Montana Elk Hunting Application Summary

Draw Deadline

General License Non-resident Big Game Elk/Deer Combination applications due by……….March 15, 2011
Includes a conservation, state lands, deer A, and elk license and authorizes fishing and hunting of upland game birds. Applications can be made online (https://app.mt.gov/Als/Index) or by hardcopy which must be postmarked by the due date.

Results available…………………May

Fees

Fees required at application
Non-refundable Application Fee…………………………………………………..$5
Non-refundable Hunting Access Enhancement Fee………………………….$10
General Big Game Combination (Elk/Deer) Hunting License fee*………..$897 (non-resident)
* Initative-161 revised the laws related to nonresident big game and deer hunting licenses. It abolishes outfitter-sponsored nonresident big game and deer combination licenses, replacing the 5,500 outfitter-sponsored big game licenses with 5,500 additional general nonresident big game licenses. It also increases the nonresident big game combination license fee to $897 (includes the $15 in non-refundable fees). If applying for an elk license only, the cost is $812, which includes the $15 in non-refundable fees).

Points

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks uses a unique approach to providing all applicants at least one opportunity at drawing a license, while still giving those individuals who have been unsuccessful in the past a chance to increase their odds of drawing a license in the future. For every year an applicant applies for a license, participates in the system, and is unsuccessful in the drawing, they will earn one point. The bonus point system in Montana is voluntary. You must indicate on the application that you wish to participate, and pay the $20 participation fee. The only way to earn a bonus point is to apply for a license, pay the $20 participation fee, and be unsuccessful in the drawing.

Purchasing a Bonus Point Only

In Montana, you cannot receive a bonus point without applying for a license.

Non-Resident Permit Allocations

16,500 Non-resident Big Game Elk/Deer Combination Licenses are available. The draw odds are about 50% for those without a bonus point with the odds increasing with each point accumulated.

Hunt Choices

The Deer and Elk licenses issued as part of a General Combination license are valid throughout the state. However, some areas of the state have restrictions and limitations. Applicants intending to hunt in a limited district must go through a second application process for a special permit. Applications are available the beginning of April 2011 and must be postmarked by June 1, 2011. Nonresidents must hold a big game combination license to apply for a permit.

Hunter Education Requirements

If you were born after January 1, 1985, you are required to show proof of completing a Montana hunter safety and education course or an approved hunter safety course from any other state or province prior to applying for or purchasing a hunting license, whether the hunting license is for the rifle or archery season.

To purchase a Montana bow and arrow license, a hunter must provide a certificate of completing the National Bowhunter Education Foundation course, or provide any prior year’s bowhunting archery stamp, tag, permit, or license from any state or province. If you can no longer produce this license, for a $5 fee you may sign an affidavit stating that you previously held such a license. The affidavit is available at all FWP License Providers. The affidavit entitles you to purchase a current year’s Montana bow and arrow license.

Group Applications

Montana allows friends and family to apply for licenses as a party. Up to five hunters can apply together for the Non-Resident Big Game Combo License. Party members may have different numbers of bonus points, but all members must participate in the bonus point system for the party to be able to earn or use bonus points. Party applications with differing bonus point participation will be split up. The number of bonus points applicable to a group of applicants who are applying as a party, is the total number of bonus points held by the members of the party, divided by the number of applicants in the group, rounded to the nearest whole number. For example, if hunter A has three bonus points, and hunter B has zero bonus points—and they apply together as a group—their bonus points are averaged (1.5) and rounded up to two.