Im lost

Hello there I am a NM resident and I would like to plan an archery elk or deer hunt in Montana within the next few years. Looking at the season dates and hunt codes I am unable to figure out which ones are archery only hunts. I can see where it shows the odds of the 1st choice apps drawing a tag but I see nothing that shows how many points you need per hunt. I am on a budget and I am not looking for a premier hunt. Truth is I have never been to Montana and I would love to get up there with a tag. I am not looking for an outfitter, strictly DIY and partially solo. So obvious I am not looking for a unit that requires a 1k foot ascent to get to where the animals are at. I am just looking for an opportunity to get to Montana and pursue an elk or deer.

What I am asking from anyone willing to help is to help me navigate to the information I need. Where do I find a list to show how many points you need to draw a hunt, and how can I tell which hunts are archery only? if anyone has a recommendation on a unit that only requires a few points but is feasible to hunt on your own. Any info given will be greatly appreciated as well. If anyone has questions about hunting elk in NM id gladly share info as well. Thank you.

LAST EDITED ON Dec-31-16 AT 09:37AM (MST)[p]We'll start simple. You aren't the first to have issues with our regs believe me. You don't need "points" to draw a hunt. We do have areas where tags are limited, but if you purchase a deer/elk combo, you can hunt virtually the whole state with out any special tag/permit. Narrowing down where you would like to hunt will help. Our "points" in Montana are bonus points. Essentially just another chance in the hat, not a preference. mtmuley

Ah, thank you very much!

The best way to go is find an area to hunt. Then you can determine if drawing a permit is required. If so, and you don't draw, there are lots of general areas to pick from. There has been leftover deer/elk combos after the draw the last few years, but this year they did sell out. mtmuley

Thanks for the advice! I got about three years to plan this, hopefully I'll get a trip in up there before that

Lots of BLM, state & block management don't hung up on one spot.