Montana Mule deer

[174in]

Hey guys I plan to take my dad to Montana next year for a mule deer hunt. I am going to buy a point in sept so we are sure to draw in 2013.I realy dont know where to begin in that state for some decent amount of animals to hunt.I was able to bear hunt around glacier last year and saw some deer but the terrain was pretty thick for my likeing and to far to drive for a mule deer hunt when I know I can find some on the eastern half of the state.I plan to hunt a general area unless we are lucky enough to draw something limited. I have hunted eastern wyoming the last 2 years for antelope and deer are scarice,is this the way eastern montana is? I didnt see much on HWY 2 when I went out to glaceir but it was dark and raining most of the way. Would you guys recommend north or south of hwy 2? As I understand there isnt much for big tracts of blm on the eastern side of the state but there is some HMA or walkin areas are they any good to hunt or will they be crowded.

 

[mdunc8]

I'm not positive, but I don't think you can buy points in Montana. I would worry about it either way as there should be plenty of tags given how things have shaped up the last two years. In my limited experience, I'd say stick to the SE corner of the state. I haven't had a chance to check out my areas after the fires this summer, but they'll probably be hunting great in the next few years.

 

[mixedbag]

Alot of block management in the eastern side of Mt.And, though deer numbers were down last year,I had plenty of opportunity before tagging out.Don't think you can buy points now.Your thinking of Wy.

 

[174in]

Thanks guys.From what I read last year they allowed Non res to buy a preferance point and I called out there yesterday to figure out how to do it online. The guy on the other end said I had to print out the paper form and mail it in with a $50.00 money order or casheir check.He did say they created some left overs this year so I assume they will have them next year also but I will spend the money on the point just to be sure to draw a tag. Unlike Wy the way I understood is that you must apply for a tag every other year or you would lose your points and they are not like bonus points for the limited areas so it isnt the greatest system around but it is something better than applying and wondering if you will draw the tag.

 

[mixedbag]

Thanks for reminding me, I have to enter for a LE hunt next year so I don't lose any points.Is the point your talking about for the combo tag only??I thought I remembered them sending me something about that last year,but with left overs, didn't make sense to give them an extra $50.If I can buy a point to be used for le hunts, then the $50 is well worth it
Not sure I'm reading your post right,and I'm tired

 

[174in]

I think its for the combo tags only not for sure though its all confusing.I would think you would need to by BONUS points for the LE hunt but dont quote me on that.I am far from a genius when it comes to Montanas system.

 

[El Jason]

MT now offers preference points for the NR combo drawings. This is not the same as the bonus points for the LE licenses.

See link, scroll down to Preference Points.

http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/nonresidentCombo.html

You can buy preference points for the combos, but cannot just buy bonus points for the LE hunts.