secure valuable points in Montana and Wyoming. In Montana, you have until September 30 to buy bonus points and December 31 for preference points. Wyoming’s modified preference point system gives you until October 31 to purchase points.
Montana’s System Explained
If you’ve shied away from accumulating points in Montana because it seems complex, you’re not alone. But don’t let that stop you—it’s not too complicated. Preference points in Montana are key to drawing quality big game combo and general elk and deer tags. These tags, which allow hunting in any general unit, allocate 75% to those with the highest points (up to three), with the remaining 25% awarded to applicants with 0 points. This setup makes Montana’s general elk and deer tags some of the easiest to draw in the West.
Montana’s bonus points system, applicable for antelope, moose, sheep, mountain goats, and limited-entry/permit area deer and elk units, ups your odds significantly. Each accumulated point is squared, increasing your chance with each entry, a unique and critical feature.
Montana is famous for its trophy Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep and thriving mountain goat populations, predominantly in the southwestern regions. Almost all the hunts available to nonresidents offer the potential to harvest a 9″+ billy. If a Shiras moose is on your bucket list, you need to apply in Montana. It provides one of the highest allocations of moose tags in the West. The state’s generous nonresident tag allocation and the quality of game make Montana an excellent choice for point-building.
For nonresident hunters, drawing a general license is your ticket to participating in the special permit-area drawing. However, nonresident applicants who draw the general license and are not successful in drawing a limited-entry permit will still have options. These include turning the general license back to the state for a refund or hunting one of the many general units.
Wyoming’s Valuable Preference Points
In Wyoming, preference points are crucial, with 75% of tags in any area awarded based on points and the remaining 25% distributed randomly. Make sure you purchase points by October 31 for species such as Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, moose, elk, deer, and antelope. In today’s competitive drawing environment, accumulating points is essential for a successful hunt.
If you didn’t put in for the draw this season or still need to start building preference points in Wyoming, now is the time to do so as the October 31st point-only deadline is also approaching quickly. Wyoming offers some of the best elk, deer, and antelope hunting in the country.
The current allocation for sheep and moose tags in Wyoming features a 90% resident to 10% nonresident split, significantly impacting drawing odds. This year, the draw resulted in zero random sheep tags and only one moose tag for nonresidents, highlighting the need for a strategic approach based on your age and preference point tally.
Need Guidance? Contact WTA TAGS
Navigating these systems can be daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our team of expert TAGS consultants at WTA is ready to assist. Whether you’re starting to acquire points or considering your strategy moving forward, a quick call to 1-800-755-8247 can set you on the right path. Don’t let another season slip by without maximizing your chances for a successful draw in these prime hunting. Let’s talk!
