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Unfortunately in November 2010, Montana
residents voted to pass Initiative 161, which discontinued the previous
"Guaranteed" elk and deer combination licenses for ALL
non-resident hunters. It was a quick move made by the state and
unable to be changed for this upcoming 2011 hunting season. Numerous
Montana state outfitters and some state residents are currently
working with Legislation to modify and adjust this Initiative. We
believe (and hope) that this new system will be temporary. Not only
does Sun Canyon Lodge & Outfitting want and need non-resident
hunters, but also the state of Montana must have non-resident hunters.
Thank you for your support and we hope to hunt with you this Fall.
GOOD LUCK WITH THE DRAW!
Below, I will outline all pertinent information regarding the 2011
General Big Game (elk and deer) Combination License.
The Application:
In order to hunt in the great state of Montana, you must put in
for the "General Big Game" license through the general draw. The
price is going to be $912 per applicant. This application and
fee is due to the state by March 15, 2011. The application is
available at the Fish Wildlife & Parks website below. (Click
below for a direct link).
http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licenses/nonresidentCombo.html
About the draw:
These licenses will be issued through a random computer
drawing. Many hunters find the drawing statistics, or odds of drawing,
a helpful tool when applying for a license. Looking over the 2009
draw results, it appears that the applicant was successful in drawing
nearly 60% of the time when participating in the Bonus Point Program.
It is important to mention that due to the increase in the general
draw fee, we believe that fewer non-residents will be applying.
If this becomes a reality, the chance of a non-resident hunter drawing
a tag will increase. Another positive note about this year's draw
- an additional 5500 licenses are available in the general draw
due to the abolishment of the Outfitter Sponsored License. There
will be 17,000 licenses available to non-residents this hunting
season.
The drawing results will be posted online mid-April (dates are
approximate). To quickly review draw results, click on the site
below.
http://fwp.mt.gov
Successful applicants will receive their license and a separate
hunting regulation package. Unsuccessful applicants will receive
a refund check of the license price (minus the $5 drawing fee and
the Bonus Point fee). If unsuccessful we suggest you immediately
get on the Alternate's List.
About the Alternate's List: Combination
licenses that have been returned for a refund are resold through
the Alternate's List. The sign-up period starts shortly after the
drawing in late April and closes mid-May. It is crucial that
you follow up immediately on your draw results and if necessary
quickly apply to be on the Alternate's list. If you are interested
in obtaining one of these licenses, print the application for that
license below. Return the completed application with the appropriate
fees to the address on the application. These applications are
not processed online. Paper applications are mandatory.
http://fwp.mt.gov/hunting/licensedraw/alternatesList.html
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