First time Montana applicant

[Stein]

I wouldn't be worried that MT would get too bothered if you hunted on a $1,000 tag instead of the resident tag because you bought it early.

[mburrows]

I was wondering about that. I just got off the phone with fwp. The gal said there is no advantage to applying early. I actually called to see what would happen if I apply as NR, get selected and then became a resident by hunting season. She said she has never been asked that before but said to just go ahead and hunt as a non resident. Sounds right but geez now days you wonder if you can get in trouble for stuff like that.

Make sure you dont have any other state's residents tags for 2019 if you plan on buying Montana resident tags. 

[bornhunter]

I was wondering about that. I just got off the phone with fwp. The gal said there is no advantage to applying early. I actually called to see what would happen if I apply as NR, get selected and then became a resident by hunting season. She said she has never been asked that before but said to just go ahead and hunt as a non resident. Sounds right but geez now days you wonder if you can get in trouble for stuff like that.

Make sure you dont have any other state's residents tags for 2019 if you plan on buying Montana resident tags.

And that may be the problem. I would have to surrender Wa tags I guess.

[mburrows]

That was my issue last year. Would have happily surrendered them but I drew a quality tag.

[bornhunter]

Yes it is six months for residency. That could happen if I find a place soon but it is a long shot. I am starting my search right after the 1st so to find a place, make a deal and close on it most likely would not happen before the season starts. I am paying the NR fees for MT and would like to keep my WA resident tags one more year anyway. If it did happen it will be interesting what WDFW would say???

[mburrows]

I dont think they can say anything. On a side note, I just bought all my Montana sportsman tag (deer, elk, antelope, bear, upland and fishing license) for $100 including elk and deer application fees. If your a resident its pretty cool how affordable it is to hunt in your state.

[Craig]

Just finished putting me and my son in. $1,800 + and that’s with a youth combo price. A lot but worth it. Have a great time every year.

[jstone]

That’s a lot cheaper than what I will pay for Washington and a lot better experience.
I am putting in for deer next week. So how long after March 15th will it take to find out if we draw? It’s probably on here but I can’t read JK

[Mulie87]

I believe the draw results come out mid April

[zackmioli]

if you do not draw the NR license you get refunded the full amount and not just the 80% like when turning back a tag correct?

[SteelheadTed]

If it's your first time I wouldn't mess with the draw hunts.  Put in for deer, elk or both and just go hunt.  Montana is set up for general seasons, there are only a few really good draw elk hunts and they are near impossible to draw.  Tons of ground open during the general seasons.

Agreed with this and also spend the cash to get the preference point. That way, if you don't draw a general tag this year, you are almost guaranteed to draw next year

Don't you receive a preference point if you aren't drawn?

[cougforester]

If it's your first time I wouldn't mess with the draw hunts.  Put in for deer, elk or both and just go hunt.  Montana is set up for general seasons, there are only a few really good draw elk hunts and they are near impossible to draw.  Tons of ground open during the general seasons.

Agreed with this and also spend the cash to get the preference point. That way, if you don't draw a general tag this year, you are almost guaranteed to draw next year

Don't you receive a preference point if you aren't drawn?

Not automatically. Have to select the preference point option and pay 50 bucks.

[vandeman17]

if you do not draw the NR license you get refunded the full amount and not just the 80% like when turning back a tag correct?

Yes, minus your application fee or any points you buy. The 80% is if you draw general, not special and turn the tag back in

[KB88]

just applied for my first time NR mt deer combo.  I worked there for a couple years so am familiar with a half dozen areas. Only had time to waterfowl hunt before...hopefully I get the tag!

[jstone]

Me and a buddy will be putting in as a group. And we are going to apply online. We will not be together when we do it. Once I apply as a group do I get a group number so he can add that onto his application?