Montana’s deadline to apply for moose, sheep, and mountain goat tags is May 1.
Montana is famous for producing giant Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep. The Missouri Breaks units are widely considered to hold the best sheep hunting in North America and for good reason. Rams scoring over 190″ B&C are possible, if not probable. However, I would recommend avoiding the temptation to apply for a Breaks tag as most, if not all, of the available non-resident sheep units in Montana are capable of producing rams over 170″. So, unless your mentality is “Breaks or Bust,” I would recommend applying for one of these other units as they come with 20-40% better draw odds when compared to The Breaks. When we’re talking about trying to draw a sheep tag, any and every advantage should be considered.
The mountain goat population continues to thrive in the Big Sky State, with the majority of the population living in the southwest portion. Almost all the hunts available to non-residents offer the potential to harvest a 9″+ billy. This is steep, rough country so be prepared both physically and mentally. Montana issues more non-resident goat tags than any other state.
If a Shiras moose is on your bucket list, you need to be applying in Montana. Despite the fact that the moose population continues to decline, Montana still offers one of the highest allocations of moose tags in the West. When you draw the tag, be prepared to hunt long and hard, as moose densities are low. However, for those who can give it 10 days, harvest rates are near 100%.
Anyone serious about hunting a moose, sheep, or mountain goat should be applying in Montana. The trophy potential for all three species is excellent. Despite the high demand for a limited number of tags, Montana offers a very fair drawing system. For every year you apply and are unsuccessful, you get a bonus point. Points are then squared plus 1. For example: 5 bonus points would be 5 x 5 + 1 = 26 names in the hat. This type of point system makes it possible to draw the first year you apply, but your odds continue to greatly increase each year. If you are still on the fence about applying for one or all three of these tags, consider this: Montana is one of the cheapest states to apply in for the three species.
Contact a WTA TAGS consultant today to discuss putting your name in the hat for one, two, or all three of these amazing tags. Remember, the May 1 deadline to apply is quickly approaching, so call 800-755-8247 today.
