Is there MT otc deer tags?

[Tbob]

So I was thinking about doing a Colorado solo mulie rifle hunt, but then started thinking MT is a much shorter drive from Western WA. Are there any otc mule deer tags in MT? I have zero points. Or are there any easy to draw units in MT? I’ve never shot a Mule deer and really want to. I figure MT or Colorado are my best chances.  Any ideas or advise on MT solo rifle mule deer for a first timer? I’ll call the Montana FnG when I get home, but I’m currently in Vietnam with no cell service and dreaming about next years hunts already! Thanks for any info! Trying to get a game plan together now.

[Hot Lunch]

Montana is a draw. You will need to apply by March 15. Colorado is also a draw and some areas will have left over tags if you do not draw.

[Stein]

There are "OTC" tags, but you have to have been born in Montana and have relatives still there.  The other nonresident tags are all draw.  It is like WA, if you draw the deer license you can hunt the general tag as well as putting in for a special draw.  Unlike WA, you have plenty of good to awesome options on the general tag.  The general tags either don't sell out or just sell out, so your odds would be pretty good on drawing one.

[MADMAX]

I am seriously considering it myself
I have wasted too much time and money hunting in WA and the last 5 years has been the worst I have ever seen
I see plenty of deer and nice ones, usually on private land.

[vandeman17]

You just have to apply for a general combo tag. If you draw, there are tons of general units you can hunt that are just as good if not better than many of our "quality" units. It is a spendy tag but well worth it.

[MADMAX]

any info on where to concentrate efforts on GMU # wise ?
flying blind here

[87samurai]

Tagging for info. I'm planning on my first Montana trip next year as well. The way I understand it is that you put in for a draw as a non resident but there are usually left over tags? From the little research I've done it seems like the 700 region is where I'll be looking into.

[FWilliams]

Tagging for info. I'm planning on my first Montana trip next year as well. The way I understand it is that you put in for a draw as a non resident but there are usually left over tags? From the little research I've done it seems like the 700 region is where I'll be looking into.

last year was the first year in a long time where there were no leftover tags. when I talked to them I was told that their was close to a thousand more applicants than tags, I only expect it to be worse next year with all of the interest on hunting forums from first timers wanting to go there. I would not count on being able to purchase a left over tag next year.

[vandeman17]

From this year going forward, I am betting that the tag allotment will be filled from the draw and there will be no leftover deer only or deer elk combo tags. There are generally left over elk tags but that is because guys, such as myself, put in for the deer/elk combo along with an elk permit unit and choose to have my elk tag returned if I don't draw. Those tags go back into the system but sell out very quickly.

As for where to go, Montana has a good hunt planner app on their website. It is pretty user friendly and can give you guys a good starting point.

[Stein]

A problem moving forward will continue to be price.  They pushed through a pretty steep increase and within 2 years the tags sold out again.  This will give the state motivation to continue raising their prices as every time they try even small increases the residents practically burn them at the stake.

There is more than enough opportunity, but do your homework and be prepared to hunt hard.  It isn't like walking into Yellowstone, it is still hunting.  If all you want is the first legal deer I wouldn't worry too much, but most people don't want to hand an expensive tag on a spike.

There are a few other things to consider like grizzly bears - some don't mind an others want to stay away from the ranges where they are, not a big deal but something to consider.

There is also a huge variety of terrain from steep & deep to rolling hills and flat prairie.

Finally, if you are camping or want more amenities like a hotel, check that out as towns are fewer and smaller and things will book quickly.

[Skyvalhunter]

Walking into Yellowstone is no where near what it used to be so a better analogy would be like shooting fish in a bucket.

[87samurai]

Does Montana allow you to apply as a group?

[vandeman17]

Does Montana allow you to apply as a group?

Yes up to 5

[dune]

Keep your eyes opens they may put out a bunch more tags due to chronic wasting

[Tbob]

So when applying for a MT rifle deer tag,  Do you have to select a region or is the tag state wide?