Montana Preference points

[Brushbuster]

I applied for the deer\elk combo & didn't buy a point so going with the zero group this yr.  Hoping we all get lucky! 

[hunter399]

For those that applied, did you go with a preference point or not? I am doing my app today and likely will not buy a point. Trying to decide if I apply for an elk permit with my 6 bonus points or not as well

This was my question- how many people didn’t buy a preference point? I was thinking the odds in zero point pool would go way down as a lot more people wouldn’t buy points that ordinarily do. It might be good as separate thread with a poll? Anyways I put me and my son in as a group and we didn’t buy a point but ordinarily we always buy the point.  If we don’t draw I can get the come home to hunt most likely as a surplus but put in with him since this a hunt we traditionally do together, he can only get the adult non res tag or nothing. I’m not sure if I would do the hunt without him. Who all didn’t buy a point? The odds in the low point pool were pretty well publicized everywhere so I’m thinking a lot of people opted out

Heck I even known about the point thing ,and I don't even hunt out of Washington.
Well publicized might be an understatement.

[vandeman17]

For those that applied, did you go with a preference point or not? I am doing my app today and likely will not buy a point. Trying to decide if I apply for an elk permit with my 6 bonus points or not as well

This was my question- how many people didn’t buy a preference point? I was thinking the odds in zero point pool would go way down as a lot more people wouldn’t buy points that ordinarily do. It might be good as separate thread with a poll? Anyways I put me and my son in as a group and we didn’t buy a point but ordinarily we always buy the point.  If we don’t draw I can get the come home to hunt most likely as a surplus but put in with him since this a hunt we traditionally do together, he can only get the adult non res tag or nothing. I’m not sure if I would do the hunt without him. Who all didn’t buy a point? The odds in the low point pool were pretty well publicized everywhere so I’m thinking a lot of people opted out

I have talked to a few guys who are on the train of thought that if they don’t draw this year and buy a point, they should draw next year when they buy another. That was my dilemma as well because if we don’t draw, we will be in this same position next year too.

[idaho guy]

For those that applied, did you go with a preference point or not? I am doing my app today and likely will not buy a point. Trying to decide if I apply for an elk permit with my 6 bonus points or not as well

This was my question- how many people didn’t buy a preference point? I was thinking the odds in zero point pool would go way down as a lot more people wouldn’t buy points that ordinarily do. It might be good as separate thread with a poll? Anyways I put me and my son in as a group and we didn’t buy a point but ordinarily we always buy the point.  If we don’t draw I can get the come home to hunt most likely as a surplus but put in with him since this a hunt we traditionally do together, he can only get the adult non res tag or nothing. I’m not sure if I would do the hunt without him. Who all didn’t buy a point? The odds in the low point pool were pretty well publicized everywhere so I’m thinking a lot of people opted out

 
I have talked to a few guys who are on the train of thought that if they don’t draw this year and buy a point, they should draw next year when they buy another. That was my dilemma as well because if we don’t draw, we will be in this same position next year too.

   

Exactly my thinking ha ha. That’s why I put in almost last day. I could see it becoming a perpetual decision forever. Gamble or go for guaranteed tags every other or even 3rd year. Quite a few people didn’t draw last year and bought a point this year so they will go in with 3 points in 2023

[Wingin it]

I rolled the dice and went in with no points this year. I had the same thoughts in terms of being in the same spot next year and possibly putting myself further behind in the points game. The outfitter preference really throws a wrench in things, at least in the short term. I also think the flagging economy may play a roll in the next couple years. It could mean less people competing for tags.

[Wolfdog2314]

I’ll have two total in the deer draw this year. So many variables. Won’t know until we know!

[MADMAX]

 
Wherever you go, their you are

[dilleytech]

Man this not being able to just buy points thing sucks. I bought my first montana point for the wife and myself last year, planned on buying a point this year. Then hunt 2023. I guess not. I won’t be donating money to montana anymore. If I think I want to hunt in 2023 I’ll just put in for the 0 point pool. Is the idea to get less out of state applicants? What did this new points system fix exactly?

[blackveltbowhunter]

I put in with preference point.  I drew combo last year, so I basically assume barring something crazy I wont draw. Current trend, I would realistically plan to hunt 2024, trying to draw with 3. This year i have a couple deer hunts planned and will likely take a year off from the major elk hunts i have done for the 15+ years. Next year I should clear my wyo elk pool, and have deer hunts planned already. Buying a point gives me options, for the next couple years, i can just apply for a point in '23, then (hopefully) plan to hunt '24.

   In theory it should keep those who just want a chance to draw, out of the pool with those who are making plans to hunt in the future. Whether it works that way or not remains to be seen. If you want to free play with no guarantee go no preference, if you want to mix in other hunts in-between years in montana i think the preference point game may be for you.

[dreamingbig]

For those that applied, did you go with a preference point or not? I am doing my app today and likely will not buy a point. Trying to decide if I apply for an elk permit with my 6 bonus points or not as well

This was my question- how many people didn’t buy a preference point? I was thinking the odds in zero point pool would go way down as a lot more people wouldn’t buy points that ordinarily do. It might be good as separate thread with a poll? Anyways I put me and my son in as a group and we didn’t buy a point but ordinarily we always buy the point.  If we don’t draw I can get the come home to hunt most likely as a surplus but put in with him since this a hunt we traditionally do together, he can only get the adult non res tag or nothing. I’m not sure if I would do the hunt without him. Who all didn’t buy a point? The odds in the low point pool were pretty well publicized everywhere so I’m thinking a lot of people opted out

The odds at 1 point were going to be the worst.  0 points the best option of you couldn’t get to the two point level or more.  Next year 1 point might be better than zero.


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[CarbonHunter]

Is there any word on the street yet of how many people entered the Montana draw?  Last year there was a record number of applicants, curious if the trend is continuing.

[JakeLand]

I’m going reverse thinking I put in with a preference point

[bugs n bones]

I did too

[vandeman17]

At least we will know months before wa draw results are out. That is always nice

[MADMAX]

Heck we will know before you can put in a special permit