Montana Elk Draw
Contributors to this thread:Elk
From: Buyse
17-Apr-17
If I'm not mistaken, the Montana elk draw results are out this week. With any luck, today or tomorrow. Luck everyone!
From: Bigdan
17-Apr-17
Nothing as of 2:30pm
From: Daff
17-Apr-17
nothing for me at 7:30 eastern.
From: Chief 419
17-Apr-17
I've got three bonus points going into the draw for Unit 410. Hoping this is my year.
From: Smtn10PT
18-Apr-17
hopefully today!
From: Chief 419
18-Apr-17
The Montana draw has started. Good luck!
From: CDogger
18-Apr-17
Looks like they haven't started the special permit process yet. General license is drawn as of now.
From: baz777
18-Apr-17
Wow..shocked that my brother and I didn't draw the General big game combo tag...
From: jwoods
18-Apr-17
Have a big day of hitting the refresh button ahead of me today......
From: Geno
18-Apr-17
Our group drew the license, still waiting on the permit but if we don't get drawn for that we will just hunt a general area.
From: pav
18-Apr-17
At first glance, I thought mine said Not Successful for the 2017 General - Big Game Combo,but what's listed above (not below) is the result.
baz777 - Is your Big Game Combo listed UNDER the Not Successful? Like Scoot said, this would be the first time in a LONG time those tags did not go under subscribed in the draw.
From: Aubs8
18-Apr-17
What does this mean?
Pending
2017 deer permit
- 270-50 was your 1st choice
2017 elk permit
- 270-45 was your 1st choice
Successful
You do not have any successfully drawn licenses/permits for drawings finalized so far in 2017.
Not Successful
2017 GENERAL - BIG GAME COMBO
From: NoWiser
18-Apr-17
Aubs, did you ask for a refund if you did not draw? Mine looks similar to yours, minus the deer permit. I did ask for a refund.
From: Jason Stafford
18-Apr-17
You are correct Pat.
From: grossklw
18-Apr-17
Mine also has same as PAV, but for combo elk only (only wanted the elk tag).
From: Aubs8
18-Apr-17
I hope so! :)
From: Aubs8
18-Apr-17
Is it possible for me to draw the Elk Permit and not draw the General Big Game Combo License?
From: baz777
18-Apr-17
Mine is below Unsuccessful looking like I didn't get a tag..Shocked and kinda bummed..lol
From: Chief 419
18-Apr-17
Last year, my draw status changed throughout the day. Don't get depressed yet. It's not over.
From: smurph
18-Apr-17
drew general big game combo. like others. pending on the permit.
From: herdbulll
18-Apr-17
Baz777, under items held did you have an archery tag? I had to purchase a $10 tag to be entered into the drawing.
From: jwoods
18-Apr-17
I think it would be near impossible to be unsuccessful on the combo if there wasn't an error on the app.
From: baz777
18-Apr-17
herdbull, Yessir I made sure to have the archery license
From: HUNT MAN
18-Apr-17
Nothing moving yet for us residents! Hunt
From: bigswivle
18-Apr-17
Successful on combo, draw results still pending
From: Buyse
18-Apr-17
My bonus points change before anything in "pending" shows successful or unsuccessful. It also seems like nonresident results come up before residents.
From: Steve Leffler
18-Apr-17
Successful Big Game Combo. Cant wait for Sept in Montana!
From: Rickm
18-Apr-17
Got the general, special is still pending.
I too would be shocked if the general was not 100%. It would be the first time in years.
From: JH
18-Apr-17
Maybe the new archery record bull caused an increase in apps. But I would also be surprised if their was more apps than tags. Mine says successful on combo too.
From: Straight Shooter
18-Apr-17
Our group of five did not draw the General big game combo, first time in over 24 years if that is right.
0 years if that is right.
From: Mule Power
18-Apr-17
Derek.... just got off the horn with MT F&G. She said the permit draw process has not yet been completed so you should try back in 2 or 3 days.
She added that the Big Game Combo licenses (deer and elk) did in fact sell out this year however the elk only did NOT. So if you find out you didn't draw that Big Game Combo you should get your elk only app in asap if you want to hunt.
From: Buyse
18-Apr-17
Well thanks Mule. Now what am I suppose to do with every free second in the workday? Ha. Let's be honest. I'll keep checking....
From: Brijake
18-Apr-17
So the special permit drawing will be tomorrow?
From: Timbrhuntr
18-Apr-17
Not elk but deer combo says unsuccessful :(
From: tadams
18-Apr-17
I am a non resident. It says successful on general elk combo. Still waiting on limited archery permit. Did i screw this up and apply for two seperate things, or do you need the elk combo to hunt when u get drawn on limited entry? First time applying and only looking for the limited archery unit.
From: tadams
18-Apr-17
I am a non resident. It says successful on general elk combo. Still waiting on limited archery permit. Did i screw this up and apply for two seperate things, or do you need the elk combo to hunt when u get drawn on limited entry? First time applying and only looking for the limited archery unit.
From: Brijake
18-Apr-17
tadams, no screw up. You did it correct. Gotta have the general first, then the archery.
From: test1
18-Apr-17
Don't feel bad. I find Montana's process extremely confusing. I'm still not sure I did it right.
From: Daff
18-Apr-17
Tadams, you have to have the combo to draw the limited entry. So you can hunt anything with a general season unit at this point. The limited entry permit is good for a specific unit doesn't look like anyone is getting results on limited entry yet. Good luck!
From: Chief 419
18-Apr-17
I'm successful on the big game combo. Just waiting for my limited permit. Hopefully they'll end the suspense tomorrow.
From: tadams
18-Apr-17
Thanks guys!
From: Buyse
18-Apr-17
They couldn't make it any more confusing and I am a resident. I have wondered if other States have simplified the process.....? I only hunt Montana.
From: Gerald Martin
18-Apr-17
Got a friend that applied for the elk only combo. Was unsuccessful. Don't know how that works if the elk only combo was undersold.
From: Hunter42
18-Apr-17
Buddy had 3 points for 621 and did not draw the combo. Sad day
From: Bigdan
18-Apr-17
Montana is easy for me but I have been doing it for 30 + years But I don't under stand anyone not drawing a Elk Combo or an Elk deer Combo before they raised the tag fees it happened but this is new to me. I have my Elk and deer tags in pocket Just waiting to draw my Limited permit. as long as I apply for my unit as a first pick its been a 100% for me. Maybe its not a sure thing any more.
From: Bigdan
18-Apr-17
If you don't have a combo in hand you can't draw a limited permit
From: badlander
18-Apr-17
Just a quick scan of this post it sure looks like a lot of unsuccessful draws? Even if the number of applicants did finally exceed available tags I can't imagine it was by too many?
My hunting partner didn't draw either, he called FWP and was told the draws were not 100% finalized and to check back by Friday? Makes me wonder if there was a glitch in the system?
I got mine, but right now it's looking like I'll be packing my elk out alone unless he can get a turn in tag or pull a B tag at least?! Ish.
From: badlander
18-Apr-17
...
From: pav
19-Apr-17
Does sound like alot of folks failed to draw the previously under subscribed Big Game Combo tag. Seems very strange....and maybe there was a glitch? Someone mentioned the archery permit...which might have tripped up a few people? Another mentioned he new world record Montana elk could have generated more apps? Is there any chance MT F&G issued fewer Big Game Combos due to deer mortality over the winter? Saw such an announcement for Colorado deer....but didn't see anything for Montana?
From: Pyrannah
19-Apr-17
my buddies group of four did not draw big game combo tag...
From: 0hndycp
19-Apr-17
Montana issuing fewer non resident combo permits, now that's funny!!! That would mean they actually made a logical decision based on something besides $$$$
From: Steve Leffler
19-Apr-17
Wow. Sorry for all who didn't draw. Seems like from our small sample size a very significant number of people did not draw. They either cut the tags significantly or a big increase in apps. One question. What happens to the general tags for all the people who dont get their special tag and opt to turn their general tag back in?
From: Timbrhuntr
19-Apr-17
Funny thing is when I applied the DNR employee laughed and said don't worry its just a formality its pretty much 100 percent for the general tag. Best thing is I have a suprise invite to a spot with tons of mule deer that the landowner does not hunt and won't allow anyone else to hunt but I no tag. Wah wah !
From: LKH
19-Apr-17
I think it's early for punching the panic button. I put in for the NR elk combo and am listed as successful. I have a permit pending. If unsuccessful I will get the refund and my tag will become available.
In mid September I will buy my resident deer and elk tags.
I think a bunch of you will be given the opportunity to buy a tag after the draw. Seems like a funny way to do things.
From: NoWiser
19-Apr-17
I think many "unsuccessfuls" will change when permits aren't drawn. I'm hoping my unsuccessful status will result in a greater refund for me.
From: Brijake
19-Apr-17
Yesterday I was successful on elk combo, now it says unsuccessful on elk combo.
From: bigswivle
19-Apr-17
Mine says the same. Unsuccessful now, successful yesterday
From: Brijake
19-Apr-17
Wonder if it says that because we drew the elk combo but were unsuccessful on the special permit.
From: Chief 419
19-Apr-17
My draw status changed multiple times last year before the draw was finalized. Yesterday, I was showing successful on the combo. No changes yet. Still pending on the limited permit.
From: ELKMAN
19-Apr-17
More ineptitude from the MFWP... (big surprise)
From: jwoods
19-Apr-17
Mine has stayed "successful" on the elk combo. Permit is still pending.
From: Mike Lawrence
19-Apr-17
I was successful in drawing the big game combo.
There are 17,000 elk/deer combos available. last year i think there were ~450 leftovers. it would seem if they did sell out it would have been only by a couple of hundred applications over the 17,000, which would mean a successful drawing rate of ~99%. The limited sample size we have in this thread seems to show that to be much, much lower.
From: pop-r
19-Apr-17
That point is gonna become crucial it appears! I haven't even checked but I'm certain I'm gonna draw! Lol what a feeling! :)
From: LKH
19-Apr-17
Okay, They changed me to unsuccessful on the elk, changed my son from successful on the elk/deer to "deer retained" and unsuccessful on the elk.
Still lists both our permit apps as pending, but I'm sure it's done and they haven't got finished correcting the permits.
From: Aubs8
19-Apr-17
Still showing Unsuccessful on General Combo.
However the following was added under Pending: "2017 general big game combo (released) "
From: Carnage2011
19-Apr-17
I'm assuming that those of you that are seeing your results change to unsuccessful asked for a refund if you didn't draw a permit?? Perhaps the elk draw is taking place and you were unsuccessful drawing a permit.
From: herdbulll
19-Apr-17
I asked for a refund. My status went from big game combo successful to unsuccessful. I still hold a bow and arrow license though.
From: JH
19-Apr-17
Bad deal for guys that didn't put in for a point and didn't draw now they will be in the same boat next year with no points. I wouldn't think it mattered for this drawing if you didn't put in for a point because no one should of had one from last year for the combo tag.
From: Pyrannah
19-Apr-17
u can buy a point this summer i think?
From: Chief 419
19-Apr-17
I also asked for a refund and my status went from successful to unsuccessful on the big game combo. I'm still pending on the permit though.
I'm curious as to how many bonus points you guys had going into the draw? I had (and still have) three points going in.
From: JH
19-Apr-17
Pyrannah that is for b tags I think those points are different.
From: jwoods
19-Apr-17
I had 1 point going into the draw. I requested a refund if I didn't get the area permit. Mine showed "successful" on the elk combo tag yesterday........and stayed that way until just now, when it went to "unsuccessful"
From: Straight Shooter
19-Apr-17
Aubs8, we are also pending, so there is still hope. 2nd time around?
From: sbschindler
19-Apr-17
It appears to me the Russians have hacked the system and it is all fouled up
From: LKH
19-Apr-17
Just got off the phone with MT licensing. Basically, nothing is done yet and you can't rely on anything you have received so far. I pointed out the sadistic result of what's been happening and I don't think it will happen next year.
Nothing will be firm until Friday.
From: test1
19-Apr-17
Ridiculous
From: 808bowhunter
19-Apr-17
If I applied for an archery tag, do I need an archery license before the drawing? If I didn't have one, would it affect me drawing the tag?
From: Hunter42
19-Apr-17
Hopefully we all know Friday. Been hunting MT for 36 years and have never seen anything this messed up. Good Luck to all.
From: pop-r
19-Apr-17
808 you can buy it whenever. 42 what exactly is "messed up?"
From: Carnage2011
19-Apr-17
808 yes you would need to have it prior to applying. Your app will be thrown out if you didn't purchase it before the draw.
From: Hoyt59
19-Apr-17
Ditto what LKH said. I talked with Licensing today too and they told me the same thing which was not to rely on the website results yet. Nothing is final until Friday.
From: Bigdan
19-Apr-17
You had to have a bow tag in hand to draw any archery tag it just started this year no bow tag no limited archery permit.
From: JH
19-Apr-17
The permit wasn't updated right away last year too. If yours went to unsuccessful I wouldn't count on a permit. Ours did that last year before permits were updated and we didn't draw. We will see in the next few days I guess.
From: Brijake
20-Apr-17
What JH said is same for me last year. Was successful, then went unsuccessful since I asked for refund.
From: 808bowhunter
20-Apr-17
I with they would have pointed that out a bit more. I just noticed it today and purchased an archery license. Hopefully it went through in time.
From: Bigdan
20-Apr-17
NEW: If you are applying for an elk permit that is only valid during the Archery Only Season (410-21, 620-21, 63121, 632-21, 690-21, 798-21 or 900-20), you must purchase a bow and arrow license as a prerequisite to apply. Applications for these districts without the bow and arrow license prerequisite will be removed prior to the drawing. If purchasing the bow and arrow license, you must send a copy of your certi? cate 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.
From: Smtn10PT
20-Apr-17
How does it take a period of 4 days to complete a computer generated draw?
From: pav
20-Apr-17
My status has not changed.....successful for general with the LE permit pending.
Did those of you reporting a change from successful to unsuccessful request the automatic general 80% refund if unsuccessful for the LE permit? If so, that could potentially explain the status change? I'm grasping at straws here....guess we'll know for sure soon enough.
From: ELKMAN
20-Apr-17
because their idiots
From: Corn bore
20-Apr-17
No ELKMAN they are government idiots. I think I will check my results Monday .
From: Chief 419
20-Apr-17
pav - That's correct. I requested a refund if I was unsuccessful getting a permit. The computers must be confused if they can figure out if they keep changing our combo status. The roulette wheel is supposed to stop spinning on Friday.
From: That Guy
20-Apr-17
My status has changed three different times in the last two days, and now it says pending on my elk draw permits, and unsuccessful on my Big game combo. I am assuming I didn't draw a permit. This whole process has been misleading starting with the draw odds listed on the the non resident application, since this is clearly marked a non resident application, you would think the draw odds would be inline with what non resident chances. In almost all cases the odds for non residents are less than half of the stated percentage. Seems like false advertising to me, or atleast underhanded, didn't realize I was buying from an infomercial.
From: ELKMAN
20-Apr-17
Core bore: That would be what is known as a pleonasm...
From: Chief 419
20-Apr-17
Now my combo status has changed BACK to successful and the LE permit still pending. It appears that an organized draw process was a completely unreasonable expectation.
From: Bigdan
20-Apr-17
Please Select a License Year: 2017 2016
When you look up your drawing results this will show up before you hit your drawing results
Active Items Held for 2017 License Year
BASE HUNTING LICENSE (03/01/2017 - 02/28/2018)
BOW AND ARROW (03/01/2017 - 02/28/2018)
CONSERVATION LICENSE (03/01/2017 - 02/28/2018)
GENERAL DEER LICENSE (03/01/2017 - 02/28/2018)
GENERAL ELK LICENSE (03/01/2017 - 02/28/2018)
STATE LANDS H/F/T LICENSE (03/01/2017 - 02/28/2018)
UPLAND BIRD SEASON (03/01/2017 - 02/28/2018)
From: badlander
20-Apr-17
Yeah, a guy has to wonder if their system was set up expecting that the tags would outnumber the applicants and now that the opposite occurred the process or at least the output isn't working?
My status has been successful for the big game combo since Tuesday, but I only applied for a general tag. My elk hunting partners has been unsuccessful since day one - I'm sure hoping to see his change here before Friday.
From: Bigdan
20-Apr-17
If the drawing has not taken I would buy my Bow & License Asap I looked up Pats and it shows he has a Archery Permit
From: Mike Lawrence
20-Apr-17
I just saw this on the main FWP page:
"Permit drawing process continues:The drawing for elk permits was restarted today due to a process error. The elk and deer permit drawing process started on Monday with non-resident big game combo licenses. If applicants are successful in the license drawing then they move into elk and/or deer permit drawings, which happens next. The multi-layered drawing process typically takes a few days to complete. Barring any other unforeseen problems, we anticipate that results will be posted online by the end of the week. Thank you for your patience."
From: bigswivle
20-Apr-17
lol big Dan!!! Mine says u have no active items held for 2017. Two days ago I was successful for big game combo and held all kinds of stuff. It's an interesting system to say the least
From: Buyse
20-Apr-17
Shouldn't be this hard!
From: bigswivle
20-Apr-17
Lmao!!! Back to successful on big game combo. Permit still pending
From: CDogger
20-Apr-17
Like others, I've gone from successful to unsuccessful and now back to successful. All the while pending the special permit. At least it's not boring...lol
From: Aubs8
20-Apr-17
Unlike most mine has stayed "unsuccessful" the whole time....Doesn't look good...
I was also told by Fish and Game if one doesn't draw a license in the first drawing, there is no chance of getting a limited permit later....Guess my brother in law is going to owe me big time when he draws his...
From: Big John
20-Apr-17
I didn't even put in, but this is like watching the movie "Groundhog Day" lol. Best of luck to all, I cant wait to see and here about the final out come!!!
From: Chief 419
20-Apr-17
I've gone from successful to unsuccessful, back to successful and now.....back to unsuccessful. The saga continues.
From: That Guy
20-Apr-17
Yep successful, to unsuccessful, to successful, and now back to unsuccessful. I have a feeling they have not fixed the glitch.
From: Jethro
20-Apr-17
I heard a rumor that they keep changing the results back and forth so that this thread can hit 300.
From: bigswivle
20-Apr-17
I just got an email that said I could hunt wherever I wanted to this year!!!!!!!!
From: Straight Shooter
20-Apr-17
I`m still at unsuccessful, has never changed, but is still pending.
From: Carnage2011
20-Apr-17
Starting to see some movement wiTh permits...
From: Aubs8
20-Apr-17
The saga continues.... :) Still says I am unsuccessful with Big Game Combo... hasn't changed...
Under pending, it now again says "2017 General Big Game Combo (Released)"
NEW-The following has been added under "Items Held":
Active Items Held for 2017 License Year
ELK PERMIT (03/01/2017 - 02/28/2018)
Click to request a copy of your non carcass tag license emailed to you.
Note: Replacement of carcass tag licenses must be done at an FWP provider.
From: highmarkX
20-Apr-17
Looks like they are starting on resident elk permits Successful 410-21. Party of 4
From: herdbulll
20-Apr-17
We drew our permit!!
From: Bigdan
20-Apr-17
I drew my breaks tag
From: bigswivle
20-Apr-17
Hell yeah. Me and my buddy drew. 798-21
From: Aubs8
20-Apr-17
Just checked again... Successful for the Elk Permit.... still unsuccessful for the combo license... mule deer permit pending....
From: pav
20-Apr-17
Successful Big Game Combo now has company....successful elk permit for the Breaks.
From: Bigdan
20-Apr-17
My brother my hunting buddy drew archery elk tags my 14 year old granddaughter drew 620-20 breaks gun tag its the first tag she has ever drew. Pav Pat did not draw
From: svrelk
20-Apr-17
2nd choice elk this year...
From: Chief 419
20-Apr-17
The Montana website has crashed. Progress being made!
From: Scrappy
20-Apr-17
Crash everybody can hunt wherever they want.
From: Daff
20-Apr-17
Well it's about time their web sight got with the rest of the program and crashed. I have? had? a big game combo and was hoping for a special permit. Wondering if the news special permits were coming out overwhelmed the server. Good luck
From: Bigdan
20-Apr-17
I got result for 6 different hunters then it went dark
From: Chief 419
20-Apr-17
I struck out again in Unit 410-21. 4 bonus points and counting. I'm going into depression now. Good luck to everyone who drew a permit.
From: svrelk
20-Apr-17
Damnit guys quit hitting refresh.. Deer permits have been posted too and I can't get the resuLts cause you keep crashing the site...
Good luck all,!!
From: Bigdan
20-Apr-17
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
1 hr · .. In the category of “when things can go wrong …” Good news is we’ve got the drawing done for our elk permits. Bad news is our website is down. We apologize for the inconvenience. We’ll post something here on Facebook as soon as the website is back up. Thanks for your passion and your patience
From: Rickm
20-Apr-17
No big deal stuff happens. Hope to see you again in the breaks Dan!
From: Bigdan
20-Apr-17
I think its down for the night
From: Scrappy
21-Apr-17
Web site is back up. I got a elk combo tag but no LE permit.
From: willliamtell
21-Apr-17
Y'all may recall I posted a "best and worst state f&g website" topic in march, in which Mt did not score highly. I shouldn't be too critical - got my license and tag - but as has been repeatedly pointed out above, particularly by Pat who knows this stuff cold, they need to redeo their site. In terms of not drawing, Mt makes no bones that their goal is to match applicants and licenses sold - the classic intersection of the supply and demand curves. If after the dust settles there are substantial numbers of people who didn't draw a license, Mt will simply ratchet up the price until the reduced number of still-interested purchasers can do so. How much that cost that will be is an interesting question - we could looking at a 4-figure cost on a combi license - ouch! I think that we can all agree that if somebody wants to apply purchase a license, they should be able to without the confusion and other gyrations the current system involves. Holding my breath on changes there I am.
From: LKH
21-Apr-17
As much as I want to know as soon as possible, their current system is almost cruel.
By the time I got my son's results, it was the 5th different posting. Until the end, his elk permit was listed as pending. The rest were: 1. Big game combo successful 2. Big game successful, deer retained 3. Big game unsuccessful 4. Big game successful 5. Listing of his licenses, etc, with the permit finally listed as unsuccessfu I think the only thing reasonable for MT FWP to do is to turn off access to the draw outcomes once they start the draw until the entire process is complete.
From: Aubs8
21-Apr-17
Agree with Larry... first time having been in a state draw... wish I had never looked...
In the end, my buddy and I both drew our elk permits.... well, at least as of this morning...
From: Smtn10PT
21-Apr-17
big game combo for me, buddy drew 798-20
From: Rickm
21-Apr-17
Unless they take it away we drew our permit! Back to back breaks tags.
From: Straight Shooter
21-Apr-17
Well` I got my Big game Elk combo, but two other hunters in our party did not. Two others put in for a refund if they did not draw the Breaks permit.{ Big game Elk combo released} has been pending the last few days but I`m not sure why the three of us were not kept as a party for the draw the second time around, we had a party of five to start with? So, I ended up with a combo license by myself!
From: jwoods
21-Apr-17
SS, I believe if applying as a party, everyone in the party has to check the same exact boxes on the app, for example everyone would need to ask for a refund or nobody could ask for a refund.
From: Kat Daddy
21-Apr-17
My brother-in-law drew his elk permit but not the big-game combo? Is that even possible, how can you hunt elk with a permit without an elk tag?
From: LKH
21-Apr-17
You can't. Recheck and if it's still up, call the office. Despite many of the comments we see here, when you talk to them they will help you. You aren't even in the permit draw until you get the elk license. It's one of the reasons things seemed so confusing.
From: pop-r
21-Apr-17
Anybody not draw a general big game combo that applied?
From: Drnaln
21-Apr-17
900-20 for me. Good luck to everyone.
From: baz777
21-Apr-17
pop-r, My brother and I did not draw the Big Game Combo.
From: ND String Puller
21-Apr-17
General tag for me again, probably try a new area to keep it interesting.
From: LKH
21-Apr-17
When I talked to the FWP licensing section they said there were more app's than tags.
From: Kat Daddy
21-Apr-17
From: Kat Daddy
21-Apr-17
So. I suppose something is wrong then
From: Chief 419
21-Apr-17
Lesson learned this year. Give Montana an extra $50 for the preference point. It appears 3 bonus points doesn't do anything to help you in the draw. Maybe before the draw next year, Montana will dream up another fee or stamp to squeeze more money out of hunters. When talking to my outfitter today, he said Montana has never run out of combo licenses before.
From: LKH
21-Apr-17
He's wrong. They went thru a period where there were quite a few who didn't draw, then with the wolves, EHD, etc tags went begging. Now we're back to some not drawing.
From: Creakylimb800
21-Apr-17
I was hoping to pick up a leftover elk combo, since they've apparently been available the last few years. As clear as this all is, I'm thinking that will not be the case this year. Plan B...
From: Brijake
21-Apr-17
So I thought the elk/deer combo sold out, not the elk combo?
From: Daff
21-Apr-17
i can tell you they did in the past when they had the outfitter sponsored licenses they ran out every year. I used to draw every other year most of the time. when they dissolved that program and doubled the price for a big game combo the license became a given and the draw a formality. I haven't wasted the money in the point towards the big game combo for quite a few years. I'm not sure I will now got my breaks permit this year as long as I can build preference towards the limited entry and get my money back if I don't draw a license I may go that route. Just have to wait and see what changes are on the horizon next year. Congratulations to those who got their permits and good luck to all.
From: Hunter42
22-Apr-17
My buddy drew a 620-21 elk permit and no big game combo. I thought you had to draw the elk license before you could draw a special permit. Hopefully he get his 4 points back or they have leftover Elk Combos
From: Aubs8
22-Apr-17
As of Saturday, my deer permit is still "pending"...Anyone else?
From: Fishnhunt
23-Apr-17
I assume if site says active items held you were successful? Had combo tag listed successful and unsuccessful and now listed all combo sub-tags as active items held.
From: Mike the Carpenter
23-Apr-17
I WAS looking forward to hunting in Montana next year (2018). Looks like I might have to come up with a different plan if plan "A" doesn't pan out.
From: Irishman
23-Apr-17
So why is it that people who draw a license, but not a permit, turn their license back in? There are lots of great places to bow-hunt in Montana that don't require a special permit.
From: nmwapiti
23-Apr-17
Irish, for me I already have elk licenses in Wyoming and New Mexico. There are a few areas in Montana I would gladly hunt, but will just take the point rather than statewide this year. After retirement I may be able to hunt three states. For now, I only have so much time off so one to two elk hunts per year is enough.
From: Robear
24-Apr-17
Dave, That is the situation my party is in right now. Did not draw our BGC, but did our LE permit. One of my party talked to Montana friday, and they were working on a resolution.
From: 808bowhunter
24-Apr-17
I didn't draw my special permit and now have a general tag. I didn't ask for a refund in the draw but am curious if I can still turn it back in if I wanted to?
From: LKH
24-Apr-17
Yes you can. I think they will give you 80% refund.
From: ELKMAN
27-Apr-17
There are over 2,000 Elk combos left over as of yesterday. I don't know why anyone would even apply if they just wanted to hunt DIY Gen tag. Just buy your tag when you roll into to camp in September. Side note: Only state in the west that ain't "selling out" of "limited" tag quantities. (Tells you all you need to know)
From: Kat Daddy
27-Apr-17
It's not always all about elk. All the combo (elk and deer) tags sold out. Who wants to spend that much on an elk tag
From: pav
28-Apr-17
"Who wants to spend that much on an elk tag"
If I had failed to draw the Big Game Combo, and my alternative was staying home (Indiana) in September, I would not hesitate to buy the Elk Combo. This is my vacation. I can buy the Elk Combo tag, drive to Montana and hunt elk for three weeks on less $$$ than it costs to take the wife to the beach for a week.
From: grossklw
28-Apr-17
Agree with Pav, do I want to pay that much for an elk tag? I don't think anybody loves paying 850 for an elk tag, but I'm willing to do it if it means I get to chase bulls in Montana for 2 weeks.
