Hunting Montana - Any Advice?

[Whitetail Chaser]

I'm new to the forum..thanks for keeping such a great site up and running!  I'm thinking about submitting an application for a Montana non-resident Deer A Combo license for 2009.  Any advice?  I've already got the link to the application form.  Should I pay the $20.00 for the points option?  Do I have to declare a management unit when apply or can I choose later?  Also, do you suggest sending a money order or a cashier's check (is one better than the other)?  Thanks for any advice you can give me!

[ihunt]

it is just a generel tag you can hunt where you want except permit units.I use a money order. It took me 3 points to draw a deer tag pay the 20.00 dollars it is worth it.montana is fun.

[huntnphool]

Good luck in the draw

[NRA4LIFE]

You pretty much have to buy the preference point.  You're drawing oddds drop dramatically without them.

[BIGBULLBALLS]

If I were you I would go for the deer/elk combo.  A little more money but going for deer only I havent been drawn for 4 years.  With the deer/elk combo you should draw atleast every other year.

[Dmanmastertracker]

If I were you I would go for the deer/elk combo.  A little more money but going for deer only I havent been drawn for 4 years.  With the deer/elk combo you should draw atleast every other year.

 +1

 Pretty much a two year guarentee, if not sooner.

[Roger]

Have been to Montana several times. The first time drew without preference (before the point system) and then everyother year with the point system in the Big Game combo tag. Buy the point. Look at the numbers that apply for the deer combo and the deer/elk combo, a lot better odds.

[CSOUTFITTERS]

Yes, definitely buy the bonus point for $20.  Ive been going to Eastern Mt for 6 years now and its been a blast.   I heard that the deer A license draw is something like 28% with no pts and like 82% for the deer elk combo.  Im sure if you did your research you could find the actual percentages.   Once you get drawn i highly suggest putting in for Montana permit areas.  They have some real quality permit hunts during the rut.  Good Luck

[Roger]

2008 apps.
deer combo 12,364 for 2300 tags 18.6%
Big game combo 19,444 for 11500 tags  59%

[Whitetail Chaser]

Thanks for the great information!  I think I'll apply for the Big Game Combo.  Looks like the chances for a draw are much better.  I appreciate the help.  Thanks also for welcoming me to the forum!

Mark     

[RPM]

goodluck

[270Shooter]

If I am not mistaken you can draw the big game combo lisense and return the elk tag if you want. You won't get all of your money back, but the draw is much easier. I am not sure about this, but I think I read it on their site.

[dbllunger]

Buy the point and put in for the combo.  Many areas hold both deer and elk. Check and make sure as they have quite a few restrictions on Mule Deer with some areas draw/permit only.  White Tails up the cazzu and all over the state in every little draw, bush, or mountain top.

[BuckHunter23]

My friends went to Montana this last year on a party tag, for the Deer/Elk combo.  They said you can expect to get drawn every other year. 

My question is, what are the odds of getting drawn the first year on the combo tag?  Honestly I want to go next year with them, and would hope not to get drawn this year, just put in for the points towards next year.  They already have a full party, and I have another buddy I can put in with.  Would suck if one party got drawn and not the other.

[Ridgerunner]

Just do it!  That's my advice, some really good hunting over there.