Hoping to hunt elk in MT in 2025. Checking to see if I understand their pref points correctly (I may not hence the question). To have the best chance of drawing an elk tag as a non-resident I should buy a pref point this yr, apply for license next year and buy a second pref point?
Thank you.

Yes two points normally draws in Montana.

What I gathered from MT FWP is that first year you apply and buy preference point , it still amounts to one point only as points square off thus 1x1 is still 1 so you throw $ 100 away
Call MT and check with them as you have plenty of time anyway
Apply for license this year and year after you more then likely draw, but not 100% guaranteed

If I understand Montana’s system right, preference points are really more like additional lottery tickets than really preference points. You never get to “automatic draw” and even the first time out you can draw and get a tag ahead of someone who has applied for a decade (mostly seen with sheep, but if your luck is good/bad it can happen…)

They put your name in the hat the square of the number of points you have, then draw from that collected pool.

My luck has been really odd there. I think I get an elk tag roughly every third year, antelope every third, and deer like every fourth. Never hit moose, goat, or sheep.

Been trying like 10-12 years.

There is some misinformation being posted here, so please read THIS regarding BONUS and also PREFERENCE POINTS (PP). One squares, one does not. One is zeroed out if you fail to apply for a license after the initial purchase, one does not. One applies to drawing a general license, one applies to drawing a limited entry permit.

You should also read up HERE and HERE to see prior draw results. You may be better off saving money and applying with 0 PP.

Yes, it's going to require taking time to actually read and learn, but you will be better off for it.

Good luck!

Best way to get through the jungle is to call MT FWP offices