Second year in a row failed to draw SE Montana antelope tags
08-08-2021, 10:46 AM
#1
Spike
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Hartland, Wi
Posts: 8
Second year in a row failed to draw SE Montana antelope tags
I have hunted Montana antelope around Alzeda many times over the years. Always drew a permit at least every other year with no or one PP. For the past 2 years (this year included) my son and I have failed to draw with 1 PP. Anybody know what is going on?
I know it is a random draw and a PP in Montana isn't really a PP but rather an additional name in the hat. Still, sounds like really bad luck or something else is happening. The first year I tried to draw with my son we got tags with no bonus points at all now I can't draw one with one bonus point.
Are the tag numbers down or the applicants up or???
Next question. Anybody have a good idea for an OTC tag for ANY big game that cost less than $1000 and has easy public access and does not have a hunter by every tree?
Ya I know that is asking a lot.
Two years ago we tried archery elk hunting in CO around Yampa but it was a total zoo first week. Never again.
I know it is a random draw and a PP in Montana isn't really a PP but rather an additional name in the hat. Still, sounds like really bad luck or something else is happening. The first year I tried to draw with my son we got tags with no bonus points at all now I can't draw one with one bonus point.
Are the tag numbers down or the applicants up or???
Next question. Anybody have a good idea for an OTC tag for ANY big game that cost less than $1000 and has easy public access and does not have a hunter by every tree?
Ya I know that is asking a lot.
Two years ago we tried archery elk hunting in CO around Yampa but it was a total zoo first week. Never again.
08-08-2021, 12:10 PM
#2
Super Moderator
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Trumbull County, Ohio
Posts: 9,206
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
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
08-09-2021, 07:01 AM
#4
Fork Horn
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Up on the Milk River
Posts: 458
First, if you are applying for antelope tags, you should be purchasing a bonus point , not a preference point. A PP is used in the drawing of elk and, or, deer NR tags. Bonus points are used in the limited entry draws for hunting districts for elk, deer and antelope. Second, with all the money the govt. has thrown out the past 18 months, all western states have seen a big increase in the number of NR apps. Can always move to a state and become a contributing member of that state.....worked out well for me.
