Understanding Montana’s Big Game Draw System: A Complete Step-By-Step Guide
Understanding Montana’s Big Game Draw System: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Montana offers some of the best elk and deer hunting in the West, but the draw system can feel confusing—especially for nonresidents. Unlike other states with preference or bonus systems, Montana uses a unique mix of combination licenses, bonus points, and special permit drawings that determine whether you get to hunt a general unit or a limited-entry district.
This guide breaks down the entire process so you can navigate the Montana draw with confidence.
1. The Foundation: Combination Licenses
Before anything else, nonresidents must apply for a general “combination license” through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
For nonresidents, there are three main options:
• Big Game Combo (Deer + Elk)
• Elk Combo
• Deer Combo
These combos give you general unit hunting privileges.
Without one, you cannot apply for any special elk or deer permit.
How the Combo Draw Works
It is allocated first, before special permits.
Historically, odds have hovered around high 70s–90% depending on the year.
You can buy a point in advance to improve your odds.
Montana uses a modified preference point system for these combo licenses—but these points do not help for special permits (more on that later).
2. After Getting a Combo License: Apply for Special Permits
Once your combo license is secured, you can apply for limited-entry units for elk or deer.
Examples include:
Missouri Breaks elk (HD 410)
Boulder River elk (HD 380)
Deer units like HD 270 or HD 260
These draws use bonus points, not preference points.
3. Montana’s Bonus Point System Explained
Montana uses a true bonus point system, meaning:
Points increase your chances, but do not guarantee a tag.
Every applicant enters the draw, but your application goes into the hat multiple times.
Points are squared, so a hunter with 5 points gets 25 chances.
Example
0 points = 1 chance
3 points = 9 chances
7 points = 49 chances
You can build bonus points for:
Elk
Deer
Antelope
Sheep, Goat, Moose (SGM are expensive & hard to draw)
You cannot build bonus points for the nonresident combo; that is a preference point system.
4. General vs. Special Units
General Units
Most elk and deer harvest in Montana comes from general units.
A general elk tag lets you hunt vast portions of the state, including:
Southwest Montana
Much of the western timber units
Several migration and rut areas
Special Permits
These are limited-entry units requiring a draw:
Often offer higher trophy potential
Some require several points to be competitive
Some, like Breaks elk, remain long-shot odds regardless of point count
5. Deadlines You Must Know
March 15
Deer & Elk Nonresident Combination Applications
Elk + Deer Special Permit Applications
April 1
Bonus Point Purchase Deadline for that draw cycle
May 1
Moose, Sheep, Goat draw deadline
Montana is strict—late applications are not accepted.
6. Draw Order: Why It Matters
Understanding Montana’s draw order explains why some people draw a general combo but fail to draw their desired elk permit.
Nonresident Order
Draw nonresident combination licenses
Draw special elk permits
Draw special deer permits
Allocate bonus points to unsuccessful applicants
Remaining nonresident combos go to the alternate list or leftovers
7. Alternate List System
If you don’t draw a combo tag, you can sign up for the nonresident alternate list.
Montana releases leftover or returned combo tags throughout the summer on a first-come-first-served basis.
This is a great backup plan.
8. The “Party Application” System
Montana allows group applications, up to:
5 applicants for deer/elk combos
2 applicants for sheep/goat/moose
How it works:
All party members’ points are averaged.
The entire party is drawn or rejected together.
Party size does not reduce odds—but big parties may not fit into the final remaining tag count at the end of a draw.
9. Landowner Preference & Outfitter Preference
Montana gives additional opportunity through:
Landowner Preference (property owners with qualifying acreage)
Outfitter Preference for nonresidents hunting with a licensed outfitter
These pools have separate tag allocations, improving odds significantly.
10. Common Mistakes Applicants Make
1. Confusing Preference Points with Bonus Points
Preference points only apply to nonresident combos.
2. Not Applying for a Combo Before a Special Permit
No combo = your special permit application is invalid.
3. Forgetting the March 15 deadline
This is the biggest mistake among new hunters.
4. Not Using the Repost/Alternate List
Many great hunts are taken by hunters who were persistent on the alternate list.
11. Tips to Improve Your Montana Draw Odds
Technique #1: Buy a Preference Point Every Summer
This increases your nonresident combo odds.
Technique #2: Build Bonus Points Purposefully
Focus on 1–2 species, not all four.
Technique #3: Apply in “Point Only” years strategically
If you don’t plan to hunt a special unit, save the cost and buy points only.
Technique #4: Consider Outfitter Tags
If you’re planning a guided hunt, your odds improve dramatically.
Final Thoughts
Montana’s big-game draw system is one of the more complex in the West because it blends general hunting access, limited-entry permits, and two separate point systems. But once you understand the flow—combo first, permits second, bonus points squared—the process becomes much more predictable.
Whether you’re chasing rutting bulls in western timber or glassing giant mule deer in open breaks country, success starts with understanding the draw.
