A detailed comparison of two premier elk and mule deer destinations
Montana and Wyoming represent the pinnacle of western big game hunting. Both states offer world-class elk, mule deer, and antelope opportunities with vast public lands and storied hunting traditions. However, their licensing costs and draw systems differ significantly - Montana uses bonus points while Wyoming uses preference points with a 75/25 random component. This guide breaks down license costs, draw strategies, public land access, and overall value to help you plan your western hunting future.
Best resident value - tags included in license
Montana residents pay just $26 for a hunting license that INCLUDES deer and elk tags - exceptional value. Non-residents face steep costs at $744-$1,278, but Montana's 30+ million acres of public land and bonus point system provide realistic draw opportunities over time.
Best draw odds with 75/25 preference system
Wyoming's 75/25 draw system means 25% of tags go to random applicants regardless of points - you CAN draw without max points. Non-resident deer at $374 and elk at $692 are expensive but competitive. Wyoming has the world's largest pronghorn population and offers some OTC antelope opportunities.
Different goals call for different destinations. Here are our top recommendations by category.
Best for Residents
Montana's $26 resident license includes deer and elk tags - arguably the best resident value in western hunting. Wyoming residents must purchase each tag separately ($42 deer, $58 elk plus conservation stamp).
View Montana license detailsBest Non-Resident Draw Odds
Wyoming's 75/25 system gives random applicants a 25% chance at tags regardless of points. In Montana's bonus point system, long-time applicants have exponentially better odds, making it harder for newcomers.
View Wyoming license detailsBest for Public Land
Montana has over 30 million acres of public land - more than Wyoming's approximately 19 million acres. Montana's Block Management program also provides free access to enrolled private land.
View Montana license detailsBest for Pronghorn
Wyoming has the world's largest pronghorn population and offers some leftover OTC tags in select units. Montana has pronghorn but in smaller numbers and more limited availability.
View Wyoming license detailsAll the key metrics in one view. Scroll horizontally on mobile to see all columns.
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| MT Montana | Resident Deer | $26 (included) | $42 | Montana |
| MT Montana | Non-Resident Deer | $744+ | $374 | Wyoming |
| MT Montana | Resident Elk | $26 (included) | $58 | Montana |
| MT Montana | Non-Resident Elk | $744-$1,278 | $692 | Depends |
| MT Montana | Point System | Bonus (squared) | Preference (75/25) | Wyoming |
| MT Montana | Public Land | 30M+ acres | ~19M acres | Montana |
| MT Montana | OTC Elk Options | Yes (limited) | Limited | Montana |
| MT Montana | Lose Points If Miss Years? | No | Yes (miss 2 yrs = lose all) | Montana |
In-depth breakdowns of our top recommendations with highlights and considerations.
Montana offers the best resident hunting value in the West - a $26 license includes deer and elk tags. For non-residents, Montana is among the most expensive destinations at $744-$1,278 for big game. However, Montana's 30+ million acres of public land and Block Management program (free access to enrolled private land) provide unmatched DIY hunting opportunities. The bonus point system squares your points, exponentially rewarding patience.
Our Verdict
Montana is a no-brainer for residents - the value is unmatched. For non-residents, Montana requires patience and budget. If you commit to building bonus points for 5-10+ years, Montana delivers world-class opportunities. But expect to pay premium prices.
Wyoming's unique 75/25 draw system provides balanced access - 75% of tags go to max point holders, but 25% go to random applicants regardless of points. This means you CAN draw a premium tag with zero points if luck is on your side. Wyoming hosts the world's largest pronghorn population and offers serious trophy mule deer and elk. Be warned: miss two consecutive application years and you LOSE ALL accumulated points.
Our Verdict
Wyoming offers better draw odds for non-residents willing to take the random 25% chance each year. The use-it-or-lose-it point rule demands commitment - set calendar reminders or risk losing years of investment. For pronghorn specifically, Wyoming is the undisputed king.
Wyoming is generally cheaper for non-residents. Wyoming elk licenses cost $692 plus a $21.50 conservation stamp (~$714 total). Montana ranges from $744 for base license to $1,278 for the Big Game Combo. However, Montana's combo includes deer, which Wyoming charges separately ($374).
Wyoming's 75/25 system offers better short-term odds because 25% of tags go to random applicants regardless of points. Montana's squared bonus point system heavily favors long-time applicants, making it harder for newcomers. However, Montana points never expire, while Wyoming points are lost if you miss two consecutive years.
In Montana, nothing - your bonus points remain intact. In Wyoming, you're safe for one missed year, but miss two consecutive years and you LOSE ALL accumulated preference points. Wyoming's rule makes annual applications critical.
Montana has significantly more public land - over 30 million acres compared to Wyoming's approximately 19 million acres. Montana's Block Management program also provides free access to enrolled private land, further expanding opportunities.
Montana offers some general elk tags available OTC, particularly for archery seasons and less popular units. Wyoming's elk opportunities are almost entirely draw-based, though some leftover tags occasionally become available. Neither state offers the OTC elk access that Colorado provides.
Montana's big game applications are typically due June 1. Wyoming's are due January 31. Wyoming's early deadline in the middle of winter is easy to forget - set calendar reminders to protect your points.
Get detailed information on prices, regulations, and digital license requirements.
Montana wins for residents with its exceptional $26 license that includes deer and elk tags, and for public land hunters with 30+ million acres. Wyoming wins for non-residents seeking better draw odds through the 75/25 system and lower individual license costs. Both states deliver world-class elk, mule deer, and antelope hunting. The key difference: Montana rewards long-term point building while Wyoming gives everyone a random chance each year. For serious western hunters, building points in both states maximizes your lifetime opportunities.
Managing draw applications in multiple western states? Store all your licenses in Hunter Passport and never miss a deadline or forget which states you're building points in.