MT Preference pts

[Tdot24]

Curious as to how much you all think the cut of Non-Res tags will affect deer combo odds, have 2 pts this year, in past it’s been 80 pct+ odds, any guesses?

 

[dmandoes]

69.7%

 

[8andcounting]

Curious as to how much you all think the cut of Non-Res tags will affect deer combo odds, have 2 pts this year, in past it’s been 80 pct+ odds, any guesses?

2 has been 100% for years . It will be this year also

 

[typhoon916]

I'll be applying for just the elk combo with just 2 points.

 

[8andcounting]

I'll be applying for just the elk combo with just 2 points.

You’ll be around 90% draw odds guessing

 

[typhoon916]

You’ll be around 90% draw odds guessing

Thanks awesome

 

[Jpoquette]

I have a related question. Sorry if this isn’t the best thread…

I am trying to unravel MT draw system. I watched Randy’s YouTube video. I want to plan a hunt for 2027 based on my schedule, but I don’t want to end up in the 1 point sandwich.

What would you recommend to have the best odds of drawing in 2027?

1. Can I buy a point this year (2026), then buy a point when I apply in 2027 as well, so I can enter with 2 points?

OR

Am I only allowed to buy a point this year (2026), which means I shouldn’t buy a point so I enter with 0 points in 2027?

Thanks for helping me understand this better.

 

[Bryerific]

I have a related question. Sorry if this isn’t the best thread…

I am trying to unravel MT draw system. I watched Randy’s YouTube video. I want to plan a hunt for 2027 based on my schedule, but I don’t want to end up in the 1 point sandwich.

What would you recommend to have the best odds of drawing in 2027?

1. Can I buy a point this year (2026), then buy a point when I apply in 2027 as well, so I can enter with 2 points?

OR

Am I only allowed to buy a point this year (2026), which means I shouldn’t buy a point so I enter with 0 points in 2027?

Thanks for helping me understand this better.

1. Yes, You can buy a preference point this fall and then again going into the the 2027 draw. MT applies the preference point you just bought into the draw, so you’d have 2.

• Nonresident preference point purchase period: July 1 to Dec. 31

 

[Jpoquette]

Thanks, Bryerific!

 

[Kydeerslayer64]

Yes, everything I have read, 2 preferences points should get you in, and if you want to be guaranteed just wait a year and get your 3rd preference point

 

[8andcounting]

Yes, everything I have read, 2 preferences points should get you in, and if you want to be guaranteed just wait a year and get your 3rd preference point

Can’t . You have to apply in year 2 or you lose the pp

 

[jvanhoy]

You’ll be around 90% draw odds guessing

Am I reading it right that someone with 0 points has a 52% chance and 1 point no chance? I’m sure I’m missing something there.

 

[Kydeerslayer64]

Am I reading it right that someone with 0 points has a 52% chance and 1 point no chance? I’m sure I’m missing something there.

No, that is correct. They start the draw with people with 3 points down to 2 points until they fill 75% of the quota the the last 25% comes from people with zero points to one point but starting with zero first which typically fills up the last 25%

 

[Kydeerslayer64]

Can’t . You have to apply in year 2 or you lose the pp

How can you get 3 preferences points if you have to apply in year 2?

 

[Kydeerslayer64]

How can you get 3 preferences points if you have to apply in year 2

How can you get 3 preferences points if you have to apply in year 2?

you will lose your Montana nonresident elk preference points if you do not apply for a combination license (or purchase a point) in consecutive years…so as long as you at least purchase a preference point in consecutive years you do not lose any points

 

[jvanhoy]

Just when I thought WY and CO was confusing