Montana Draw Odds
Tag success rates, bonus points, and application deadlines
Montana Draw Odds
View Montana hunting draw odds, bonus point system details, and application deadlines for 7 species.
Montana Draw System
Bonus point system
Bonus points increase your chances of being drawn but do not guarantee selection.
Montana uses bonus points (squared in the draw) for limited permits. General elk/deer available over-the-counter for residents. Non-resident combo license limited to 17,000.
Montana Draw Odds by Species
Based on 2025 draw data
🦌 Elk
| Unit Type | Applicants | Tags | Success Rate | Points Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited | 35,000 | 5,500 | 16% | N/A |
🦌 Mule Deer
| Unit Type | Applicants | Tags | Success Rate | Points Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limited | 28,000 | 4,000 | 14% | N/A |
🦌 Pronghorn Antelope
| Unit Type | Applicants | Tags | Success Rate | Points Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 45,000 | 18,000 | 40% | N/A |
🫎 Moose
| Unit Type | Applicants | Tags | Success Rate | Points Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 55,000 | 700 | 1.3% | 10+ |
🐑 Bighorn Sheep
| Unit Type | Applicants | Tags | Success Rate | Points Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 42,000 | 400 | 1% | 15+ |
🐐 Mountain Goat
| Unit Type | Applicants | Tags | Success Rate | Points Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 22,000 | 350 | 1.6% | 8+ |
🦬 Bison
| Unit Type | Applicants | Tags | Success Rate | Points Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide | 15,000 | 50 | 0.3% | 25+ |
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Montana Draw Information
Point system and application details
- Point System
- Bonus
- Application Deadline
- March 15
- Draw Results
- Mid-April
- Draw Species
- Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn Antelope, Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Bison
- Wildlife Agency
- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
This information is for reference only. Always verify regulations with your state wildlife agency before hunting or fishing.
Last verified: January 2026
Montana Draw Odds by Species
Detailed odds for each species
Montana Draw FAQ
Common questions about Montana hunting draws
What point system does Montana use for hunting draws?
Montana uses a bonus point system. Bonus points increase your chances of being drawn but do not guarantee selection. More points = more entries in the random draw. Montana uses bonus points (squared in the draw) for limited permits. General elk/deer available over-the-counter for residents. Non-resident combo license limited to 17,000.
When is the application deadline for Montana hunting tags?
The Montana draw application deadline is typically March 15. Results are usually posted Mid-April. Always verify dates with the Montana wildlife agency as they can change annually.
What species can I apply for in Montana's draw?
Montana offers draw permits for: Elk, Mule Deer, Pronghorn Antelope, Moose, Bighorn Sheep, Mountain Goat, Bison. Some species like elk and deer may have both general and limited-entry options depending on the unit.
How much do preference/bonus points cost in Montana?
Montana does not charge separately for points. Points are accumulated through application fees.
What are the odds of drawing an elk tag in Montana?
Montana elk draw success rates range from 16% to 16% depending on unit type. Limited units have the best odds at approximately 16%.
Other Draw States
Compare draw odds across states
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Data Sources
- Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (accessed January 29, 2026)
Data verified against official state wildlife agency publications. Data accuracy standards
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