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. The system, known as a bonus point system came into effect in the spring of 2001, and replaced the tiered preference system that was in place for the nonresident big game combination licenses. Starting in 2001 the bonus point system was used for the nonresident combination licenses, and resident and nonresident moose, sheep, and goat applications. In 2003 the department phased the bonus point system into the special deer and elk permits, deer "B", antelope, and swan license drawings. The bonus point system is participation based, and applicants must indicate on the application that they wish to participate, as well as pay a participation fee.
For every year an applicant applies for a license, participates in the system, and is unsuccessful in the drawing, they will earn one point. This bonus point will basically place the applicants name in the drawing an additional time the next year that the applicant applies for a license and participates in the system, thus giving them two chances at drawing that particular license. The system does not guarantee a license to the applicants with the most bonus points, however it does guarantee every applicant will have at least one opportunity in the drawing.
Some of the benefits to the bonus point system are: applicants with varying numbers of bonus points may still apply as a party (for species that allow party applications), applicants may skip up to two years of participating without losing the points they have accumulated, applicants may choose whether or not to use their bonus points, and first-time applicants still have a chance to draw a license. One disadvantage with the new system is that it does not guarantee anyone a license, which makes it difficult for individuals to plan their hunts in advance.
Check your bonus points status.
