Montana Sheep, Moose, Goat, Bison: an Overview

If you are not applying in Montana for the big three, you should be. The Big Sky Country now has the cheapest application fees in the West for Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep, Shiras moose, Rocky Mountain goat and bison. Recent changes to the application process means nonresidents no longer have to front $750 per species. For the new price of $50 per species you can get in the game and start building points. If you apply for sheep, moose and mountain goat it will now cost you $150 (plus $10 for a conservation license and $20 for a bonus point) when two years ago you had to front $2,250. Everyone can now afford to apply and build points in Montana. If that isn't enough to entice you, Montana is also the only state where you can buy an over-the-counter "unlimited" bighorn sheep license. Only five areas are available for this special sheep license and quotas are very limited and often close in the first week of the season. These unlimited hunts are very rugged, sheep numbers are exremely low and this hunt should not be taken lightly.

Montana is widely known as the land of the giant bighorns. Each year a handful of giant rams come out of Montana, making this a state that should be on everyone’s hunting list. The Big Sky Country is also home to great moose and mountain goat hunting. Montana’s mountain goat population is one of the largest in the lower 48, but the moose population is on a slight decline with licenses being cut once again.

Odds are slim for sheep, moose, goat and bison licenses in Montana and there are two things you need to remember when applying for these species in any Western state:

1.) The best way to ensure you will never draw is to not apply.

2.) The only way to improve your odds of drawing a tag in any Western state is to apply and get your name in the hat.

Here is what you need to know about the draw for sheep, moose, mountain goat and bison in the Big Sky state. You can apply online here.

Why Montana for Bighorn Sheep in 2015

In 2014, 489 bighorn sheep licenses were given out in the special drawing. 356 rams and 133 ewe tags. Of those 356 ram licenses, only seven were awarded to nonresidents. Of the 133 ewe licenses, only seven were awarded to nonresidents. With that said, be prepared to apply for a long time if you want to draw a bighorn license in Montana. Although draw odds are slim, do not overlook Montana; the odds for a Boone and Crockett ram are some of the highest you will find in the US and Canada.

Why Montana for Shiras Moose in 2015

Moose populations are not what they once were in Montana. Disease and wolves have both taken their toll on local herds. While that is the trend blanketing the west, Montana is still a great state to apply for. Montana may not be a top producer of B&C class bulls, but hunters should be able to find some 40" wide bull if you put your time in. Most hunters should wait and hunt the bulls during the early October rut. This will be your best chance at locating and calling bulls.

Why Montana for Mountain Goat in 2015

Montana is the number one destination when it comes to trophy-sized mountain goats in the lower 48 states and currently ranks number three in North America right behind British Columbia and Alaska, respectively. Although Montana has historically been a top producer for quality goats, over the past ten years it has started to slip and now sits behind Utah and is barely ahead of Nevada. In 2014, Montana had a quota of 282 either sex mountain goat licenses. 257 of those licenses went to residents and 25 went to nonresidents. That is more than any other state in the west. Mountain goats are found in some of the most rugged terrain Montana has to offer. Couple that with lots of licenses and you see why Montana could be the state where you draw your lower 48 goat license.

Why Montana for Bison in 2015

The opportunity to hunt free ranging bison is very rare. Montana provides a great chance at taking a true icon of the west. Licenses are very limited and success is largely dependent on heavy snowfall that will push bison out of Yellowstone National Park. The number of applicants fluctuates yearly. In 2012, 7,834 people applied for 34 either sex bison licenses and in 2013, 10,132 people applied for 44 either sex bison licenses.

General Herd Conditions:

Bighorn sheepSeveral herds of bighorn sheep are hurting because of a large pneumonia outbreak. Recently, Montana closed Hunting District 305 due to a giant bout of pneumonia and to quarantine the herds affected. Hunters should keep this in mind when applying and be sure to research areas ahead of time.

MooseFWP has cut the number of moose-hunting permits by 41% over the past eight years. Since 2007, the number of available permits has dropped from 616 to 365 and FWP has proposed to make even fewer permits available in 2015.

Mountain goatPopulations of mountain goats in Montana are exploding. In some areas FWP officials are struggling to keep the populations in check due to overpopulation.

BisonNumbers of huntable bison are all based on weather conditions. License numbers are low, but if you draw, hope for weather to push bison out of Yellowstone.

What's New in 2015?

URGENT — Update: 4/20/2015 — Hunting District 122 has been closed for bighorn sheep hunting in 2015 following a massive sheep dieoff. Contact FWP to change your application if you applied for this HD.

The Draw System: an Overview

2015 Tentative Nonresident Hunting Districts

Hunting District choices rotate yearly for sheep, moose and mountain goat. Districts may change when final quotas are set in June. Be sure to check the information carefully to ensure you are applying for the correct hunting district because the area you applied for last year may no longer be offered.

Application Types and Deadlines

Quick tip: Nonresidents no longer have to front $750 per species to apply in Montana. For the new price of $50 per species you can get in the game and start building points. It will now cost you $150 (plus $10 for a conservation license) when two years ago you had to front $2,250. Everyone can now afford to apply and build points in Montana. You do not need to buy a specific hunting license before applying which makes Montana a great state to apply.

*Nonrefundable application fee**You will pay this amount if you are successful in the draw

*Nonrefundable application fee**You will pay this amount if you are successful in the draw

Special Limitations to Consider

Sheep

An applicant who receives a sheep, moose or mountain goat license (does not apply to the unlimited sheep) is not eligible to apply for or receive another license for the next seven years (see reference chart).

*An applicant who is successful in obtaining a limited ewe license (first or second choice) is not restricted to the seven-year waiting period.

BisonMontana gives out roughly 80 licenses each year. Along with the initial draw licences, there is a second choice drawing of up to 200 licenses that are dependant on bison migration.

Montana’s Unlimited Sheep Licenses

A very unique hunting opportunity is Montana’s unlimited bighorn sheep hunt. Chances of harvesting a ram in these areas are very low. These hunts will test you physically and mentally because this is some of the most rugged terrain in the state and sheep numbers are very low. The catch is that quotas are limited in each Hunting District and subject to either a 24 or 48-hour closure.

There is no limit on the number of licenses sold and these are available from standard license providers, including FWP Online Licensing. An interested hunter has the option of applying by the May 1 deadline through the drawing process.

Unlimited bighorn sheep licenses are available in districts 300, 303, 500, 501 and 502.

An unlimited bighorn sheep license purchased through the special May 1 drawing must be listed as your first and only district choice. If you purchase an unlimited over-the-counter license, you cannot apply for the same species through the special drawing process. (Page 44 of the 2015 Montana regulations.)

The Draw: Unlocking Montana’s System

Montana’s application process for sheep, moose and mountain goat is very straightforward. Applicants need an ALS number to apply and you can apply online here.

Moose and mountain goat

Sheep

Montana has a normal draw system: your first choice is awarded before everyone’s second choice. Your first choice is required. Second choice is optional. Second choice licenses will only be considered if there are remaining licenses. If you draw a second choice, you will not lose your bonus points. Nonresident cow moose tags and ewe bighorn sheep tags count against 10% of a region’s quota. A nonresident who draws one of those licenses could eliminate the chances for a bull or ram license to be offered. Note: do not repeat the same hunt code for your second choice.

Make sure you pick the correct five-digit license code for the hunting district. Pay special attention to the two digits at the end. These will correspond to bull or cow licenses for moose or ram or ewe licenses. Failure to list all five digits will result in having your application revoked.

The Point System

The more bonus points you have, the more chances you have at drawing a coveted license. Both residents and nonresidents accrue bonus points. You get one point for each year you apply for sheep, moose and mountain goat. The number of chances in a drawing equals the existing bonus points squared plus one. Statistically speaking, squaring bonus points gives an advantage to the max point holders and further separates them from hunters just starting out in the application process.

For example, if you have four base bonus points those are squared and you will then have 16 bonus points, plus one for that year for a total of 17 going into the 2015 drawing. All base bonus points accumulate over time until you draw a permit. You may skip two consecutive years without forfeiting bonus points. Bonus points are nontransferable and cannot be transferred between species drawings or individuals. If your application is unsuccessful you will automatically get a bonus point for next year’s drawing if you pay the extra $20 nonresident fee or $2 resident fee for bonus points.

*Montana does not have a bonus point system for bison.

Youth

There is no youth-specific point system or youth-specific hunt for sheep, moose, mountain goat or bison in Montana. Although a youth can start building bonus points at age 12.

Party Applications

Montana does not allow party applications for the big four species.

Montana Big Game Draw Faqs

Where and How Do I Apply?

You can apply for Montana’s sheep, moose, goat and bison application process online or through the mail. Applications must be postmarked by US Postal Service, on or before May 1, 2015, to:

Montana Fish, Wildlife & ParksLicense Section - Combo1420 E 6th Ave.PO Box 8009Helena, MT 59604

Is Montana Good for Building Points?

Yes, Montana is a great state for building points and is now one of the cheapest states to apply for sheep, moose and mountain goat. Bonus points cost $20 per species for a nonresident and $2 per species for a resident. Note: there are no bonus points for bison.

Can I Turn My License in If I Decide Not to Hunt?

In some situations, FWP may refund resident or nonresident licenses in full or partial. The appropriate documentation (death certificate, medical statement, etc.) must accompany the unused license and a signed request form certifying the license has not been used. Nonresident license holders should call 406-444-2950 for more information.

Do I Have to Pay Permit Fees Upfront?

You do not have to pay the fees upfront when applying for these species. The 2013 Legislature House Bill 401 created a $50 nonrefundable application fee for nonresidents and $10 nonrefundable application fee for residents. Bonus point fees were also changed to per licence type from per application. This went into effect during the 2014 application season.

The Seasons

Montana’s seasons are very straightforward.

Hunter Opportunity

General information, tips and our insights for hunting sheep, moose, mountain goat and bison in Montana.

Draw Odds and License Availability

Special Features for Bison in Montana

Bison roster

Problem with Montana Lowering Fees

Montana now has the cheapest application fees for nonresidents and residents in the West. This means is hunters no longer have to upfront $750 per species in Montana for nonresidents and $75 for the application and $50 if drawn for residents.

This gives everybody with a credit card and an internet connection a chance at these coveted licenses. Now it is cheap enough that an entire family or a group of friends can start applying, regardless of how little some of these people would want a license, in order to accrue bonus points for the future.

While this may seem like a great idea, it also means that now anyone can apply for sheep, moose and goat in Montana and your chances of drawing a tag are now even slimmer than before.

A Large-scale Example That Your Odds Are Not Getting Better.

As the table above illustrates, your odds have drastically decreased with the reduced fees. There was an increase of 3,667 applicants from 2013 to 2014 or a 15.28% increase. That is a drastic change from a 1.76% increase in applicants from 2012 to 2013.

A Finescale Example That Your Odds Are Not Getting Better.

Wolves

Montana has a large population of wolves that travel across most of the western portion of the state. The current wolf season closed on March 15, 2015. A total of 206 wolves were taken during the 2014/2015 season. 130 wolves were taken during the archery/general season and 76 during the trapping season. The 2015/2016 wolf season dates will be established at the Fish & Wildlife Commission meeting in July of 2015.

Managing Points and Expectations

I Have 0 Points. What Can I Expect?

Rocky mountain bighorn sheepYour odds at pulling a license are very slim for both residents and nonresidents just starting off. Apply for the area you want to draw because you may get lucky.

MooseOdds are very slim on drawing a moose tag with zero points. Apply for an area that fits your hunting ability and hope you get lucky. In 2014, of the people who drew bull moose licenses, 14 or 4.36% of the lucky licenses holders had zero points.

Mountain goatResearch an area you want to draw a tag and put your money down each year. With zero points you really need to get in the game because the odds are against you drawing for quite some time, but you never know, you could get lucky in the draw.

BisonThere are no bonus points for bison in Montana. Apply for the area you would like to hunt based on the correct season.

What Can I Do with 3 to 8 Points?

Rocky mountain bighorn sheepYou are still a long ways out from getting too excited about drawing a license. It can take quite a few more years of applying before you draw that coveted tag. However, the way that the draw system works with squared points means there is a chance that you may get lucky and draw.

MooseLike sheep, you are still a long shot to draw a tag with 3 to 8 points. Try not to get discouraged. Keep applying and build those points.

Mountain goatOnce again, you are a long shot with anything under 10 points. Keep applying since someone has to get lucky and draw a tag.

What Can I Expect with 10 or More Points?

Rocky mountain bighorn sheepLicenses are still going to be tough to come by, but with 10 or more points your odds are increasing. If you are looking for a 190” plus ram, the Missouri Breaks are your choice. Heavy hitters are HD 680-20 and 482-20.

MooseThe majority of the tags are going to go to the people with most points. Keep applying each year and you may eventually draw. The squared bonus points will greatly help people who have been dedicated in applying for a long time. Region 1 and Region 3 are the top areas in the state for moose. Consider looking at Hunting Districts 101-50, 102-50, 331-50, 332-50 and 333-50.

Mountain goatLike the other species, licenses will still be hard to come by for both residents and nonresidents. Hunting District 393-20 and 313-20 are very popular areas to consider. If you are set on drawing a tag and have a lot of bonus points, it might be a great idea out search out Hunting Districts with rugged terrain that don’t see a lot of applicants.