For many hunters across the country, hunting in Montana is high on the bucket list. Between the vast public land, healthy wildlife populations, and the chance to pursue elk and mule deer in big country, it’s one of the premier big game destinations in the West. But for nonresident hunters, getting a tag isn’t always as simple as buying a license over the counter. Instead, most hunters must go through the state’s big game draw system.
Understanding how the draw works—and how applying with a licensed outfitter can impact your preference points—can help hunters plan their trips more strategically.
How the Montana Big Game Draw Works
Nonresident hunters who want to hunt big game typically apply for a Big Game Combination, Elk Combination, or Deer Combination license through the draw administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.
Because demand is high, these licenses are limited and awarded through a draw each spring. To help manage fairness and reward consistent applicants, Montana uses a preference point system for these combination licenses.
Preference points work like a place in line. Each year a hunter applies but doesn’t draw a license, they can build preference points that improve their chances in future draws. The more points an applicant has, the better their odds compared to someone with fewer points.
Typically, hunters can only purchase one preference point per year, gradually building their chances over time.
The Outfitter Preference Point Option
One lesser-known feature of Montana’s system involves applying with a licensed outfitter. When a hunter applies through an outfitter-sponsored application, the state allows them to purchase an additional preference point during that same application cycle.
In practical terms, that means:
- A hunter applying on their own can gain 1 preference point per year
- A hunter applying with an outfitter can obtain 2 preference points in the same year
This additional point is often referred to as an outfitter preference point. It essentially allows hunters to move through the preference system faster than those applying without an outfitter.
For hunters planning a guided hunt anyway, this option can help them reach competitive drawing odds sooner.
Why Preference Points Matter
In Montana’s system, a large portion of the available licenses are distributed to applicants with the highest preference point totals. That means hunters who consistently apply and build points tend to draw tags more reliably over time.
Because of this structure, gaining two points in one year can be valuable. Instead of slowly building points over multiple seasons, hunters applying with an outfitter can effectively cut down the waiting period to reach stronger drawing odds.
For example, a hunter who wants to plan a Montana elk hunt in the next couple of years may benefit from gaining two points during one application cycle rather than waiting several seasons to build the same total.
Important Considerations
While the outfitter point option can be helpful, it’s important to understand how it works before choosing that route.
Hunters who receive an additional outfitter preference point must plan to hunt with that outfitter if they draw the license through that application. Because of this, the option is best suited for hunters who already intend to book a guided hunt.
Additionally, preference points are tied to the individual hunter and must be maintained by continuing to apply in future years.
Planning Ahead for a Montana Hunt
Whether applying on your own or with an outfitter, understanding how Montana’s draw system works is an important part of planning a successful hunt. Building preference points takes time, but knowing the options available—like the ability to gain two points in one year through an outfitter application—can help hunters develop a smarter strategy.
For those dreaming about chasing elk or mule deer in Montana’s wide-open country, a little planning today can make that hunt happen sooner than expected.
