Tag Types & Associated Points Systems
Montana has multiple elk and deer tag types, with somewhat different processes between them. At it’s most simple form, Montana offers General tags, Limited-Quota tags, and Limited-Quota “B” tags.
Montana General Tags
General tags, as the name implies, are the most basic form of tag. These allow the holders to hunt in a large number of units in the state, which are typically lower demand units than the limited quota ones. For Montana residents, these tags are available over the counter for elk and deer.
Montana Nonresident Combination Tags
For nonresidents, general deer and elk tags are available as part of the Combination Licenses options. There are three combination license options to nonresident: Elk Combo, Deer Combo, and Big Game Combo (both deer and elk). Each of these also includes a season fishing license and upland bird license.
Montana Preference Points System and Combination Tag Draw
Nonresident combination tags have an associated preference point system. However, it is not a straight preference point system which awards to only highest point holders. Rather, the Montana system awards 75% of the tags to holders with maximum points, then awards the remaining 25% of tags to applicants with zero points. This arrangement can actually result in better odds with zero points than 1 points, and in recent years has. Preference point s can be purchased at the time of the draw and used immediately. Applicants can also purchase a preference point separately later in the year through the preference point purchase window, however they are only eligible for this if they did not apply for the license through the draw. Below are some additional key changes for the 2024 application season:
- Accumulated preference points will be used during the current drawing whether you purchase an additional preference point or not.
- Any accumulated preference points are lost if the applicant does not apply for a nonresident combination license in consecutive years, or if you are successful at obtaining a combination license. This means you cannot simply accumulate preference points in the points purchase window only. If you purchase in the points window, you need to apply in the following year or you will lose your points.
- No one may hold more than 3 preference points.
- Outfitter clients are eligible to purchase second preference point for an additional $100 at the time of application. Licenses issued using this point are only valid for hunting with an outfitter.
2023 Combination Tag Odds
Below are the odds for Combination tags in 2023. Note that Elk Combo and Big Game Combo odds are part of the same odds grouping.
