MT Mulies in 301 & Lic Info

[cheeseheadinOHIO]

A friend recently purchased a house near Bozeman and lives in the Gallatin NF. This is in unit 301. He invited me to hunt there. He does not hunt and is not familiar with regulations. I just started reading MT license info. Looks like they have a point system. Can I buy points only and not enter drawing? If I draw a general deer license, can I hunt any unit? Don't see any info on points required to draw. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

 

[lostinOregon]

1. No you can't just purchase points, you have to put in the draw and add 20 bucks. If you pay the 20 bucks and unsuccessful, you get the point.

2. If you draw a deer license you can hunt in almost every unit, there are a few limited entry areas, but far fewer than in most states. I'm not sure about unit 301 as I hunt on the east side.

3. There is no set number of points required to draw a tag, if you have 0 points and putting in for the first time you have 1 chance, you gain a chance for every year unsuccesful that you buy a point. Sometimes guys draw without points and some have a painfully long time between tags.

The odds of a NR deer tag is about 12% with no points, the odds of the NR deer/elk combo with no points is about 60%, unfortunately the deadline was March 15 and the draws are complete.

 

[cheeseheadinOHIO]

Thanks for the reply.
? If you have 3 points and you get 3 chances for the draw, and you do not draw, do you get 4 next year, assuming you bought points? In other words, you don't lose your points if you do not draw, correct?
I suppose your draw odds being better but the combo cost over $300 more. I guess I have to decide if that money is worth better odds, whether I hunt elk or not.
Thanks and good hunting.

 

[lostinOregon]

If you have 3 points you would have 4 chances in the draw, 3 for the points and one for the new application. You don't loose your points unless you draw. I buy the deer/elk combo so I have a better chance, I drew again this year and it is the 4th year in a row. I seem to be lucky in MT's draw but no other. I pay the extra 300 because I have a place to hunt and I get to see my best friend. Good luck whatever you decide and send me a PM if you have any questions.


Rich