MT Non Resident Deer Tag Process

[BirdsNBucks]

I was fortunate to cross paths with a great landowner while on an antelope hunt this year. After several hours of chatting the rancher and his son invited myself and my hunting partner back for a future deer rifle hunt.

I was just wondering what steps I need to take to obtain a deer tag in unit 705.

So far my research has led me to believe that I need to apply for a deer combination tag and if selected apply for a class a deer tag for the specific unit. I am aware that this will most likely take a few years to get a tag. That time just allows for a few more antelope hunts and some more meet and greet with the rancher.

Any more info would be appreciated.

 

[belly-deep]

I think 705 is a general unit, so only have to draw a NR deer tag. The application is due March 15, I think, and you have 10-15% draw odds.

 

[drahthaar]

I think your draw odds go way up if you apply for the deer/elk combo instead of the deer only. Just a thought.

 

[Gerald Martin]

Birdsandbucks- You've got two options. You can apply for a deer combo license with draw odds @10-15% and a cost of around $375. Or you can apply for a deer/elk combo with draw odds @ 50% and a cost of around $650. With the deer/elk combo you could hunt deer on your rancher buddy's ranch on your "A" tag. You could also hunt elk in any general hunting unit across the state.

Either application is due by March 15. There is also a June 1 deadline to draw for permits which allows those successful in the general draw to draw for limited entry units.

 

[Greg V]

I have been hunting deer in 705 for over twenty years now, I love the place. Despite what people say, there are some great bucks in that area. Also, a guy can take either a Mule Deer or a Whitetail.

The last time I drew a deer combo was in 2005, it is a tough one to get, so this year I applied for the elk/deer combo and got it. Of any state, it's still the best deal going for non-residets. Where else can you get an elk and deer tag, along with season fishing and upland birds for that price.

Also, many people don't know it, but you can shoot a cow elk in 705 with a general tag, as long as you are NOT on Nat'l Forest land. Now the chances of that are not great, but my friend who lives out there has seen them on BLM and private land, far from the Nat'l Forest.

Take Care, Greg V

 

[Nemont]

If you want to really up your chances and only apply for a deer tag you could have the landowner sponsor you. There are couple of thousand landowner sponsored deer A NR tags available. The caveat is that you are required to hunt deer only on that landowners private deeded land. If the best hunting is on his land you and you want increase your odds of drawing have him look into sponsoring you.

He will need to fill out the paper work and get legal descriptions to Helena. Call the FWP if you want all the details.

Nemont

 

[BirdsNBucks]

Just checked my Drawing Status and we were drawn this year. I'm a little confused about my next step. Do I have to apply for a limited draw or do I have a General Class A tag with my successful draw? We are still intending on hunting 705. I can't seem to find a listing of zones covered with the General Class A tag. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Big Fin]

Congrats. You now have a General A tag, and can hunt deer in any unit that, except those few that have limited entry deer hunts. 705 is a General unit.

Good luck.

 

[BirdsNBucks]

Thanks Randy, pumped for the hunt!!! Big fan of the show!!!

 

[poormanslam]

I am going for the "Glory tag" in the controlled hunt draw.

 

[huntRme]

I think your draw odds go way up if you apply for the deer/elk combo instead of the deer only. Just a thought.

That is true. But you gotta drain your bank account these days to afford the fee.

Since I'm really a deer hunter I apply for the deer/elk combo and then, if picked, put in for a cow (meat) tag.

 

[huntRme]

Birdsandbucks- you can apply for a deer/elk combo with draw odds @ 50% and a cost of around $650. With the deer/elk combo you could hunt deer on your rancher buddy's ranch on your "A" tag. You could also hunt elk in any general hunting unit across the state.

Either application is due by March 15. There is also a June 1 deadline to draw for permits which allows those successful in the general draw to draw for limited entry units.

The price used to be $643. Now its like $913. Too rich for me this year.

 

[mtmiller]

The price used to be $643.

Like in 2009...when he wrote the post.