I don't know Montana's regulations or details about their draw. If it's not a true preference point and just another chance in the draw, then it's entirely possible that it's just "luck"
But, I have preference points now in several states and all of them are requiring more and more points to draw every year.
Hunting is not what it once was. When my dad started hunting they went west for muleys, antelope and elk several times. All over the counter and always had good hunts. Access to private land, otc tags, landowners inviting them to come onto the property year after year. It's a totally different world now certainly.
If you're just looking for a fun hunt look into otc cow elk hunts on public land. Still tags available and decent chance of success. And I guarantee you'll have fun.
-Jake