Did I just read that those who applied in the 2024 draw and picked up a preference point while doing so but didn’t draw can buy a second point between July and the 2024 season? If that’s the case I assume they also can buy a 3rd point at application time for the 2025 season? So one who applies with 1 point in 2024 could potentially apply with 3 in 2025? Maybe that’s just those using a guide? Thanks
In 2023 the odds of getting a non-resident elk license was 60% with 0, 0% with 1, 84% with 2 and 100% with 3 preference points (PPs). Was this intentional, and if so why? There's literally no reason to try with 1 PP. Unless you want your odds to stay at 60% each year (with 0 PP) you're better off not applying your first year, and waiting until July to just purchase the PP alone (you save on the application fees and non-refundable required licenses). Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Thank you for reaching out. In response to your question, 25% of Big Game and Elk Combination licenses are issued to applicants with 0 preference points. To accumulate 2 preference points, an applicant may purchase a summer preference point and then apply the following year for a Combination license. The only way to accumulate 3 preference points is to be unsuccessful at least one year of applying. Hopefully this answers your question, if you have additional questions please reach out to our licensing staff at (406) 444-2950.
@@MontanaFWPThank you for confirming. My question is why is it okay to charge people 20% of their application fee when there is 0% chance of a successful draw?
@@bootstraps1 If you are unsuccessful in drawing your NR combination license, you would receive 100% of the actual NR combination license fee back. However, there are some prerequisite items which are required to purchase in order to apply that are non-refundable (conservation license, base hunting license, aquatic invasive species prevention pass, and a $5 application fee) which totals $37.50 and would not be refunded if unsuccessful. There is also a (small) 2.5% non-refundable fee that is charged when you apply online because we use a third-party system to process our payments. The 80% refund (20% retained by FWP) only applies to those who are first successful in drawing the NR combination license, and then choose to refund it either: a.) because they didn't draw their special elk permit and elected to receive the 80% refund in that instance (or) b.) returned it to us for a refund prior to August 1st Thank you again for your inquiry. If there are any additional questions you may have please reach out to our licensing staff at (406) 444-2950
@@MontanaFWP Ok, thanks for clarifying. That feels more fair. I called on Monday and the staff member told me it would only be an 80% refund, but I'm glad to hear it's 100% minus a couple fees.
Did I just read that those who applied in the 2024 draw and picked up a preference point while doing so but didn’t draw can buy a second point between July and the 2024 season? If that’s the case I assume they also can buy a 3rd point at application time for the 2025 season? So one who applies with 1 point in 2024 could potentially apply with 3 in 2025? Maybe that’s just those using a guide? Thanks
In 2023 the odds of getting a non-resident elk license was 60% with 0, 0% with 1, 84% with 2 and 100% with 3 preference points (PPs). Was this intentional, and if so why? There's literally no reason to try with 1 PP. Unless you want your odds to stay at 60% each year (with 0 PP) you're better off not applying your first year, and waiting until July to just purchase the PP alone (you save on the application fees and non-refundable required licenses). Please correct me if I'm wrong.
Thank you for reaching out. In response to your question, 25% of Big Game and Elk Combination licenses are issued to applicants with 0 preference points. To accumulate 2 preference points, an applicant may purchase a summer preference point and then apply the following year for a Combination license. The only way to accumulate 3 preference points is to be unsuccessful at least one year of applying. Hopefully this answers your question, if you have additional questions please reach out to our licensing staff at (406) 444-2950.
@@MontanaFWPThank you for confirming. My question is why is it okay to charge people 20% of their application fee when there is 0% chance of a successful draw?
@@bootstraps1 If you are unsuccessful in drawing your NR combination license, you would receive 100% of the actual NR combination license fee back. However, there are some prerequisite items which are required to purchase in order to apply that are non-refundable (conservation license, base hunting license, aquatic invasive species prevention pass, and a $5 application fee) which totals $37.50 and would not be refunded if unsuccessful. There is also a (small) 2.5% non-refundable fee that is charged when you apply online because we use a third-party system to process our payments.
The 80% refund (20% retained by FWP) only applies to those who are first successful in drawing the NR combination license, and then choose to refund it either:
a.) because they didn't draw their special elk permit and elected to receive the 80% refund in that instance (or)
b.) returned it to us for a refund prior to August 1st
Thank you again for your inquiry. If there are any additional questions you may have please reach out to our licensing staff at (406) 444-2950
@@MontanaFWP Ok, thanks for clarifying. That feels more fair. I called on Monday and the staff member told me it would only be an 80% refund, but I'm glad to hear it's 100% minus a couple fees.
@@bootstraps1 I am glad we could assist you!