Preference Points vs. Bonus Points - Confused

WITUfan · Feb 23, 2012

According to the G & F website, I can now purchase a preference point in Montana without applying for a license. As I would like to come there to hunt deer and elk in the future and would like to draw a good unit in which to do so, I would like to be in on the ground floor on preference points. However, I can't seem to exactly wrap my mind around how the draw works. Specifically, what is the difference between the new preference points and the old bonus points?

I'm sorry if this is a dumb question, I just haven't figured this out.

Thanks for any help.

30Hart · Feb 24, 2012

The preference points are just for the general licenses...the elk/deer combo, elk, and deer general licenses. For the limited special areas bonus points are it.

WITUfan · Feb 24, 2012

So, is there something I am missing? It looks easy enough to draw a regulare combination license there wouldn't be any major advantage to accumulating lots of preference points. Having lots of bonus points to get a hunt or area I would like is another matter . . .

hatrick · Feb 24, 2012

You got it. Preference points help you draw the general nonres elk/deer combo tag. Yes, you probably wont need any or more than one preference point to draw the tag..... When you then draw the tag that is when bonus points come in handy to help draw a good unit instead of the general areas.