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7 Essential Steps To Check Your 2025 Montana Hunting Draw Results And Understand Your Odds

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The moment of truth for thousands of hunters has arrived. The 2025 Montana hunting draw results are being released in phases, and knowing exactly when and how to check your status for coveted permits—including for Elk, Deer, Moose, Sheep, and Goat—is crucial for planning your upcoming season. The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (FWP) system manages a complex series of drawings, making it vital to stay on top of the latest release schedule and understand the nuances of the preference and bonus point systems that govern your success.

As of late 2025, the major draws for several key species have concluded, with the final results for some limited-entry hunts still pending. Whether you applied for a non-resident combination license or a specific resident permit in a high-demand Hunting District (HD), the process for verifying your success—or preparing for the Alternate List—is the same. Use this comprehensive guide to navigate the MyFWP portal and decipher what your results mean for your 2025 hunting adventure in Big Sky Country.

Montana Hunting Draw Results 2025: Key Species Dates and Release Schedule

The Montana FWP releases drawing results in a staggered schedule, with the most sought-after special permits typically announced first, followed by the general and limited-entry deer and elk permits. Understanding the specific release timeline is the first step to checking your status. These are the critical dates for the 2025 season draws:

  • Moose, Sheep, Goat, and Bison Permits: The results for these highly restricted permits are typically the first to be released. For the 2025 season, these drawing results were made available in mid-May.
  • Deer and Elk Permits (Limited-Entry): The application deadline for the general deer and elk licenses, as well as the limited-entry permits, was April 1, 2025. Historically, the results for these major drawings are posted in mid-April.
  • Non-resident Combination Licenses: Results for the non-resident combination licenses (Big Game Combo and Elk Combo) are typically announced concurrently with the deer and elk permits.
  • Antelope Permits: The application deadline for Antelope was June 1, 2025. The drawing results for the general Antelope tag are slated to be available by early August 2025.
  • SuperTag Drawing: The deadline to purchase a chance for a SuperTag for the 2025 hunting season is June 30. This drawing offers a chance to win a license for one of Montana’s premier species.

How to Access Your Official MyFWP Draw Results

The Montana FWP has streamlined the process for checking your drawing status through the MyFWP portal. You will not receive a physical notification in the mail; all official results are posted online. Follow these steps to check your status immediately:

  1. Navigate to the FWP Website: Start by visiting the official Montana FWP website at fwp.mt.gov.
  2. Locate the MyFWP Login: Click on the "MyFWP Login" option, usually found in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
  3. Log In to Your Account: Enter your credentials. If you do not have an account, you can still look up your results using your FWP ID and date of birth.
  4. Access the Draw Results Tab: Once logged in, look for the "Lookup Draw Results, Register for Lists" tab on the left-hand menu.
  5. View Your Status: The page will display a list of all permits and licenses you applied for, along with the official result (Successful, Unsuccessful, or Alternate List).

Pro Tip: Many successful applicants notice a charge on their credit card before the official announcement. While this is often an early indicator of success, the MyFWP portal is the only definitive source for your official draw status.

Understanding Montana’s Complex Point Systems: Preference vs. Bonus

Montana utilizes two distinct point systems—Preference Points and Bonus Points—to manage the allocation of its highly coveted hunting licenses. Understanding which system applies to your application is key to interpreting your draw odds and planning for future seasons.

Preference Points (Non-resident Combination Licenses)

Preference Points are used exclusively for the non-resident combination licenses (Big Game Combo and Elk Combo). This system is designed to reward loyalty and is voluntary for non-residents.

  • How it Works: A hunter with more preference points is given priority over a hunter with fewer points. If you have the maximum number of points, you will be placed at the top of the draw pool.
  • Key Change for 2025: There have been discussions and changes to the point system. For example, some hunters with two banked preference points may only be able to purchase one additional point during the licensing season. Always check the latest FWP regulations for the current year's rules.
  • Strategy: If you are unsuccessful, you can purchase a preference point for the following year to increase your odds in the next drawing cycle.

Bonus Points (Special Permits)

Bonus Points are used for special permit drawings, including those for Moose, Sheep, Goat, Bison, and limited-entry Deer and Elk B licenses. This system operates on a lottery principle.

  • How it Works: Each bonus point you have translates into an additional entry in the drawing. If you have 10 bonus points, your name is essentially entered 10 times, significantly increasing your mathematical probability of drawing a tag.
  • The Squared System: The number of entries is actually your number of points squared (e.g., 5 points = 25 entries), plus one entry for the current year's application.
  • No Guarantee: Unlike the preference point system, bonus points do not guarantee a tag; they only improve your odds in the random drawing.

What to Do If You Were Unsuccessful or Made the Alternate List

An unsuccessful result in the Montana draw is common, especially for non-residents or those applying for high-demand Hunting Districts (HDs). However, your hunting season is not over.

1. Purchase Your Preference or Bonus Point

If you were unsuccessful in a drawing that uses a point system, your immediate priority should be to purchase a preference point (for combos) or a bonus point (for permits) for the next year. This is a critical investment in your long-term draw strategy.

2. Monitor the Alternate List

If your results show that you are on the "Alternate List" (or Waitlist), you still have a chance. The Alternate List is created for permits that were drawn but not purchased or for any licenses that become available later.

  • Timeline: FWP will contact individuals on the Alternate List in the order they were drawn. This process can take several weeks or months, so continue to check your email and phone for updates.
  • Action: Ensure your contact information in your MyFWP profile is current and that your payment method is valid, as you will need to act quickly if you are offered a permit.

3. Explore Over-the-Counter (OTC) Opportunities

Montana offers excellent hunting opportunities that do not require a draw. The General Tag for deer and elk is often purchased over-the-counter (OTC) or as part of the combination license. In addition, certain licenses like the resident Archery Stamp or Conservation License are available for direct purchase.

4. Plan for Next Year’s Application Strategy

Use your 2025 results to inform your 2026 application. Research the draw odds for the specific Hunting Districts you applied to. Consider applying for less-popular HDs, or strategically building up your preference points for a few more years before applying for the most limited-entry permits. Consulting the official FWP regulations and draw statistics for specific units is essential for maximizing your future success in the Montana hunting draw.

7 Essential Steps to Check Your 2025 Montana Hunting Draw Results and Understand Your Odds
drawing results montana hunting
drawing results montana hunting

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