Montana Elk

[RyeGuy74]

I was wondering when the application deadline for Non-resident elk application was? And we're trying to plan a trip for a few years out but we're both trying to get bull tags, does anyone have a strategy that would help us improve the odds of both getting bull tags?

 

[Mainewoods]

If you don’t plan on hunting for a few years, then just buy preference points. The MT website is pretty good place for information.
http://fwp.mt.gov/news/newsReleases/hunting/nr_2808.html

 

[Roughwater]

"I was wondering when the application deadline for Non-resident elk application was? And we're trying to plan a trip for a few years out but we're both trying to get bull tags, does anyone have a strategy that would help us improve the odds of both getting bull tags?"

It didn't look like anyone completely answered your question so I'll try. The newest deadline is April 1st. See link: ( https://www.gohunt.com/read/INSIDER/alert-montana-changes-2020-deer-elk-application-deadline ). Best way, someone else mentioned is to buy some bonus points or preference points. If the general Elk or Elk/Deer combo tag suits your needs and all members of your hunt sign up as a group you have a great shot at getting 2020 Bull Elk tags or just buy some bonus/preference points this year and up your odds to 100% chance next year. See link: ( https://www.backcountrychronicles.com/non-resident-elk-hunt-montana/ ).

 

[RyeGuy74]

"I was wondering when the application deadline for Non-resident elk application was? And we're trying to plan a trip for a few years out but we're both trying to get bull tags, does anyone have a strategy that would help us improve the odds of both getting bull tags?"

It didn't look like anyone completely answered your question so I'll try. The newest deadline is April 1st. See link: ( https://www.gohunt.com/read/INSIDER/alert-montana-changes-2020-deer-elk-application-deadline ). Best way, someone else mentioned is to buy some bonus points or preference points. If the general Elk or Elk/Deer combo tag suits your needs and all members of your hunt sign up as a group you have a great shot at getting 2020 Bull Elk tags or just buy some bonus/preference points this year and up your odds to 100% chance next year. See link: ( https://www.backcountrychronicles.com/non-resident-elk-hunt-montana/ ).

I know this is going to make me sound incredibly stupid but what is the difference between general elk and elk/deer combo? Also, what's the difference between us applying as individuals vs as a group? Thank you for your help!

 

[gregt9146]

General elk/deer combo is a elk and a deer tag for any open general unit.
General Elk is just that an General elk tag open in any general unit

If there is more than 1 of you apply as a group so if 1 of you draw you all draw

 

[8andcounting]

General elk/deer combo is a elk and a deer tag for any open general unit.
General Elk is just that an General elk tag open in any general unit

If there is more than 1 of you apply as a group so if 1 of you draw you all draw

Yes but if you apply as a group let’s say 3 you don’t go in pool 3 times you go in once . You get assigned a party app number and if that number gets drawn all 3 get a tag if it don’t all 3 are sol. In our group we apply separate and those that dont draw just get cow tags or doe tags

 

[Roughwater]

I know this is going to make me sound incredibly stupid but what is the difference between general elk and elk/deer combo? Also, what's the difference between us applying as individuals vs as a group? Thank you for your help!

Montana's general season units are many all across the state. They offer 17000 tags to Non-Residents for the general season hunt. You have to enter the general draw to get one of those tags. If you apply and get one you can hunt in any or all of the general season units. You have the option of applying for a Elk or Elk and Deer combo. The combo of course cost more. If you apply for and draw the Elk/Deer combo you can hunt both Deer and ELK at the same time in the same season and in the same unit if you wish. You can hunt Archery and if not successful hunt during Rifle too a little later in the season on the same tag. But you can take only one Elk on the general tag. If you want to hunt one of the SPECIAL units if I understand correctly you still have to enter the draw for a General tag but at the same time you have to also put in for a Special tag. If you don't end up drawing a General Tag then you become disqualified to receive the SPECIAL tag so you are SOL at that point in time. But if you do draw the General tag it gives you a chance to draw a special tag. But I believe bonus and preference points count toward the Special draw and the more points you have the higher your odds of drawing are. Randy explains it much better than I can: