I've seen on other posts many questions on the Montana alternant list. I thought I would share some info I learned last year from the Licensing office in Helena. I didn't draw last year but was able to get a license through the alternant list. I think you have to draw somewhere around 150 or below to get the deer only and somewhere below 250-350 to get the deer/elk combo. These numbers change every year depending on how many licenses are returned.
There are two alternant lists. a deer/elk combo list and a deer combo list. Preference will be given to those who applied in the original draw and didn't get drawn. With that said, anyone can put there name on one or the other list (you cant put yourself on both). If you applied for a deer/elk license then you will need to make sure you are on that list for the alternant list. And the same with the deer license only. Chances of drawing a license on the alternant list are close to zero if you didn't originally apply for any license at all, or if you put your name on the alternant list for a combo license that you didn't originally apply for. For example, if you applied for the deer/elk combo and didn't draw and then put yourself on the deer only combo alternant list you will not get a tag until all of the unsuccessful deer combo only people get a license. and the list never goes that deep.
You can only apply separately. No parties. This can make it hard because if you didn't draw with all of your buddies in the general draw and you all put on the alternant lists there is a good chance some will get it and some wont. This can make it hard for planning purposes. Also plan on not knowing if you will get a license or not until late August and some people wont get the call until after the hunting season is underway. They sell them off of the list as they are returned. The main big group will get notified in August. This is because anyone can return there license for (I think) 80% refund up until August.
