Montana question

[Martinhunter]

I'm looking into going over to Montana in November for muley's but I'm brand new at the out of state hunting. I'm getting ready to put in for the General deer combo app, does this tag allow for me to hunt anywhere in the state that is NOT special draw? Is all I need is a general tag? Also will I get the 597$ back if I don't draw? And if I don't draw will there be surplus tags to buy later and how will I know when tags go on sale over the counter? Thanks for any tips you can give me. I know these are some pretty rookie questions but I'm all new to the out of state stuff.

[Stein]

Yes, with a deer tag you can shoot any legal deer in any unit (white tail or mule) during any season (not like WA obviously).  The regs are pretty clear about what deer are legal with the general permit.

Don't worry, for $597, they won't run out of nonres deer tags in the draw.

Not sure when surplus tags go on sale.

You also need the conservation license but I think that is included with the cost increase this year.  It used to be $10 if I remember right.

[Martinhunter]

Ok cool, thanks for the info.
 So when I pay the 597$ is that the permit I'm putting in for or just the license or are they combined? I'm confused obviously. I've heard there's a application as well is that just the part where I gave my info?

[Stein]

Ok cool, thanks for the info.
 So when I pay the 597$ is that the permit I'm putting in for or just the license or are they combined? I'm confused obviously. I've heard there's a application as well is that just the part where I gave my info?

You put in for a draw and pay the full amount.  The draw has been 100% because they charge too much.  Montana doesn't really have a hunting "license" like WA does.

You also get a fishing license for free which is awesome since standing in a river in October/November is so sweet.

[Martinhunter]

Got it!!

[Karl Blanchard]

The draw is not 100% but due to returned tags from the big game combo ' s and such, there are lots of left over tags to be had.  They have sold out every year for the last few years though, so watch the  tag numbers.  If guys were eating them up at $584, I'm pretty certain they are gonna fork out a few more bucks and pay $597.

[Martinhunter]

How does a guy know when it's time to buy surplus tags if there is any? Do they notify you or is it up to me to keep watch for it?

[Karl Blanchard]

I always get an email but it also always pops up on here.  It usually comes up within a few weeks of the draw results if I remember correctly.

[Martinhunter]

Ok, hey thanks guys for the help.

[Martinhunter]

When on the MT fish and wildlife website I got to the point of choosing which permit I want which is the general deer combo, but I noticed there's a general deer in the "featured" tab as well as the "application" tab? Anyone know the difference in the two and which one do I need to purchase? I'm not looking for any special tag just a general deer where I can find some public land a put a muley down.

[bearpaw]

I think you should be in the draw if you want a tag, there may not be leftovers this year unless they get returns. I've noticed an upswing in out of state hunter interest.

[bearpaw]

This map shows which units (darkened) you must apply for a mule deer permit by March 16. The uncolored areas are open for the general licenses.

[badnewskruse]

this will be my first year going to montana and I find it very confusing too. idaho is way more simple to me haha

[Magnum_Willys]

Last Year there were lots of deer tags left in early July but all were gone by late July.

[Martinhunter]

I guess this is my question I'm stuck on.... I'm at the point of selecting which tag I want but there's two seperated general deer combo tags? One is in the "featured" tab and the other is in the 0application" tab. Which one do I choose for a plain old tag?

[bearpaw]

Your bottom photo is the landowner preference choices, you want the general deer combo in the top photo! 

[Martinhunter]

Ok got it, thanks bearpaw!!

[Martinhunter]

So if a guy doesn't draw they get reimbursed right?

[gramps]

Yes, but not 100%.  I haven't went home to hunt in a while, but you get 80 or 90% back.  Antelope, you get all but $25 or so.  it is listed in the regs.

[huntnphool]

When on the MT fish and wildlife website I got to the point of choosing which permit I want which is the general deer combo, but I noticed there's a general deer in the "featured" tab as well as the "application" tab? Anyone know the difference in the two and which one do I need to purchase? I'm not looking for any special tag just a general deer where I can find some public land a put a muley down.

 Keep in mind that if you are successful drawing a permit hunt, that is the only place you can hunt in the state for the entire season.

[deerslyr]

When on the MT fish and wildlife website I got to the point of choosing which permit I want which is the general deer combo, but I noticed there's a general deer in the "featured" tab as well as the "application" tab? Anyone know the difference in the two and which one do I need to purchase? I'm not looking for any special tag just a general deer where I can find some public land a put a muley down.

 Keep in mind that if you are successful drawing a permit hunt, that is the only place you can hunt in the state for the entire season.

I think the majority of eastern mt is better than 90% of the mule deer draw hunts 

[huntnphool]

When on the MT fish and wildlife website I got to the point of choosing which permit I want which is the general deer combo, but I noticed there's a general deer in the "featured" tab as well as the "application" tab? Anyone know the difference in the two and which one do I need to purchase? I'm not looking for any special tag just a general deer where I can find some public land a put a muley down.

 Keep in mind that if you are successful drawing a permit hunt, that is the only place you can hunt in the state for the entire season.

I think the majority of eastern mt is better than 90% of the mule deer draw hunts 

 Agreed!

[Martinhunter]

When on the MT fish and wildlife website I got to the point of choosing which permit I want which is the general deer combo, but I noticed there's a general deer in the "featured" tab as well as the "application" tab? Anyone know the difference in the two and which one do I need to purchase? I'm not looking for any special tag just a general deer where I can find some public land a put a muley down.

 Keep in mind that if you are successful drawing a permit hunt, that is the only place you can hunt in the state for the entire season.

I put in for the general deer combo, which from what I understand allows me to hunt the entire state except for the special permitted areas? Am I correct on that? I sure hope so being that I already put in for it.

[deerslyr]

When on the MT fish and wildlife website I got to the point of choosing which permit I want which is the general deer combo, but I noticed there's a general deer in the "featured" tab as well as the "application" tab? Anyone know the difference in the two and which one do I need to purchase? I'm not looking for any special tag just a general deer where I can find some public land a put a muley down.

 Keep in mind that if you are successful drawing a permit hunt, that is the only place you can hunt in the state for the entire season.

I put in for the general deer combo, which from what I understand allows me to hunt the entire state except for the special permitted areas? Am I correct on that? I sure hope so being that I already put in for it.

Yes, you are correct. You'll have a great time. I guided in Eastern MT last year for mule deer and it was a blast!

[huntnphool]

When on the MT fish and wildlife website I got to the point of choosing which permit I want which is the general deer combo, but I noticed there's a general deer in the "featured" tab as well as the "application" tab? Anyone know the difference in the two and which one do I need to purchase? I'm not looking for any special tag just a general deer where I can find some public land a put a muley down.

 Keep in mind that if you are successful drawing a permit hunt, that is the only place you can hunt in the state for the entire season.

I put in for the general deer combo, which from what I understand allows me to hunt the entire state except for the special permitted areas? Am I correct on that? I sure hope so being that I already put in for it.

 Correct, as deerslyr said, but if you draw a permit you can only hunt that permit area. In your earlier post you asked about permits is why I say that.

[Martinhunter]

When on the MT fish and wildlife website I got to the point of choosing which permit I want which is the general deer combo, but I noticed there's a general deer in the "featured" tab as well as the "application" tab? Anyone know the difference in the two and which one do I need to purchase? I'm not looking for any special tag just a general deer where I can find some public land a put a muley down.

 Keep in mind that if you are successful drawing a permit hunt, that is the only place you can hunt in the state for the entire season.

I put in for the general deer combo, which from what I understand allows me to hunt the entire state except for the special permitted areas? Am I correct on that? I sure hope so being that I already put in for it.

 Correct, as deerslyr said, but if you draw a permit you can only hunt that permit area. In your earlier post you asked about permits is why I say that.

Oh ok I gotcha..... Yeah in my earlier posts I was very confused on what to select for a general tag. Thanks everyone for your help, I can't say how much I love this forum and all the stand up dudes and gals on here. Very thankful for this place. I hope someday I can give back as much as I have recieved from everyone on here who've helped me out numerous times.