MT Preference pts

From the regs. I think some of these changes are relatively new (couple of years old). If you are buying a PP just wait until they go on sale (July), then apply next year and buy the second so you have two. These rule looks like in the PP system you have to be locked in to applying in two or three consecutive years, otherwise they reset you to zero PP. Hundreds of $ and I doubt you even get a 'thank you'.

Screenshot 2026-03-21 at 9.05.32 AM.png
 
From the regs. I think some of these changes are relatively new (couple of years old). If you are buying a PP just wait until they go on sale (July), then apply next year and buy the second so you have two. These rule looks like in the PP system you have to be locked in to applying in two or three consecutive years, otherwise they reset you to zero PP. Hundreds of $ and I doubt you even get a 'thank you'.

View attachment 404388
Exactly, if you have a preference point now, as long as you purchase a preference point when it opens in July you don’t lose your current point
 
Exactly, if you have a preference point now, as long as you purchase a preference point when it opens in July you don’t lose your current point
That is not how I read this sentence. The word "apply" is the key here. I would like to confirm because this is the position I am in. I have one point, don't want to apply this year because of other commitments. It looks like I lose that point I have and best I could do is buy another point in the purchase period, and then another before next years draw. I would, and will, call FWP to confirm, but it seems pretty clear.

A person who currently holds one or more preference points does not apply for a Nonresident Combination License in the next available drawing.
 
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
Incorrect . You have to apply the second year or gone .
 
Exactly, if you have a preference point now, as long as you purchase a preference point when it opens in July you don’t lose your current point
No . If bought one last year without applying , have to apply this year or will be gone can’t just buy another one this year
 
The department shall delete a person's
accumulated preference points if: - A person is successful in drawing a
Nonresident Combination License. - A person who currently holds one or more preference points does not apply for a Nonresident Combination
License in the next available drawing.
 
No . If bought one last year without applying , have to apply this year or will be gone can’t just buy another one this year
Montana is such a trick bag…so with that noted, I can not purchase a preference point and just go into the drawing with one point and not get drawn and I won’t lose my points or purchase another point and put in for a special permit area as well, then if not selected for my special permit area and I don’t elect to hunt my general license, request my refund and start the game over again next year with zero points…this makes my head hurt!
 
Montana is such a trick bag…so with that noted, I can not purchase a preference point and just go into the drawing with one point and not get drawn and I won’t lose my points or purchase another point and put in for a special permit area as well, then if not selected for my special permit area and I don’t elect to hunt my general license, request my refund and start the game over again next year with zero points…this makes my head hurt!
You’re confusing yourself and me . Let’s start over . Do you have any points right now today ? Which tag are you applying for the gen deer combo ?
 
You’re confusing yourself and me . Let’s start over . Do you have any points right now today ? Which tag are you applying for the gen deer combo ?
I have one bonus and one preference point currently and was going to apply for the general license and the special permit areas
 
Ok so you’ll have 2 pp and should draw the elk combo . Are you keeping it when denied LE? Otherwise if you don’t keep it you will lose your pp’s cuz you drew . Worst case you don’t draw there’ll combo you’ll have 3 pp next year and be a shoe in .
 
Ok so you’ll have 2 pp and should draw the elk combo . Are you keeping it when denied LE? Otherwise if you don’t keep it you will lose your pp’s cuz you drew . Worst case you don’t draw there’ll combo you’ll have 3 pp next year and be a shoe in .
Got it, thanks
 
That is not how I read this sentence. The word "apply" is the key here. I would like to confirm because this is the position I am in. I have one point, don't want to apply this year because of other commitments. It looks like I lose that point I have and best I could do is buy another point in the purchase period, and then another before next years draw. I would, and will, call FWP to confirm, but it seems pretty clear.

A person who currently holds one or more preference points does not apply for a Nonresident Combination License in the next available drawingt's 0% odds with 1 point so you just have to spend the app/base license fee to keep your point.

I have one bonus and one preference point currently and was going to apply for the general license and the special permit areas
Did you buy your points last fall?
 
Did you buy your points last fall?
2025 application period. Don’t ask. I would swear I didn’t check that PP box. That point is the literal definition of a sunk cost. My donation to keeping prices low for Rs. If I choose not to apply this year I can just buy a 2026 pt and then next year buy a 2027 pt and get same odds.
 
2025 application period. Don’t ask. I would swear I didn’t check that PP box. That point is the literal definition of a sunk cost. My donation to keeping prices low for Rs. If I choose not to apply this year I can just buy a 2026 pt and then next year buy a 2027 pt and get same odds.
Yeah or apply without getting another point this spring so you have 0% odds with 1 point, then buy 2026 point in fall and another on spring 2027 and have 3. Don't know if it's worth it with app fees, base license, cc fees etc.
 
Yeah or apply without getting another point this spring so you have 0% odds with 1 point, then buy 2026 point in fall and another on spring 2027 and have 3. Don't know if it's worth it with app fees, base license, cc fees etc.
Can’t do that ….. if you apply you can’t buy a point later that year have to do it at app time
 
Yeah or apply without getting another point this spring so you have 0% odds with 1 point, then buy 2026 point in fall and another on spring 2027 and have 3. Don't know if it's worth it with app fees, base license, cc fees etc.
Good point, sort of. I was told by FWP a couple of years ago that I only get one chance per year to buy a point - when I apply or the July-Dec if I don't. But your idea of applying without buying another PP might save me the $100.
 

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