This may be a stupid question but; is there anyway I can just buy a preference point and not apply for the lottery for bighorns? I'm not ready for the hunt yet, and I just want to build preference points until I am ready to go hunt. I can't seem to find any information regarding this. Granted I know the odds are slim even if you put in for the lottery. But I don't want to apply for the lottery, then by some miracle draw a tag, and not be able to hunt. I just want to buy preference points, is this possible in MT?

Thanks All.

To apply for a bonus point you must apply for that particular animal and a specific hunting zone. MTG

But does that still mean I'm applying for the actually lottery too? Or am I just getting the bonus point? Are the bonus points transferable among hunting units?

My understanding is no.




Travis

As I understand it the points are for then animal not a certain area. And as has been mentioned you have to apply for the tag in order to get the bonus point.

Thanks for the clarification guys. Guess I'll wait until I'm out of college to start applying.

If you "plan" on hunting a Montana bighorn ram you should start now. I have been applying since I was in college, 37 years ago, and haven't been drawn.

The system in Montana is not like Colorado's or some other states, where with a certain number of points you're guaranteed a tag. Each year's additional points only provide more chances in the drawing. It's like buying more lottery tickets, not like moving closer to the front of the line.

Bad idea. You can always go to school, but if you draw a Bighorn, I would put school off a semester and go hunting...

Just put in for one of the Breaks tags. You will have less than a .5% chance of drawing. If for some reason the stars align and you draw a tag, skip a semester of school and go hunting. College will still be there next year, another chance at a Breaks Bighorn won't.

+1... I know a guy who's doing that...grin

Tanner

Thanks for the insight fellas....you all are most certainly correct. College will be there....the chance at a BC Bighorn would not be if everything aligned.

As a non resident, can you apply for a unit that isn't offering a NR tag? Not exactly sure how it works, but seems like that might be a loophole to do it.

No you cannot. The online application process only lists the units with NR tags available. I just use the Breaks units as my default point accumulating options. Now if I could just figure out similar ones for Mtn Goat and Moose...

Put in for the breaks unit as prairie goat suggested and go for it. If you draw, which is difficult at best, do the hunt. Your points will accumulate and you will get most of your $$ back. You will not get the application fee returned. OR....you could put in for one of the unlimited areas and go for that hunt. There are draw backs to the unlimited areas. Read the online regulations for these areas. You are a young guy, put in for the points. Go for it! This ain't no dress rehearsal, you go this way but once! And..there ain't no ATM machines in hell! MTG

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