How Montana Hunters Move Up The Line After A Tough Draw Year

Hunters who sat out the 2026 license drawings now have a chance to get back in the mix. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has opened sales for preference points and bonus points, tools many rely on to build toward a future hunt.

For nonresident combination licenses, preference points remain the primary way applicants improve their standing. Those who consistently buy points and apply each year gradually move closer to the front of the line. Even so, not every license is awarded strictly by point totals. A share is still set aside for a random drawing, giving newcomers or those without points at least some opportunity. Hunters should also keep track of their status, as points are wiped out after drawing a license or skipping applications in back-to-back years.

Bonus points come into play for other species and work differently. Instead of determining order, they simply increase the number of chances a hunter has in a drawing. Each additional point means another entry, similar to putting extra tickets into a hat. The approach can improve odds over time, but it does not guarantee a license, even for long-time applicants.

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Hunters can purchase points through the agency’s online licensing service, at approved vendors across the state or by visiting regional offices that sell licenses. Most of those offices are open during standard weekday hours, though closures can occur around holidays, so checking ahead is recommended.